Home - Office of Tibet Pretoria

The official agency of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and
the Central Tibetan Administration in-exile.

The Office of Tibet – Pretoria

Address

38 Union Avenue,
Lyttelton, Centurion, 0157
South Africa

Contact Number

012 664 1193

E-mail

rep.sa@tibet.net

Welcome to Office of Tibet - Pretoria

THE OFFICE OF TIBET, Pretoria, was formally opened in 1997 after the South African government under President Nelson Mandela gave its approval upon a request made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1996. It is a legally registered body under South African law. It functions as an administrative branch and agency of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamsala, India.

Its primary objective is to promote an understanding among the peoples in Africa and particularly in South Africa of Tibet and its people – our culture, religion and history – through cultural, educational and religious exchanges.

The Office of Tibet seeks to raise awareness and support for the Tibetan freedom struggle; and to inform the general public on the plight of Tibetan people, both in exile and in Tibet and working to alleviate their suffering

We actively promote the thoughts and teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on non-violence, compassion, universal secular ethics and interfaith harmony.

Towards achieving these objectives, the Office of Tibet actively works with people and bodies such as the government of South Africa, members of parliament, international diplomatic representatives based in South Africa, and various civil societies, interfaith groups, and members of the public in general.

We work closely with local and international Tibet support groups (TSG).

We organise seminars, talks, webinars and exhibitions on Tibetan culture and history, and the human rights situation and environmental issues in the Chinese-occupied Tibet region. These are mostly open to the general public, and are also arranged for special interest groups and educational agencies.

The Office of Tibet has, for instance, held informative photographic exhibitions on Tibetan culture and human rights issues, and shown videos on Tibet at schools and museums. We especially encourage teachers at educational institutions to teach their pupils about Tibet, which can be approached from many different and meaningful perspectives.

The Office of Tibet needs volunteers to carry out its work and any support is greatly appreciated. By donating your time, skills or funds you will be helping a land and its people to preserve its rich and unique culture, which is on the verge of extinction! You will also have the opportunity to learn more about Tibet and meet with like-minded people.

We look forward to welcoming you as a supporter here in South Africa

Office Inception

The Office of Tibet was officially registered on January 12, 1998 under the Companies Act 1973 of the Republic of South Africa, bearing registration number 98/00792/08 (ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED UNDER SECTION 21).

It serves as the official agency of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration, which has its seat at a small town of Dharamsala, located in the north Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. The Office of Tibet is manned by two officials viz. an Executive Director and a Deputy Secretary.

Since

1998

Mission & Functions

The objective and functions of the Office of Tibet include:

Providing information concerning the plight of Tibetan people both inside and outside Tibet;
Raising awareness & seeking support for Tibetan freedom struggle and the Central Tibetan Administration;
Promoting cultural, educational and religious exchanges between Tibetan people and the people of Africa;
Disseminating information on valuable thoughts and teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Peace, Non-violence, Love and Compassion, Environment, Universal responsibility and Inter-religious harmony;
Co-ordinating and organizing visits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the continent of Africa;
Providing general information to African people wishing to study Tibetan language and culture or visit Tibetan settlements in-exile in India and Nepal;
Providing information to African journalists and media on important issues related to Tibet, dialogues held between the Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the representatives of the government of People’s Republic of China;
Providing regular information updates on situations and conditions of Tibetan people inside Tibet to all the Governments of African States having missions established in Pretoria;
Maintaining close relations with Buddhist Centres, Tibet support groups in Africa.

Executive Directors

The Office of Tibet is headed by Executive Director, who functions as the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Africa. He/She maintains close contact with officials of the relevant department of the Government of South Africa.

Mr. Ngodup Dorjee is the present head of the Office of Tibet, Lyttelton, Pretoria. He assumed responsibility as the Executive Director in January, 2017.

Click here to see the Former Executive Directors/Representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.