By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Russia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Roman Evgenievich Ambarov, this week undertook a three-day official visit to the Free State Province, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations while promoting the province’s cultural, educational and scientific attractions.
The visit followed recent engagements between Russian and South African youth organisations during Youth Month commemorations and activities marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Ambarov was welcomed by the Executive Mayor of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, Conny Msibi, alongside the Executive Mayors of Dihlabeng and Maluti-A-Phofung local municipalities, Tseki Tseki and Tumelo Thebe.
As part of his programme in QwaQwa and the broader Thabo Mofutsanyana District, the ambassador visited the Basotho Cultural Village, where he experienced the rich heritage, traditions and way of life of the Basotho people.
The site showcases the evolution of Basotho culture from the 16th century to the present day and offers visitors an insight into indigenous knowledge systems, cultural practices and traditional craftsmanship.
The delegation also toured the Kgodumodumo-Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, highlighting important palaeontological discoveries made in the region.
The centre serves as both an educational facility and a tourism attraction, drawing attention to the Free State’s contribution to global research on prehistoric life.
Speaking during the visit, Msibi said the engagement reflected the province’s commitment to building international partnerships while showcasing its unique heritage and tourism assets.
“We are proud to share some of our province’s most significant historical, cultural and scientific landmarks with an international audience,” she said
The visit was part of ongoing efforts to position the Free State, and particularly the QwaQwa region, as a destination for cultural, educational and scientific tourism while fostering stronger international relations.
