This is a meaningful commemorative gift from the family of the late General to former President Mbeki. The ambassador also handed over a bilingual Vietnamese-English book titled “Vo Nguyen Giap – The General of the People,” inscribed by the General’s son, Vo Hong Nam, to the former President. Vietnam–South Africa relations are underpinned by a longstanding tradition of solidarity in the struggles for national independence and freedom, both domestically and across Asia and Africa. The two countries officially established diplomatic relations on December 22, 1993, shortly before the end of apartheid in South Africa. During that trip, the then President had a deeply moving meeting with General Giap, whom he greatly admired for his intellect and mettle.

Source: VietNamNet News April 10, 2026 23:43 UTC