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The Consulate received an official working visit from Minister Gayton McKenzie from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture from 29 May to 5 June 2026.
On 30 May 2026 Minister Gayton McKenzie met with Assembly Member Dr. Corey Jackson who has visited South Africa twice and had engagements with the Premiers in both the Western Cape (2024) and Gauteng (2025). Dr Jackson introduced a Sister-State (Province) Resolution between the Province of Gauteng and the State of California focusing on economic diplomacy, technology, clean energy and climate resilience, research, creative and cultural diplomacy, and workforce training. The signing of the Resolution is still in progress.
The 63rd Anniversary of Africa Day took place at Ivy Station in Culver City where Mayor Fred Puza, in collaboration with the former Mayor, Mr Dan O'Brien now Council Member, and City Manager of Culver City, Mr Odis Jones, hosted the African Diplomatic Corps, other members of the Diplomatic Corps, VIP guests, business and friends of Africa. The event was also attended by a representative from Congresswomen Sydney Kamlager-Dove's office. This was the first event in a very long time where eight 8) of the nine (9) African countries (South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, Chad, Zambia, Guinea) accredited in LA, participated in unity in Africa Day celebrations.
South Africa’s exhibition table promoted tourism, the wine industry and with the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in the USA, the Springbok Bar and Grill exhibited sports memorabilia. South African Dr Danny Petersen from Drumming4Peace, lead the African Consular Corps (ACCLA) to the front of the stage under rhythmic percussion.
From 20 - 24 May, the Auditor General South Africa conducted an audit in the Consulate, which had assistance from Mr Mzo Nkosi from Head Office (far left). Next and in front of him are the AGSA team, under leadership of Mr Christiaan Avenant, followed by Ms Beja, Mrs Smit and Mr Njokweni.
South African Tourism North America, in partnership with the South African Consulate-General of Los Angeles, hosted an in-person product showcase on 10 March 2026 that connected local travel advisors with US-based representatives of South African suppliers across luxury safari, hospitality, domestic airlift, and experiential travel, to enhance destination knowledge while creating valuable market access opportunities for the South African products. South African products represented included: Airlink, Amazing Africa DMC, &beyond, Dulini, Garonga Safari Co., Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts, Singita, Southern Sun Hotels, and Taj Cape Town & Taj Safari Lodges.
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.
The Durban Film Office paid a courtesy visit to the Chancery on 11 November 2025 during their visit and attendance of the American Film Market, a leading global event for film acquisition, financing, and networking.
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.
