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{{Short description|Diplomatic mission from South Africa to the United Kingdom}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox Diplomatic Mission
{{Infobox Diplomatic Mission
|name = High Commission of South Africa in London
|name = High Commission of South Africa in London
|location = [[Trafalgar Square]], [[London]]
|location = [[Trafalgar Square]], [[London]]
|coordinates = {{coord|51.5082|-0.1269|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates = {{coord|51.5082|-0.1269|type:landmark|display=inline,titlk}}
|image = South_Africa_House.jpg
|image = South_Africa_House.jpg
|address = Trafalgar Square, [[London]], WC2N 5DP
|address = Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DP
|high_commissioner = HE Mr [[Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://southafricahouse.uk/his-excellency-jeremiah-nyamane-mamabolo-travels-to-present-his-credentials-to-the-court-of-st-james/ |title=His Excellency Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo travels to present his credentials to The Court of St James |access-date=21 June 2023 | website=High Commission of South Africa | date=1 November 2022}}</ref>
|high_commissioner = Vacant
}}
}}


[[File:Sud afrika.JPG|thumb|250px|Balcony of South Africa House]]
[[File:Sud afrika.JPG|thumb|250px|Balcony of South Africa House]]
The '''High Commission of South Africa''' in [[London]] is the diplomatic mission from [[South Africa]] to the [[United Kingdom]].<ref name="LDL">{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/263519/LDL_December_2013.pdf |title=The London Diplomatic List |date=14 December 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211155353/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/263519/LDL_December_2013.pdf |archivedate=11 December 2013 |df= }}</ref> It is located at '''South Africa House''', a building on [[Trafalgar Square]], [[London]].<ref name="LDL"/> As well as containing the offices of the [[High Commissioner]], the building also hosts the South African [[consulate]]. It has been a Grade II* [[Listed Building]] since 1982.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1066238|desc=|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref>
The '''High Commission of South Africa''' in [[London]] is the diplomatic mission from [[South Africa]] to the [[United Kingdom]].<ref name="LDL">{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/263519/LDL_December_2013.pdf |title=The London Diplomatic List |date=14 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211155353/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/263519/LDL_December_2013.pdf |archive-date=11 December 2013 }}</ref> It is located at '''South Africa House''', a building on [[Trafalgar Square]], London.<ref name="LDL"/> As well as containing the offices of the [[High Commissioner]], the building also hosts the South African [[consulate]]. It has been a [[Grade II* listed building]] since 1982.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1066238|access-date=28 September 2015}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


South Africa House was built by [[Holland, Hannen & Cubitts]] in the 1930s<ref>''Cubitts 1810–1975'', published 1975</ref> on the site of what had been [[Morley's Hotel]] until it was demolished in 1936.<ref name=BHO>{{cite web|title=The east side of Trafalgar Square|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-london/vol20/pt3/pp56-57|website=BHO|accessdate=22 November 2015}}</ref> The building was designed by [[Herbert Baker|Sir Herbert Baker]], with architectural sculpture by [[Coert Steynberg]] and [[Charles Wheeler (sculptor)|Sir Charles Wheeler]], and opened in 1933.<ref>Palliser, David Michael; Clark, Peter; Daunton, Martin J. (2000). ''The Cambridge Urban History of Britain: 1840–1950.'' Cambridge University Press. p. 126.</ref> The building was acquired by the government of South Africa as its main diplomatic presence in the UK. During [[World War II]], [[Prime Minister of South Africa|Prime Minister]] [[Jan Smuts]] lived there while conducting South Africa's war plans.
South Africa House was built by [[Holland, Hannen & Cubitts]] in the 1930s<ref>''Cubitts 1810–1975'', published 1975</ref> on the site of what had been [[Morley's Hotel]].<ref name=BHO>{{cite web|title=The east side of Trafalgar Square|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-london/vol20/pt3/pp56-57|website=BHO|access-date=22 November 2015}}</ref> The building was designed by [[Herbert Baker|Sir Herbert Baker]], with architectural sculpture by [[Coert Steynberg]] and [[Charles Wheeler (sculptor)|Sir Charles Wheeler]], and opened in 1933.<ref>Palliser, David Michael; Clark, Peter; Daunton, Martin J. (2000). ''The Cambridge Urban History of Britain: 1840–1950.'' Cambridge University Press, p. 126.</ref> The building was acquired by the government of South Africa as its main diplomatic presence in the UK. During [[World War II]], [[Prime Minister of South Africa|Prime Minister]] [[Jan Smuts]] lived there while conducting South Africa's war plans.


