Pretoria: Deputy President Paul Mashatile has successfully concluded a bilateral meeting with President Salva Kiir Mayardit of the Republic of South Sudan at the Menlyn Maine Hotel in Pretoria. "South Africa remains steadfast in its support for the people of South Sudan as they advance toward sustainable peace, democratic governance, and inclusive development," Mashatile stated.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy President, acting as the President's special envoy, focused on South Sudan during President Mayardit's Working Visit to South Africa. They discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, progress on peace and political processes in South Sudan, and follow-up actions from the recent Ad Hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan (C5) Plus engagements. The C5 oversees the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in key economic sectors, including mining, transport, and tourism. Both parties committed to jointly hosting a South Africa-South Sudan Business and Investment Conference, with the first leg planned in Juba between May and June 2026. This initiative aims to unlock investment opportunities and promote trade between the two countries.
The meeting also noted progress regarding ongoing engagements toward the possible introduction of a visa-free travel regime between South Africa and South Sudan. Relevant departments are assessing feasibility, with recommendations expected by the end of April 2026.
Additionally, both countries underscored the importance of enhancing air connectivity, including efforts to establish direct flights between South Africa and Juba. Engagements with airlines are reportedly underway, with a comprehensive aviation cooperation plan expected in the coming months.
President Kiir expressed appreciation for South Africa's continued support in implementing the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), a legal framework governing South Sudan's transition to peace. The year 2026 marks a pivotal moment for South Sudan, as the country is set to hold its first-ever elections since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011.
The leaders discussed key priority areas emerging from recent C5 engagements, including support for inclusive political participation and civil society engagement in the lead-up to elections, provision of technical assistance for electoral processes, progress on disarmament initiatives, and preparations for South Sudan's National Dialogue scheduled for April 2026. South Africa has committed to providing facilitators for the National Dialogue and sharing its own experiences in national dialogue processes.
The meeting also addressed recent political and judicial developments in South Sudan, including matters relating to Dr. Riek Machar. Both parties emphasized the importance of respecting judicial processes and maintaining stability during this critical period. South Africa reiterated its commitment to the outcomes of the C5 engagements and to continued dialogue with all relevant stakeholders.
Deputy President Mashatile reaffirmed South Africa's intention to maintain a sustained presence in South Sudan to support ongoing peace and political processes. He encouraged South African businesses to explore investment opportunities in South Sudan. As the meeting concluded, both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, promoting economic cooperation, and supporting lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
President Mayardit also held a bilateral engagement and exchanged views on the latest political developments in South Sudan with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday at his official residence in Pretoria, Mahlamba Ndlopfu.