The historical connections between Ireland and South Africa go back to the early settlements around the Cape. The bonds of friendship between the two nations were forged in the struggle against apartheid and later in the support South Africa provided to the Northern Ireland Peace Process.

Between 1948 and 1994, during apartheid in South Africa, the Irish Anti-Apartheid campaign was formed, which was led by South African Professor Kader Asmal. The relationship between South Africa and Ireland post-1994 is based on the strong historical relationship between the two countries and it is worth noting that Ireland was the only West-European country not to maintain resident diplomatic relations with the apartheid regime.

HE Mr Austin Gormley, the Ambassador of the Ireland in South Africa was at Ubuntu Radio studios discussing details of the relations.