In 1961, South Africa became a [[republic]], and withdrew from the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] due to its policy of [[apartheid|racial segregation]].<ref name="returns">[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/south-africa-returns-to-the-commonwealth-fold-1419686.html South Africa returns to the Commonwealth fold], ''[[The Independent]]'', 31 May 1994</ref> Accordingly, the building became an [[Embassy]], rather than a [[High Commission]]. During the 1980s, the building, which was one of the only South African diplomatic missions in a public area, was targeted by protesters from around the world. There were long vigils held outside the entrance in Parliament Square during the 1980's, culminating in a four year non-stop vigil for the release of all political prisoners in South Africa<ref>https://nonstopagainstapartheid.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/non-stop-for-mandela-reflections-on-londons-four-year-continuous-protest-for-his-release/</ref>. One of these protests were incidentally included in a [[Pet Shop Boys]] video <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3j2NYZ8FKs</ref>. During the 1990 [[Poll Tax Riots]], the building was set alight by rioters, although not seriously damaged.<ref>Burns, Danny (1992). ''Poll tax rebellion.'' AK Press. p. 90.</ref>
In 1961, South Africa became a [[republic]], and withdrew from the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] due to its policy of [[apartheid|racial segregation]].<ref name="returns">[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/south-africa-returns-to-the-commonwealth-fold-1419686.html South Africa returns to the Commonwealth fold], ''[[The Independent]]'', 31 May 1994</ref> Accordingly, the building became an [[embassy]], rather than a [[High Commission]]. During the 1980s, the building, which was one of the only South African diplomatic missions in a public area, was targeted by protesters from around the world. There were long vigils held outside the entrance in [[Trafalgar Square]] during the 1980s, culminating in a four-year non-stop vigil for the release of all political prisoners in South Africa.<ref>[https://nonstopagainstapartheid.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/non-stop-for-mandela-reflections-on-londons-four-year-continuous-protest-for-his-release/ "Non-Stop for Mandela: reflections on London’s four-year continuous protest for his release"], Non-Stop Against Apartheid, 5 December 2013.</ref> One of these protests was incidentally included in a [[Pet Shop Boys]] video.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3j2NYZ8FKs "Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls"] (music video), YouTube, 22 April 2009.</ref> During the 1990 [[Poll Tax Riots]], the building was set alight by rioters, although not seriously damaged.<ref>Burns, Danny (1992). ''Poll tax rebellion.'' AK Press, p. 90.</ref>


The [[South African general election, 1994|first fully free democratic elections]] in South Africa were held on the 27 April 1994, and 4 days later, the country rejoined the Commonwealth, 33 years to the day after it withdrew upon becoming a republic.<ref name="returns" /> Along with country's diplomatic missions in other Commonwealth countries, the mission once again became a High Commission.<ref>[http://www.dirco.gov.za/foreign/bilateral/uk.html United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland], [[Department of International Relations and Cooperation]]</ref>
The [[South African general election, 1994|first fully free democratic elections]] in South Africa were held on 27 April 1994, and four days later the country rejoined the Commonwealth, 33 years to the day after it withdrew upon becoming a republic.<ref name="returns" /> Along with country's diplomatic missions in other Commonwealth countries, the mission once again became a High Commission.<ref>[http://www.dirco.gov.za/foreign/bilateral/uk.html United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland], [[Department of International Relations and Cooperation]]</ref>


Today, South Africa House is no longer a controversial site, and is the focal point of South African culture in the UK. South African President [[Nelson Mandela]] appeared on the balcony of South Africa House in 1996, as part of his official UK state visit. In 2001, Mandela again appeared on the balcony of South Africa House to mark the seventh anniversary of [[Freedom Day (South Africa)|Freedom Day]], when the [[apartheid]] system was officially abolished.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1302905.stm Hero's welcome for Mandela at concert]. [[BBC News]]. April 30, 2001.</ref>
Today, South Africa House is no longer a controversial site, and is the focal point of South African culture in the UK. South African President [[Nelson Mandela]] appeared on the balcony of South Africa House in 1996, as part of his official UK state visit. In 2001, Mandela again appeared on the balcony of South Africa House to mark the seventh anniversary of [[Freedom Day (South Africa)|Freedom Day]], when the [[apartheid]] system was officially abolished.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1302905.stm Hero's welcome for Mandela at concert]. [[BBC News]]. 30 April 2001.</ref>


