JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: Nigeria’s newly appointed High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has formally commenced his diplomatic duties after presenting copies of his Letters of Credence to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Fani-Kayode presented the documents to Clayson Monyela, DIRCO Deputy Director-General for Public Diplomacy and Acting Chief of State Protocol, in Pretoria, marking the formal beginning of his diplomatic functions in South Africa.
The development signals the commencement of his responsibilities as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, with effect from October 30, 2026. His diplomatic accreditation also covers the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Following the presentation, Fani-Kayode held a separate meeting with Ambassador Seboga, a Deputy Director-General at DIRCO, as part of his initial engagements with senior South African government officials.
The presentation of copies of the Letters of Credence is a procedural step ahead of the formal ceremony at which Fani-Kayode will present his credentials to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The ceremony is expected to take place in the coming days and will complete the formal accreditation process.
The Nigerian diplomat’s arrival in South Africa was also marked by a warm reception from officials and members of the Nigerian community in Johannesburg.
Reflecting on the reception, Fani-Kayode expressed gratitude to officers of the Nigerian High Commission, the Nigerian Consulate and members of the Nigerian community who gathered at the airport to welcome him and his delegation.
“To God be the glory! We were received warmly and with so much love and excitement at the airport in Johannesburg by officers of the Nigerian High Commission, the Nigerian Consulate and members of the Nigerian community.”
He described the welcome as a carnival, saying the celebrations continued later in the evening at his hotel, where additional delegations and prominent members and stakeholders of the Nigerian community arrived to offer their support and prayers.
“It was quite a carnival and it continued later in the evening at the hotel when even more delegations and key members and stakeholders of the Nigerian community literally stormed the place to welcome us and offer their support and prayers.”
The High Commissioner said he was deeply touched by the reception and thanked everyone who took part in welcoming him.
“I am deeply humbled and I thank the Lord for each and every one of them. Glory be to the name of the Lord and God bless our nation Nigeria!”
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