Posts in category: Other

Honourable Minister and ladies and gentlemen of the media, It is wonderful to be back in South Africa. I thank President Ramaphosa and Minister Lamola for receiving me today. As we speak, we are witnessing the reshaping of the Middle East, with the changes in the correlation of forces among the key regional actors, with the immense tragedy of the Palestinian people whose right for

Statement by Professor Sydney Mufamadi, National Security Advisor of the Republic of South Africa, at the “High-Level Summit on Peace for Ukraine”, Switzerland, 15-16 June 2024   We thank the Government of Switzerland for the invitation to participate in this dialogue on pathways towards a comprehensive, inclusive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine and the region.   The countries that responded positively to the invitation

South Africa wishes to thank you and members of the Security Council for giving us an opportunity to address the Council at this meeting today. The Security Council is convening yet again to discuss the perilous situation in the Middle East. We can remind the members of the Security Council that the situation in Palestine and Israel has been on its agenda for almost as

Madam Speaker, according to two prominent economists, Alberto Alesina and Dani Rodrik, “A crude distinction between economics and politics would be that economics is concerned with expanding the pie while politics is about distributing it”. The point, Madam Speaker, is that the size and quality of the national pie is what informs, and ultimately determines, the realisation of our political imperative of redistribution.

Like many here in this hall today we are deeply disturbed by the harrowing images of death, destruction and turmoil which have engulfed Gaza as a result of Israeli bombardment of civilians, essential infrastructure and places of worship. As the international community, we must be united in calling for an immediate comprehensive ceasefire. Humanitarian corridors should be opened immediately so that aid and other basic

Remarks by HE Olusegun Obasanjo, High Representative of the AU Chairperson for the Horn of Africa, on the occasion of the Signing of the Peace Agreement between the Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), Pretoria, South Africa, on 2 November 2022   My dear brother and former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, My dear sister and former

Statement by Ambassador Mathu Joyini, Permanent Representative, in explanation of vote on UNGA Resolution A/ES-11/L.5, 12 October 2022   Mr President,   South Africa is deeply concerned by the ongoing war in Ukraine, the increased loss of life and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The detrimental effects of this war are also being felt all over the world.  We urge parties to the conflict to fully

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa, on the Resolution to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council, 07 April 2022   Mr President,   South Africa is deeply concerned about the continuing conflict in Ukraine, the loss of lives and the deteriorating humanitarian situation.   We reiterate our view, that as a matter of urgency, there must be a cessation

Statement by Ambassador NN Mxakato-Diseko, Deputy Director-General, Global Governance and Continental Agenda, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, at the Opening Session of the Fifth Conference of States Parties to the Pelindaba Treaty (African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty), Thursday, 21 October 2021   Chairperson of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), Adv Doctor Mashabane, Vice Chairperson of AFCONE, Mr Hadjaro Adam, Commissioners of AFCONE, Executive

Statement by Ambassador Mathu Joyini, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine Question, 16 May 2021   Mr President, we thank the People’s Republic of China for convening this emergency meeting on the escalation of violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  

Media Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa, at the Media Stakeout following the UN Security Council Briefing & Consultations on the situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine, 21 December 2020 Ladies and gentlemen of the media, I would like to address you in my national capacity as Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations. The

Media Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa, at the Media Stakeout following the UN Security Council Consultations on United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), 21 December 2020 Ladies and gentlemen of the media. I would like to make a statement in my national capacity as Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations. The Security Council

A3+1 Joint Statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Africa to the United Nations, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Security Council Briefing on MONUSCO, 07 December 2020 Excellencies, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 +1 members of the Council namely, Niger, South Africa and Tunisia + St Vincent and the Grenadines. Before delivering this statement, let

Speaking Notes for Media Stakeout on outcomes of South Africa’s Presidency, 1 – 4 December 2020 Members of the Press, I thank you for taking the time to attend to this press briefing on the outcomes of South Africa’s Presidency of the Security Council for the first week, 1-4 December. A few days ago, I briefed you on the elective meetings and outcomes South Africa

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on the Political and Humanitarian Situation in Syria, 25 November 2020 Thank you, Madame President, I thank Ms Khawla Matar (Deputy Special Envoy); and Mr Ramesh Rajasingham (Acting Under-Secretary-General; and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator) for their briefings on the political and humanitarian situation in Syria. South Africa would

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 24 November 2020 Madame President, We thank the Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her briefing. South Africa supports and continues to have confidence in the efforts of the Special Representative. Madame

A3 + 1 Joint Statement delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila of the Permanent Mission of South Africa, to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Somalia, 23 November 2020 Madame President, I would like to thank you for convening this important and timely meeting on the situation in Somalia. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, 18 November 2020 Thank you, Madame President, Let me begin by expressing my deepest sadness at the passing of Dr Saeb Erekat. The people of South Africa extend their sincere condolences

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference (VTC) Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, 29 October 2020 Mr President, We thank Secretary-General, António Guterres, for his statement and welcome the briefings from Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; Goodwill Ambassador of UN Women, Ms Danai Gurira; Sexual

