Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong, the embassy's staff, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Pretoria gathered before an altar dedicated to the late President, offering incense and expressing deep gratitude for his contributions to Viet Nam’s revolution for national independence and freedom.
Speaking at the event, Cuong highlighted President Ho Chi Minh’s enduring legacy, from his thought and moral example to his diplomatic vision, and called on Vietnamese representatives in South Africa to embody his teachings in their work.
He also noted the global influence of Ho Chi Minh, particularly in Africa, as a lasting source of pride and strength for the Vietnamese people.
A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of a rare oil painting of President Ho Chi Minh, created in the 1960s by South African artist Jan van Rooyen.
Representing the artist’s family, Phil van Rooyen shared that the portrait, inspired by a newspaper photo, showed his father’s deep respect for the Vietnamese leader.
The family has agreed to allow the embassy to continue displaying the painting for public appreciation.
