The Joburg Reporter was invited to the farewell fireside chat with Swedish Ambassador to South Africa Håkan Juholt.
He has been representing his country for 5 years in South Africa’s capital, Pretoria. But now his term has come to and end.
I had an opportunity to talk to him about his time in South Africa and learned more about his thoughts on some pressing issues SA is faced with.
Q. Firstly, congratulations on your tenure as Swedish ambassador to South Africa. Could you tell us more about your time in South Africa?
Thank you. It’s been an incredible journey. South Africa and Sweden have a very long and unique relationship. On a personal note, I was 13 years old when I joined the anti-apartheid movement in my hometown.
I remember standing out in the snow, raising money and awareness in solidarity with South Africa’s struggle.
This year, I turned 63, so it’s been 50 years of my personal journey alongside South Africa.
Back in 1960, Oliver Tambo gave a speech in Sweden on Labour Day, it was one of the first public expressions of tension against apartheid, and it left a mark.
Just yesterday, I had my farewell event here in South Africa, and we reflected on that deep, historical bond between our two countries with Dali Tambo Oliver Tambo’s son.
What I’ve tried to do as Ambassador is continue that strong collaboration, not just between governments, but people-to-people. We’ve focused on connecting through science, research, media, academia, youth, and entrepreneurship. I believe in a wide variety of meaningful partnerships.
Q. You started your activism at 13. Do you think young people today are as active, or are we seeing more ‘keyboard warriors’ than real-world changemakers?
First of all, I believe young people should have more power, both in South Africa and globally.
Young people aren’t just the future of Africa, they are the Africa of today.
They must be part of decision-making processes now, not just waiting until they’re older.
But activism doesn’t just mean protesting in the streets. Real activism is about being organized.
Don’t just complain; organize.
Have a plan, a strategy, a focus.
That’s where the power lies. And I’m proud that during my time at the Swedish Embassy, we kept our doors open to youth. It’s been a core part of our mission.
Q. South Africa is currently facing some diplomatic challenges, particularly around events involving Morocco and Western Sahara. What are your thoughts on the matter?
I won’t comment directly on South African or other African countries’ foreign policy, that’s not my role.
My job is to represent Sweden’s foreign policy.
That said, I’ve been to Western Sahara and spent time in the Polisario camps. I’ve also been to Palestine, Gaza, Ukraine, and Russia.
So many places in the world today are facing violence and oppression by powerful individuals or regimes that try to control the future of others. That can never be accepted.
I see my role as standing up to those forces, the forces that strip away people’s freedom and dignity.
Whether in Africa, Europe, Asia, or elsewhere, we must resist the power structures that deny sovereignty, democracy, and human rights.
Q. At 63, what’s next for you?
I honestly don’t know yet. I’ve served 23 years in parliament, 15 years as a journalist, and now 8 years as a diplomat.
I’m longing to go home, spend time with my grandchildren, and maybe start writing again.
Journalism was my first love, I started at 18. So maybe I’ll write a book, or even start a paper. You never know.
Thank you so much for your time. The Ambassador vacates his office at the end of July. We anticipate the official announcement of the next ambassador of Sweden to South Africa.
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter for more updates.
The Joburg Reporter 
Leave a reply to ‘We’re Still Waiting For Feedback’ – DTIC – The Joburg Reporter Cancel reply