The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in South Africa marked the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at the highest level with that country, on 19 May 2016. On that occasion, a reception was given in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Africa. The reception was held in Freedom Park in Pretoria, since the diplomatic relations were established on Freedom Day on 27 April, the National Day of South Africa.

Approximately 200 guests attended the reception, including representatives of the Government of South Africa, diplomatic corps, industry, media, Serbian and Greek Church and communities, along with representatives of the Russian and Romanian Churches. Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Bozin Nikolic addressed the audience along with Ms. Valerie Reni, who spoke on behalf of the Government of SA.

In his address, Ambassador Nikolic emphasised the historical and friendly ties between the two countries, Serbia's support to the then leaders of the independence movement, as well as the contribution of previous ambassadors to the advancement of the overall cooperation with South Africa. He also highlighted the good political relations on both bilateral and multilateral levels, as well as the efforts undertaken with the aim of strengthening the economic and other forms of cooperation. In addition, the Ambassador mentioned the decoration which President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic conferred on President J. Zuma, as an expression of gratitude to South Africa for its support to Serbia's positions regarding many issues at the international level.

Ms. Reni, a representative of the Government of South Africa, expressed her gratitude for the Republic of Serbia's support to South Africa's candidacy to the UN Security Council in 2011/2012, as well as for the scholarships granted within the programme "The World in Serbia". She emphasised the contribution of the Serbian community to the enrichment of the cultural diversity of the South African nation and asserted the deep friendly ties between these two countries and peoples.

Serbian violinist M. Milincic performed in the official programme, while the footage of Serbiawas played on the video screen.

The event was organised thanks to the financial support of certain members of the Serbian community in South Africa and the donation of the "Hemofarm" company.