President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former state security minister Ayanda Dlodlo as South Africa’s new ambassador-designate to France, succeeding Nathi Mthethwa who passed away in September 2025.

The announcement comes ahead of Ramaphosa’s planned two-day working visit to France from July 10-12, where he will co-chair a UNESCO high-level steering committee on sustainable development goal 4 (education) and attend the 110th commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood.

Dlodlo, who previously served as public service & administration minister and state security minister under Ramaphosa’s leadership, resigned from cabinet in 2022 to join the World Bank’s board.

Her appointment underscores South Africa-France economic ties, with over 480 French companies operating in the country and recent pledges to double bilateral trade by 2027.

The move also aligns with diplomatic efforts to strengthen collaboration during Ramaphosa’s visit, which includes meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron.