The High Commission of South Africa in Singapore has brought together key women stakeholders ahead of the 4th Edition of South Africa Focus Week, taking place from 21–26 September 2026. Sun Media will serve as the media partner for the upcoming event, supporting efforts to spotlight women’s leadership, partnerships and South Africa–Singapore cooperation.
The High Commission of South Africa in Singapore, led by H.E. Madiepetsane Charlotte Lobe, High Commissioner of South Africa to Singapore, is stepping up preparations for the 4th Edition of South Africa Focus Week, scheduled for 21–26 September 2026. On the occasion of Pan-African Women’s Day, commemorated annually on 31 July, the High Commission convened key women stakeholders to explore collaborations and partnerships ahead of the week-long programme. Sun Media will serve as the media partner for the upcoming South Africa Focus Week, helping to amplify the event’s key messages, partnerships and initiatives.
The engagement reflected the High Commission’s belief that meaningful participation and leadership by women are essential to effective diplomacy, sustainable development and lasting partnerships. Drawing inspiration from Liberian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee’s words, “Women matter in all matters”, the meeting highlighted how women’s leadership can contribute to more inclusive decision-making, stronger governance, sustainable peace and inclusive economic growth. Under High Commissioner Lobe’s leadership, the engagement also reinforces the importance of building partnerships that place inclusion and women’s leadership at the centre of South Africa’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Singapore.
The focus on women carries particular significance within the broader Pan-African context. Pan-African Women’s Day commemorates the establishment of the Pan-African Women’s Organization in 1962, recognising the longstanding contributions of African women to liberation, peace, development and continental integration. The occasion reinforces the Pan-African principle that Africa’s progress is closely linked to the empowerment, participation and leadership of its women.
Against this backdrop, the High Commission views women not simply as participants in South Africa Focus Week, but as strategic partners in advancing economic diplomacy and deepening bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Singapore. Their involvement is expected to contribute to a programme that promotes innovation, trade, partnerships and sustainable development, while creating opportunities for meaningful connections among stakeholders. As media partner, Sun Media will contribute to bringing greater visibility to these engagements and the wider objectives of South Africa Focus Week.
As preparations continue, South Africa Focus Week 2026 is set to provide an important platform for strengthening ties between South Africa and Singapore while highlighting the contribution of women to inclusive growth and international cooperation. With High Commissioner Lobe and the High Commission bringing stakeholders together, and Sun Media supporting the event as media partner, the week aims to foster meaningful conversations and opportunities across diplomacy, business, trade and sustainable development, contributing to a vision aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Source: South African High Commission in Singapore
