Germany’s Ambassador to South Africa, Andreas Peschke, is preparing to leave the country after five years, marking the end of his diplomatic posting with a heartfelt farewell reflecting on South Africa’s people, culture and the close relationship between the two nations,Cape {town} Etc reports.
‘);
document.write(‘
‘);
}
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
The announcement was shared by Germany in South Africa on X, where the Embassy wrote: ‘After five years, our Ambassador, His Excellency @AmbPeschke, is leaving South Africa for his next posting. He wrote a farewell letter to the country about his highlights of our countries’ relations.’ The post links to Peschke’s farewell article, Sala kahle, Mzansi, published by the Mail & Guardian.
After five years, our Ambassador, His Excellency @AmbPeschke , is leaving 🇿🇦for his next posting. 🧳✈️
He wrote a fare well later to the country about his highlights our countries’ relations. 🇿🇦🤝🇩🇪
‘);
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘dfp-300×250-2’); });
document.write(‘
— Germany in SA (@GermanyinSA) July 18, 2026
‘);
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘dfp-300×250-3’); });
document.write(‘
‘);
}
A farewell rooted in ubuntu
In the letter, Peschke described Germany’s relationship with South Africa as its closest partnership on the African continent. ‘Germany’s relationship with South Africa is wider and deeper than it is with any other partner in Africa.’
He highlighted cooperation in trade, renewable energy, education, science and culture, noting that hundreds of German companies operate in South Africa and support thousands of jobs.
The ambassador also reflected on the experiences that left the greatest impression during his time in the country. ‘What my wife and I loved most of all are the people of South Africa, their diversity, their humour, their languages and their big, open hearts.’
He said the philosophy of ubuntu offered an important lesson for diplomacy, writing: ‘Maybe if we had more ubuntu diplomacy across the <a href="https://absafricatv.com/when-is-the-next-fifa-world-cup-2030-hosts-dates-and-format/” title=”When is the next FIFA World Cup? 2030 hosts, dates and format”>world, we would probably have fewer conflicts.’Peschke also praised South Africans’ resilience and their ability to ‘make a plan’ when faced with challenges.
This is not the first time a German envoy has departed South Africa with a public message of gratitude. Peschke follows former ambassador Martin Schäfer, who also reflected on the countries’ longstanding friendship when his posting ended in 2021 before taking up a new diplomatic role.
Concluding his farewell, Peschke thanked South Africans for welcoming him and his family during their stay.‘It has been a privilege to work and live with you… Kini nonke sithi siyabonga. Re a leboga.’He ended his letter with a blessing for the country: ‘May God continue to bless this country.’
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Ayanda Dlodlo named South Africa’s new ambassador to France
×
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
