Dozens of foreign envoys and their partners gathered in the plush foyer of Emperor's Palace in Johannesburg ahead of a dinner with the new International Relations minister on Wednesday night.

They were dressed in a variety of smart business suits and traditional wear from around the world.

This was the first time the diplomatic corps would meet Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane since her appointment.

The minister and the acting dean of the diplomatic corps, Congolese ambassador to South Africa Bene M'Poko, were expected to address the few hundred diplomats, their partners and the international organisations expected to be present.

Sapa

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