==See also==
==See also==


*[[List of diplomatic missions of South Africa]]
*[[List of diplomatic missions of South Africa]]
*[[High Commission of Canada to the United Kingdom]]
*[[List of ambassadors and high commissioners of South Africa to the United Kingdom]]
*[[High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom]]
*[[High Commission of Uganda, London]]
*[[High Commission of Uganda, London]]


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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.southafricahouseuk.com/ Official site]
*[https://www.dirco.gov.za/uk/ Official site]


{{Diplomatic missions of South Africa}}
{{Diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom}}
{{Diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom}}
{{Trafalgar Square}}
{{Trafalgar Square}}

Latest revision as of 17:32, 5 July 2024

High Commission of South Africa in London
Map
LocationTrafalgar Square, London
AddressTrafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DP
Coordinates51°30′30″N 0°07′37″W / 51.5082°N 0.1269°W / 51.5082; -0.1269
High CommissionerHE Mr Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo[1]
Balcony of South Africa House

The High Commission of South Africa in London is the diplomatic mission from South Africa to the United Kingdom.[2] It is located at South Africa House, a building on Trafalgar Square, London.[2] As well as containing the offices of the High Commissioner, the building also hosts the South African consulate. It has been a Grade II* listed building since 1982.[3]

History

[edit]

South Africa House was built by Holland, Hannen & Cubitts in the 1930s[4] on the site of what had been Morley's Hotel.[5] The building was designed by Sir Herbert Baker, with architectural sculpture by Coert Steynberg and Sir Charles Wheeler, and opened in 1933.[6] The building was acquired by the government of South Africa as its main diplomatic presence in the UK. During World War II, Prime Minister Jan Smuts lived there while conducting South Africa's war plans.

In 1961, South Africa became a republic, and withdrew from the Commonwealth due to its policy of racial segregation.[7] Accordingly, the building became an embassy, rather than a High Commission. During the 1980s, the building, which was one of the only South African diplomatic missions in a public area, was targeted by protesters from around the world. There were long vigils held outside the entrance in Trafalgar Square during the 1980s, culminating in a four-year non-stop vigil for the release of all political prisoners in South Africa.[8] One of these protests was incidentally included in a Pet Shop Boys video.[9] During the 1990 Poll Tax Riots, the building was set alight by rioters, although not seriously damaged.[10]

The first fully free democratic elections in South Africa were held on 27 April 1994, and four days later the country rejoined the Commonwealth, 33 years to the day after it withdrew upon becoming a republic.[7] Along with country's diplomatic missions in other Commonwealth countries, the mission once again became a High Commission.[11]

Today, South Africa House is no longer a controversial site, and is the focal point of South African culture in the UK. South African President Nelson Mandela appeared on the balcony of South Africa House in 1996, as part of his official UK state visit. In 2001, Mandela again appeared on the balcony of South Africa House to mark the seventh anniversary of Freedom Day, when the apartheid system was officially abolished.[12]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to South Africa House, London.
  1. ^ "His Excellency Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo travels to present his credentials to The Court of St James". High Commission of South Africa. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  2. ^ a b "The London Diplomatic List" (PDF). 14 December 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 December 2013.
  3. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1066238)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  4. ^ Cubitts 1810–1975, published 1975
  5. ^ "The east side of Trafalgar Square". BHO. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  6. ^ Palliser, David Michael; Clark, Peter; Daunton, Martin J. (2000). The Cambridge Urban History of Britain: 1840–1950. Cambridge University Press, p. 126.
  7. ^ a b South Africa returns to the Commonwealth fold, The Independent, 31 May 1994
  8. ^ "Non-Stop for Mandela: reflections on London’s four-year continuous protest for his release", Non-Stop Against Apartheid, 5 December 2013.
  9. ^ "Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls" (music video), YouTube, 22 April 2009.
  10. ^ Burns, Danny (1992). Poll tax rebellion. AK Press, p. 90.
  11. ^ United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Department of International Relations and Cooperation
  12. ^ Hero's welcome for Mandela at concert. BBC News. 30 April 2001.
[edit]
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