The Committee
What is COMITES?
An elected body and a bridge between the Italian community and Italian institutions.
COMITES — the Committee of Italians Abroad — is the body democratically elected by Italian citizens living outside Italy. In the Cape Town consular district it represents Italians across the Western and Eastern Cape, and is governed by Italian Law 286 of 30 October 2003.
- Established by
- Law 286/2003
- Elected by
- Italian citizens abroad
- Mandate
- 2026–2031
- District
- Western & Eastern Cape
Legal basis
286
Italian Law of 30 October 2003, no. 286 — provisions on committees of Italians abroad.
What it does
Three functions, one role
Under Italian Law 286/2003, COMITES has three broad functions: representation, integration and heritage. In short:
Representation and institutional dialogue
- Acts as the reference point for the Italian community in its relations with the Consulate and Italian institutions.
- Gathers needs and evidence through studies, research and public engagement.
- Works with consular authorities to protect the rights, welfare and interests of Italian citizens.
Social and cultural integration
- Promotes cultural initiatives with Italian clubs, regional associations and local authorities.
- Guides newcomers with practical information and social support.
- Supports programmes for young people, equal opportunities, vocational training, sport and leisure.
Preservation of heritage
- Safeguards and honours the historical memory of Italian emigration.
- Elevates the cultural profile and contribution of the Italian community within South African society.
What it does not do
COMITES is not a Consulate.
COMITES is not a consular office. It does not issue passports, visas or citizenship certificates, does not process AIRE applications and does not replace the Consulate or patronati. It represents, advises and collaborates.
COMITES and the Consulate
Two roles, complementary
Two different, complementary roles. Confusing them is the most common misunderstanding about Italians abroad.
Nature
COMITES
An elected body, an expression of the community
Consulate
An administrative office of the State
Role
COMITES
Represent, listen, propose and collaborate
Consulate
Carry out legal and administrative procedures
In practice
COMITES
Cultural initiatives, orientation, dialogue with institutions
Consulate
Passports, visas, citizenship, AIRE
How it is formed
COMITES
Elected by Italian citizens resident in the district
Consulate
Appointed diplomatic and consular staff
The 2026–2031 mandate
The elections renew the committee for the 2026–2031 mandate. The candidates presented here aim to build on the work already done, with a gradual, transparent and collaborative approach.
The consular district
COMITES Cape Town represents Italians living in the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape: from Cape Town to Knysna, from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to East London, and in the smaller communities across both provinces.
The list
Comunità Italiana del Capo
This site is run by the Comunità Italiana del Capo — Lista Com.It.Es. 2026, standing in the 2026 COMITES elections in the Cape Town consular district.
Più vicini, sempre.
References
Italian Law 286 of 30 October 2003 (Provisions on committees of Italians abroad). For up-to-date information on voting, AIRE and consular services, please contact the Consulate of Italy in Cape Town.