| Germany
(Federal Republic of) History
of Relations | Diplomatic Representation | Travel
Info | Health Requirements | Climate Info
| Currency Info | Trade Info | Visits
and Meetings | Agreements | Interest Groups/
Organisations History of Relations The
strong historical, political and economic links between Germany and South Africa
have since 1994 developed to such an extent that the relations between the two
countries could be described as a strategic partnership. Visits to Germany by
former President Mandela and President Mbeki as well as the visits of former Chancellor
Khöl and former Federal Presidents Herzog and Rau to South Africa in recent years
have all contributed to the intensification of relations. In 1997 during the visit
of then Deputy-President Mbeki the South African – German Binational Commission
was launched. The BNC has become the most important instrument through which bilateral
relations are conducted. It currently consists of six committees, namely; Economy,
Defence, Environment, Culture, Development Cooperation and Science and Technology. Germany
has made a substantial contribution within the framework of the Development Cooperation
between the two countries. Since 1994 Germany has committed approximately Euro
268 million (DM436 million) for bilateral financial and technical cooperation
with South Africa. Germany is one of the biggest investors in South Africa
with more than 370 German companies present in South Africa. As one of South Africa’s
main trading partners the trade balance is still very much in Germany’s favour
but in recent years there has been an improvement with an increase in South African
exports to Germany. Germany as one of the leading industrial countries in
the world is also a valued multilateral partner of South Africa. Diplomatic
Representation South African Representation in Germany
H E Mr MA Stofile (Reverend)
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
South
African Embassy
German Representation in South Africa
H E Dr H E Freitag
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Pretoria
(Embassy)
Travel
Info Visa Requirements for South Africans For more information
contact the German Embassy in Pretoria Health
Requirements Proof of a medical insurance must be produced
prior to departure from South Africa. For further information go to Travelers' Health. Climate
Info Germany is situated in the moderately cool Atlantic west wind zone
and the eastern European continental climate. In winter the average temperature
is between 1,5 degrees C in the lowland areas and –6 degrees C in the mountains.
In the warmest month of the year, July, temperatures are between 18 degrees C
in the low-lying regions and 20 degrees C in the sheltered valleys of the south.
It rains throughout the year but mostly during the summer season. For up-to-date
weather information click here. Currency
Info The monetary unit is the Euro. The current rate of exchange is
about Euro 0,12 to the ZAR. The currency is freely convertible. For current
exchange rates click here. State
and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings No Information Bilateral
Agreements
If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section at 012 351 0872/0872/0837.
Trade Info For current
information on trade statistics between South Africa and Germany, visit the web
site of the Department
of Trade and Industry of South Africa Interest
Groups and Information Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Tel: 011 486 2775 South African-German Cultural Association Tel:
012 807 1280 | 
