High Commission of South Africa, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Commission of South Africa in London |
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| Location | Trafalgar Square, London |
| Address | Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DP |
| Coordinates | 51°30′30″N 0°07′37″W / 51.5082°N 0.1269°W |
| High Commissioner | HE Mr Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo |
The High Commission of South Africa in London is like South Africa's official home in the United Kingdom. It's where important people from South Africa work to keep good relationships with the UK. This special building is called South Africa House. You can find it in a famous spot called Trafalgar Square in London. Inside, it has offices for the High Commissioner (who is like South Africa's top diplomat) and also a consulate, which helps South African citizens who are visiting or living in the UK. This building has been a protected historical site since 1982.
History of South Africa House
South Africa House was built in the 1930s by a company called Holland, Hannen & Cubitts. It was designed by a famous architect named Sir Herbert Baker. The building officially opened in 1933. The government of South Africa bought it to be their main office in the UK. During World War II, the Prime Minister at the time, Jan Smuts, even lived there while planning South Africa's part in the war.
Changes and Challenges
In 1961, South Africa became a republic. It also left the Commonwealth because of its policy called apartheid. Apartheid was a system of racial segregation, which meant people were separated and treated differently based on their race. Because South Africa left the Commonwealth, its mission in London changed from a High Commission to an embassy.
During the 1980s, many people around the world protested against apartheid. South Africa House was a common place for these protests because it was in a very public area. People held long vigils outside the building. One protest even lasted for four years, asking for the release of all political prisoners in South Africa. In 1990, during some riots, the building was set on fire, but it was not badly damaged.
Return to the Commonwealth
On April 27, 1994, South Africa held its first truly free and democratic elections. Just four days later, the country rejoined the Commonwealth. This was exactly 33 years after it had left. Because South Africa was back in the Commonwealth, its mission in London became a High Commission again.
Today, South Africa House is no longer a place of protest. Instead, it is a center for South African culture in the UK. In 1996, South African President Nelson Mandela appeared on the balcony of South Africa House during his official visit to the UK. He came back to the balcony in 2001 to celebrate the seventh anniversary of Freedom Day. This day marks when the apartheid system was officially ended.
See also
In Spanish: Alta Comisión de Sudáfrica para niños
