On November 6, 2026, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania held talks with outgoing South African Ambassador to Tanzania, Noluthando Mayende-Malepe, at the State House in Dar es Salaam. The meeting marked the end of Mayende-Malepe's four-year term, which began on August 25, 2022. During their discussion, Mayende-Malepe expressed his gratitude to President Samia, the Tanzanian government, and people for the cooperation and hospitality he received during his tenure.
Mayende-Malepe highlighted that Tanzania holds a special place in his heart due to the warm hospitality of the Tanzanian people and the historical and fraternal ties between Tanzania and South Africa, which were forged during the African liberation movements. He described Tanzania as the country he enjoyed serving in the most during his diplomatic career. The ambassador also praised Tanzania's contributions to regional and international issues, noting that the country has been welcoming South African companies to do business and invest in Tanzania.
President Samia congratulated Mayende-Malepe on successfully completing his diplomatic mission in Tanzania and thanked him for his role in strengthening relations and cooperation between the two nations. She noted that trade between Tanzania and South Africa has increased during Mayende-Malepe's tenure and emphasized the importance of continuing to utilize existing opportunities to boost trade and investment for the benefit of both countries' citizens.
The meeting between President Samia and Ambassador Mayende-Malepe reflects the strong bilateral ties between Tanzania and South Africa. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and regional security. Tanzania has been a key player in regional efforts to promote peace and stability in East Africa.
Ambassador Mayende-Malepe's departure from Tanzania marks the end of an era in diplomatic relations between the two countries. His successor has not been announced yet. During his tenure, Mayende-Malepe worked closely with Tanzanian officials to promote cooperation in various sectors, including trade, agriculture, and energy.
President Samia has been keen to strengthen Tanzania's relations with other African countries, particularly in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. She has made several diplomatic visits to neighboring countries since taking office in 2021. Tanzania's relations with South Africa are seen as crucial to regional stability and economic growth.
The meeting between President Samia and Ambassador Mayende-Malepe demonstrates the commitment of both countries to maintaining strong diplomatic ties. As Tanzania and South Africa look to the future, they are expected to continue working together on regional and international issues.
Key points
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan met with outgoing South African Ambassador Noluthando Mayende-Malepe, who completed his four-year term in Tanzania.
