In love with Vietnam

Former South African President receives commemorative gifts from the family of General Vo Nguyen Giap

10/04/2026

On April 8, 2026, in Johannesburg, a delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa, led by Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Hoang Sy Cuong, visited former President Thabo Mbeki to present a meaningful commemorative gift from the family of the late General Vo Nguyen Giap.

The gift, a ceramic painting, captures a cordial meeting between the former President and General Giap at his private residence in Hanoi during Mr. Mbeki’s official state visit to Vietnam in May 2007.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki receives a commemorative ceramic painting. The artwork depicts a warm meeting between the former President and General Vo Nguyen Giap at the General's private residence in Hanoi during an official state visit to Vietnam in May 2007. Photo: Hong Minh/VNA

Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong presents the former South African President with several editions of Vietnam Pictorial (VNP), showcasing the country’s landscape, culture, and people. Photo: Hong Minh/VNA

By Hong Minh/VNA

Translated by Hong Hanh