Serbia and South Africa Mark 30 Years of Diplomatic Relations Through Music
by Anisha Pemjee – TDS
13 November 2026
Serbia and South Africa marked 30 years of embassy-level diplomatic relations with a gala concert at the Aula of the University of Pretoria on 9 November 2026, bringing together music, history and a shared commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries.
The concert celebrated a relationship that has its roots in the solidarity shown by the former Yugoslavia towards South Africa during the struggle against apartheid. The occasion also provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the establishment of diplomatic relations and the potential for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.
Addressing guests, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to South Africa, Saša Mart, traced the diplomatic relationship to 2 April 1992, when relations were established at the level of Offices of Interest. These were upgraded to embassy level in April 1996 and to full ambassadorial level in December 1998.
However, he emphasised that the friendship between the two countries preceded formal diplomatic engagement.
"During the darkest decades of apartheid, Yugoslavia stood firmly with the people of South Africa. As a founder of the Non-Aligned Movement, Yugoslavia treated the struggle against apartheid as a struggle for the dignity of all humanity," he said.
Yugoslavia supported international efforts to end apartheid, including United Nations resolutions and sanctions against the regime. It also provided political, humanitarian and educational support to the African National Congress (ANC) and other liberation movements in Southern Africa.
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Among the historical figures who helped strengthen these ties was former ANC President Oliver Tambo, who visited Belgrade four times between the 1960s and 1980s. The Ambassador recalled that Yugoslavia had offered friendship and support to South Africans during their struggle for freedom.
He described the establishment of formal diplomatic relations following South Africa's democratic transition as the recognition of an existing friendship rather than the beginning of a new one.
The Ambassador also highlighted the shared commitment of both countries to sovereignty, democracy and the principles of international law. He referred to South Africa's democratic transition in 1994 and its constitutional development, noting that democratic processes remain central to the relationship between the two nations.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Mart called for stronger practical cooperation to complement the longstanding political relationship.
"Our task now is to match the depth of our political friendship with the breadth of our practical cooperation," he said, identifying trade and investment, agriculture, mining, energy, education, science, culture and tourism as areas with potential for growth.
He also encouraged greater academic engagement, including student mobility, joint research and partnerships between South African and Serbian universities.
The evening's musical programme brought together 50 performers from the Gauteng Chamber Orchestra and the Azanian Pulse Ensemble. The repertoire included compositions from different musical genres, with particular attention to Serbia's musical heritage. A highlight was the South African premiere of a work by contemporary Serbian composer Miloš Raičković.
The concert was made possible with the support of Serbia's Ministry of Culture and the University of Pretoria, which hosted the event. Music scores were provided by the Art Ensemble of the Serbian Ministry of Defence, named after Stanislav Binički.
The Ambassador acknowledged the contribution of conductor Carel Henn, concertmaster Camelia Onea, tenor soloist Kgaugelo Mpyane and the participating musicians and choir.
Special recognition was given to Violeta Miljković, a Serbian-born viola player who has lived in South Africa for 30 years. As the initiator of the concert, she played a central role in bringing the musicians together and coordinating the production.
The anniversary celebration served as a reminder of the historical foundations of Serbia-South Africa relations while looking towards a new phase of cooperation. Through music, the two countries honoured a friendship shaped by solidarity, mutual respect and shared experiences, with an opportunity to build stronger connections across diplomatic, economic, academic and cultural spheres.