New Ambassador to France, Ayanda Dlodlo.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint former State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo as South Africa’s new ambassador to France has triggered an immediate political backlash, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) accusing him of rewarding ANC loyalists instead of strengthening South Africa’s diplomatic corps.
The Presidency confirmed Dlodlo’s appointment on Monday, just days before Ramaphosa departs for a working visit to Paris. During the visit, he is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron, co-chair a UNESCO high-level steering committee on education and participate in commemorations marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Delville Wood.
Dlodlo succeeds the late Nathi Mthethwa, who died in Paris in October 2025 after falling from the 22nd floor of a hotel while serving as ambassador. French investigators later said evidence at the scene suggested a window had been forced open. The diplomatic post has remained vacant since his death.
The appointment places one of Ramaphosa’s former Cabinet ministers at the centre of one of South Africa’s most strategically important diplomatic missions, but it has also revived scrutiny of Dlodlo’s record in government.
