It was all smiles at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwan earlier, as Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed two dignitaries from North Korea to serve in South Africa for the next few years. Of course, North Korea is regarded as one of the world’s most secretive and repressive states – and any affiliation with SA is likely to spark debate. It’s an essential part of letting High Commissions operate autonomously overseas – and that courtesy extends to North Korea. Ties between South Africa and the ‘Hermit Kingdom’ remain relatively amicable. Ramaphosa welcomed Song-Il and Ran with open arms on Thursday – but his hosting duties didn’t end there…In total, 16 other nations had guests at the prestigious event, as more than 30 diplomats received their letters from Ramaphosa.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 19, 2020 15:00 UTC