List of ambassadors of Russia to South Africa

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Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of South Africa

The ambassador is Russia’s official representative to the president and government of South Africa. The Russian Embassy is in Pretoria, and there is a Consulate-General in Cape Town. The current ambassador is Roman Ambarov, who has held the post since 6 September 2024. The ambassador is appointed by the President of Russia and reports to the Minister of Foreign Affairs; the term lasts at the president’s pleasure. Since 1992, the ambassador to South Africa has also been the non-resident ambassador to Lesotho.

History in brief:
- 1942: The Soviet Union opens a consulate-general in Pretoria; the first consul-general is Nikolai Demyanov.
- 1956: Diplomatic relations are broken off and suspended for much of the 20th century.
- 1991–1992: Relations are restored; full diplomatic ties are established on 28 February 1992 after the Soviet Union dissolves and South Africa recognizes the Russian Federation.
- 1992: The embassy in Lesotho is closed; since then, the Russian ambassador to South Africa also covers Lesotho.