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From 9 -13 February 2026, the Consulate facilitated the Wesgro Film Delegation’s visit to LA to promote the Western Cape as a world-class destination for film production by showcasing its infrastructure, talent pool, and competitive incentives, facilitate co-production, distribution, and financing opportunities. deepen institutional partnerships, strengthen relationships with diaspora communities and gather market intelligence. Wesgro was joined by a group of ten (10) leading Film Companies and Studios to promote South Africa’s strengths, creativity and infrastructure. Old relations with three of Hollywood’s six Film Studios, were resuscitated.
On 18 February 2026, Consul-in-Charge met with Members of the LA World Affairs Council and Town Halls in preparation for the commemoration of the upcoming Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July 2026. From left to Right: Ms Victoire Auguste-Dormeuil, Director of Membership and Advancement, Mr Geoffrey Baum, Interim Executive Director and Ms Krista Seitz, Programs Manager.
The Consulate attended an event hosted by the Arizona State University (ASU) and the Victory House to watch the live FIFA World Cup Draw on 5th December 2025. Mr Mothapo Mabitsela, Consul: Administration provided short remarks on the impact of sports on South Africa’s development and the impact in South Africa, qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On 11 November 2025, the Consulate received Ms Sharon Gumede, Senior Manager and Ms Nokuthula Shongwe, Marketing Manager from the Durban Film Office in the eThekwini Municipality Economic Development & Planning division, who attended the American Film Market (AFM) to promote Durban as a film destination, a tourism hub and boost participation in flagship events like the Durban FilmMart and Durban International Film Festival.
The Consulate met with fellow South African Mr Daniel (Danny) Petersen and his wife, Antoinette, who was honoured by the California State Senate with the "Parent of the Year” award and the United Peace Federation (UPF) awarded them with the “Excellence in Parenting” Award. Mr Danny Petersen is also a recipient of the President Barack Obama Lifetime Achievement Award and a Grammy Award-winning artist. Together, their global mission "Drumming 4 Peace and Healing" is creating waves of unity, wellness, and transformation through the power of rhythm.
The Consulate General in Los Angeles partnered with the Charles Drew University (CDU) in association with the Praise Sanctuary Church, to commemorate Mandela Day on 21st July 2025 under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”. Voluntary servises are welcomed on Mondays and Thursdays only.
Consul-in-Charge Ms Venita Smit and Vice-Consul Ms Xabisokazi Beja (centre left and right respectively) and colleagues from South African Tourism (SAT) North America, at the South African booth during the Rugby Sevens on 3-4 May 2025 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, where SAT launched its new Global Brand Campaign in the U.S: ‘South Africa Awaits — Come Find Your Joy!’.
Consul-in-Charge Venita Smit and Vice-Consul Xabisokazi Beja with South African Rugby Fans at the South African Consulate booth during the LA Rugby Sevens (3-4 May 2025) at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The launch coincided with a triumphant moment on the pitch, as South Africa clinched their fifth men’s Series title with a 19-5 victory over Spain, capping off the 2025 international rugby sevens season in style.
On Friday, May 30, 2025, the South African Consulate, as part of the broader African Diplomatic Corps, was invited by Councilmember Curren Price, in collaboration with the International Affairs division in the Mayor’s Office, to attend the City Council’s Presentation in honor of Africa Day, embracing the African Union's declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations".
In preparation for Team South Africa’s participation in the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, Consul-in-Charge, Mrs Venita Smit, on 22 May 2025 met with Ms Nosipho Jafta, the Chief Executive Officer as well as Mr Leon Fleiser, General Manager, High Performance of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) during their engagement with the LA2028 Olympic Organizers from 20 – 22 May 2025 in Los Angeles. Unquote
On 20 May 2025, Consul-in-Charge Venita Smit met with South African Ms Zanele Muholi at the Southern Guild Art Gallery featuring her “Faces & Phases” solo exhibition. Established in 2008 by Trevyn & Julian McGowan, Southern Guild based in Cape Town and now in Los Angeles, represents contemporary artists from South Africa and the African Diaspora.
