Rwanda-South Africa relations are showing signs of a diplomatic thaw after Pretoria appointed a new ambassador to Kigali, nearly two years after the position became vacant amid tensions between the two countries.
Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe on Tuesday received copies of the credentials of Tinyiko George Hlungwane, marking a key step towards the start of his tenure as South Africa’s ambassador to Rwanda.
Hlungwane’s appointment comes as the two governments work to rebuild relations and restore regular diplomatic engagement following a period of strained ties.
South Africa had been without an ambassador in Kigali since late 2024, when Mandisi Bongani Mabuto Mpahlwa ended his assignment after serving in Rwanda since 2020.
The arrival of a new envoy provides the two governments with a resident diplomatic channel at a time when efforts are under way to improve bilateral relations.
The development follows high-level engagement between Kigali and Pretoria aimed at addressing areas of disagreement and strengthening cooperation.
In June 2026, Nduhungirehe travelled to South Africa and held talks with his counterpart on efforts to revive bilateral relations and expand cooperation based on mutual interests.
The talks also covered travel between the two countries, with South Africa agreeing to resume issuing visas to Rwandan citizens travelling on ordinary passports.
The appointment of Hlungwane is expected to give fresh impetus to diplomatic dialogue and cooperation in areas including trade, investment and people-to-people relations.
It also creates an opportunity for both governments to follow through on recent agreements and rebuild confidence after years of strained relations.
For Kigali and Pretoria, the return of a South African ambassador represents a significant diplomatic development and a potential turning point in efforts to restore more stable and constructive bilateral ties.
