Mashatile Leads First SA–Türkiye Bi-National Commission to Expand Strategic Ties

The Deputy President arrived in Ankara on Tuesday night to begin a packed programme that includes bilateral talks, formal ceremonies, and later economic engagements in Istanbul.

 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is leading a high-stakes diplomatic and economic mission in Türkiye, where he will co-chair the inaugural South Africa–Türkiye Bi-National Commission (BNC) on Wednesday, 15 October. The BNC is intended as a durable framework through which the two countries can deepen cooperation across political, social, and economic domains. (DIRCO)

The Deputy President arrived in Ankara on Tuesday night to begin a packed programme that includes bilateral talks, formal ceremonies, and later economic engagements in Istanbul. (sanews.gov.za)

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Establishing the Bi-National Commission: Purpose, Background & Expectations

A Structure for Sustained Cooperation

The BNC will be co-chaired by Mashatile and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, in line with an agreement signed in 2012 that designated Deputy President–Vice President level leadership for this commission. (Zawya)

According to statements from the South African Presidency and DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation), the BNC is intended as a structured platform for enhanced coordination between South Africa and Türkiye. Its core aims include:

• Finalising long-pending draft agreements that have stalled (DIRCO)

• Reviewing and strengthening existing bilateral instruments (DIRCO)

• Exploring new areas of collaboration across sectors such as politics, trade, social affairs, justice, and security (DIRCO)

The Presidency describes the BNC as more than a symbolic event — it is intended to anchor regular, institutionalised high-level dialogue rather than episodic bilateral exchanges. (sanews.gov.za)

Expected Deliverables & Agreements

The visit is expected to culminate in the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements across multiple sectors. (sanews.gov.za) While full lists of possible sectors have not been confirmed, the announcement mentions that the BNC will examine cooperation in political, economic, social, justice, and security sectors. (DIRCO)

As part of the program, Mashatile will pay homage to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Türkiye’s founding president, at the Anıtkabir Mausoleum, hold a private meeting with Vice President Yılmaz, and make a courtesy call on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. (DIRCO)

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Economic Diplomacy in Istanbul: TABEF & Trade Opportunities

Following the BNC in Ankara, Mashatile and his delegation will travel to Istanbul to participate in the 5th Türkiye–Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) on 16–17 October 2025. (DIRCO)

South Africa’s participation in TABEF is viewed as a key opportunity to boost trade and investment ties with Türkiye, especially in light of the country’s ambition to expand business with African markets. (sanews.gov.za)

Türkiye-Africa trade currently hovers above USD 35 billion, and Türkiye is aiming to raise that to USD 40 billion or more in the next cycle, with focus sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, digital, and food processing. (A News)

At TABEF, Mashatile is also expected to engage with Turkish investors, participate in the South Africa–Türkiye Business Council, and help position South Africa as Türkiye’s foremost partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. (sanews.gov.za)

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Strategic and Geopolitical Significance

Deepening South-South Cooperation

This BNC is a sign that South Africa and Türkiye are looking to move their relationship from occasional bilateral engagements to sustained strategic partnership. In a global context where geopolitical alignments are shifting, South Africa sees Türkiye as a gateway to Europe and Central Asia, while Türkiye sees Africa as a growing economic frontier.

Institutionally embedding cooperation through the BNC helps institutionalise trust, improve coordination, and reduce diplomatic friction. It allows both governments to manage complex bilateral issues within a predictable structure, rather than ad hoc arrangements.

Trade & Investment Momentum

The alignment with TABEF ensures continuity between diplomatic-level agreements and business-level engagements. The dual focus—politics and economics—helps ensure that signed agreements are backed by investor interest and private sector follow-through.

For South Africa, the hope is that Türkiye will increase its investments in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, digital services, and logistics—key priorities in the National Development Plan and the AU’s Agenda 2063.

Domestic Significance & Team Composition

Mashatile’s delegation is substantial and cross-sectoral, underlining the multi-dimensional nature of the mission. Among those accompanying him are Ministers Ronald Lamola, Angie Motshekga, Parks Tau, Bonginkosi Nzimande, and Patricia de Lille, plus deputies in arts, higher education, and agriculture. (Government of South Africa)

Of note, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille is also scheduled to meet with her Turkish counterpart to deepen tourism cooperation and review existing agreements. (tourism.gov.za)

The wide representation ensures that sectoral interests—from trade and industry to education and tourism—are woven into the conversations, increasing the likelihood of deliverable outcomes.

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Challenges & Success Factors to Watch

• Follow-through on signed agreements: The real test will lie in implementation, monitoring, and institutional capacity to deliver.

• Concurrent capacity & coordination: South Africa will need strong inter-departmental coordination so that agreements translate into actionable projects.

• Trade imbalances & market access: Ensuring Turkish firms access South African markets on fair terms, and addressing non-tariff barriers will be critical.

• Political stability & alignment: Continuity across administrations in both countries is vital to prevent agreements from stalling.

• Private sector engagement and financing: Mobilising private investment pathways will be essential for infrastructure and project realisation.

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Outlook & Takeaways

The inaugural SA–Türkiye BNC is a diplomatic milestone, but its true significance will depend on what follows: the depth of the agreements signed, the agility of their implementation, and the extent to which private sector actors engage with the new framework.

If successful, the BNC can become a lasting bridge—not only between South Africa and Türkiye—but between African economies and Eurasian markets. It has the potential to recalibrate trade patterns, boost investment flows, and anchor South Africa’s role in a diversified global architecture.