Today, Tuesday, 25 January 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa will receive letters of credence from thirteen Heads of Mission-Designate at a Credentials Ceremony in Pretoria. Ramaphosa and the Heads of Mission-Designate hope to further progress diplomatic relations.
What are Letters of Credence?
A letter of credence is a formal diplomatic letter which one head of state addresses to another. It serves to appoint a diplomat from the sending state as an ambassador to the receiving state. And the name “Letter of credence” originates from the French word “créance”, meaning to claim or request. With the letter itself being a request for credence to the ambassador’s claim of speaking for the country of the receiver. The letter would traditionally be in French. Although it can also be in the official language of the sender.
Furthermore, the ambassador-designate personally presents the letter to the receiving head of state. The ambassador-designate does so in a formal ceremony, known as the Credentials Ceremony. A letter of credence is also often referred to as diplomatic credentials. Ambassadors do not begin their duties until their credentials are accepted. They are, however, entitled to diplomatic immunity as soon as they enter the country.
Countries Involved
The Heads of Mission-Designate from thirteen different countries will each be presenting a letter of credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Credentials Ceremony today. Both President Ramaphosa and the participating countries have the goal of advancing diplomatic relations. These countries are:
- Republic of Malawi
- Argentine Republic
- Romania
- Republic of Equatorial Guinea
- State of Israel
- Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
- Republic of Ecuador
- Mexico
- Hellenic Republic
- Republic of Congo
- People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
- New Zealand
- Republic of Cuba
The formal ceremony will be taking place in Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria, starting sometime between 14h00 and 14h30. Although, only a select group of invitees, including representatives of government and media, will be attending. However, the proceedings of the Credentials Ceremony can be followed on Presidency and government digital platforms from 16h30 today.
