The Embassy of Sweden has officially opened a new consulate in Cape Town, expanding its diplomatic footprint across the Western and Eastern Cape.
The move underscores Sweden’s longstanding commitment to South Africa and aims to enhance cooperation in trade, innovation, education, and social development.
The consulate hopes to bring consular and developmental services closer to local communities while strengthening bilateral ties rooted in shared values and historical solidarity – dating back to Sweden’s support for the anti-apartheid movement.
Honorary Consul appointed
Entrepreneur and social innovator Carl Fredrik Sammeli, founder of Bitprop, has been appointed honorary consul.
Bitprop helps township homeowners develop rental units on their properties, supporting inclusive economic growth through micro-development.
Sammeli, who has close ties to both Sweden and South Africa, said: “South Africa and Sweden are both home to me and my family. I aim to connect communities, businesses and ideas.”
In Langa, township resident Nonkosi Klaas used Bitprop’s model to build backyard rental units, securing a steady income stream – an example of the type of community-level impact the consulate hopes to amplify.
Focus areas and services
The consulate will:
- Provide consular services for Swedish citizens in the region
- Support South African businesses exploring trade and investment links with Sweden
- Facilitate academic exchanges, innovation hubs, and educational collaborations
- Host outreach and cultural events promoting gender equality and climate action
Renewed commitment
Sweden’s Ambassador to South Africa described the opening as a reaffirmation of the two nations’ “mutual vision for justice, sustainability, and inclusive prosperity.”
The consulate is expected to serve as both a practical support base and a symbolic extension of Sweden’s enduring solidarity with South Africa.
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