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, 26 October 2020 Thank you, Mr President for giving me the floor. We express our appreciation to Deputy Minister Vershinin for chairing our meeting. Allow me to take this opportunity to

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 15 October 2020 Mr President, We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths; as well as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock, for their briefings. South Africa continues to support Special Envoy Griffiths in his search for a peaceful solution to

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa, on behalf of Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines & South Africa (A3+1), during the Security Council Meeting on the Democratic Republic of The Congo, 6 October 2020 Mr President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 +1 members of the Council namely, Niger, South Africa and Tunisia +

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Syria – Chemical Weapons, 5 October 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Let me begin by thanking Ms Izumi Nakamitsu (High Representative for Disarmament Affairs) for her briefing. South Africa strongly supports multilateralism and the international rule of law, which includes the non-discriminatory and consistent application of the provisions of

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, 29 September 2020 Mr President, Let me begin by thanking Special Coordinator, Mladenov, for his useful and frank briefing on the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr President, during the recently held

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, on behalf of Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines and South Africa (A3+1), during the Security Council Meeting on UNITAMS, 25 September 2020 Mr President, I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the African Countries, Niger, South Africa and Tunisia as well as St Vincent and Grenadines

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on the Political situation in Syria, 18 September 2020 Mr President, let me begin by thanking Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, for his comprehensive briefing today and congratulate him and his office for successfully holding the third round of discussions of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva. South

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Protecting Civilians affected by Conflict Induced Hunger, 17 September 2020 Mr President, Thank you for convening this briefing to address conflict induced hunger. I would also like to thank the Under Secretary-General of Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Mark Lowcock; the Director-General

Statement by HE Ambassador J M Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, Open Video Teleconference (VTC) Meeting of the United Nations Security Council titled, “Humanitarian Effects of Environmental Degradation and Peace and Security”, New York, 17 September 2020 Mr President, Your Excellency, Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 15 September 2020 Mr President, We thank Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA) Under Secretary-General, Mark Lowcock, for their briefings. South Africa reiterates its support to Special Envoy Griffiths in his quest for a peaceful solution

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa on behalf of Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines & South Africa (A3+1), during the Security Council Meeting on Peacekeeping Operations, 14 September 2020 Mr President, This statement is delivered on behalf of Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa (the A3+1). We thank you for scheduling this annual  meeting on

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open Video Teleconference (VTC) Meeting on Syria – Chemical Weapons, 10 September 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Allow me to thank Ms Izumi Nakamitzu (High Representative for Disarmament Affairs) for her briefing to the Security Council, and the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (the OPCW) for his 83rd

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the implementation of Resolution 2532 (COVID-19 Pandemic), 9 September 2020 Mr President, I thank you for convening this meeting to allow the Security Council to be informed on the implementation of Resolution 2532 (2020). I would also like to thank the Under Secretary-General for Political

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organisations: Role of the International Organisation of the Francophonie, 8 September 2020 Thank you, Mr President, I wish to extend our appreciation to HE Mr Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Thursday, 3 September 2020 Thank you, Mr President. I wish to thank Ms Deborah Lyons (Special Representative and Head of UNAMA) and Mr Saad Mohseni (Chief Executive of the MOBY Group) for their insightful briefings. Welcome also to you Ambassador Raz and thank you for your statement. Let me

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), 2 September 2020 Mr President, I thank the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms Stephanie Williams, for her statement as well as the Chair of the 1970 Committee, Ambassador Günter Sautter for his briefing. Allow

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria, 27 August 2020 Thank you, Mr President, I would like to thank Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Ramesh Rajasingham, for his frank and insightful briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. I also extend South Africa’s sincere gratitude

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 26 August 2020 Mr President, We thank the Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her briefing. South Africa supports and continues to have confidence in your efforts. Mr President, South Africa supports the mandate of

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations during the UNSC Briefing on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts – Isil/Da’esh Strategic Report, 24 August 2020 Mr President, We congratulate Indonesia on its successful Presidency of the Security Council and thank the briefers for their insightful perspectives on the Secretary-General’s Eleventh Strategic-Level Report on the threat posed

Mr President,   South Africa views the JCPOA as one of most important diplomatic achievements in the area of nuclear non-proliferation since the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). We believe it is an exemplar of collective action to consolidate peace through cooperation and collaboration on the basis of a binding agreement, and therefore, its preservation and implementation should be foremost.   We

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria, 29 July 2020 Thank you, Mr President, Let me begin by thanking, Mr Mark Lowcock (Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs) for his frank briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We also thank Ms Amany

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 28 July 2020   Mr President,   We thank Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths; Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, Gen. Abhijit Guha; Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA), Acting Assistant Secretary-General, Ramesh Rajasingham; Chairperson of the Arab Human Rights Foundation, Dr Raja

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Climate and Security, 24 July 2020 Mr President, We thank the Secretary-General as well as the briefers for their contribution on this matter. South Africa’s strong commitment to a collective, multilateral response to

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open Video Teleconference Meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, 21 July 2020   We wish to welcome the participation of Mr Miguel Berger, the State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, in today’s meeting on the situation in

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Video Teleconference (VTC) Security Council Meeting on Peace Operations and Human Rights, 7 July 2020   Mr President,   The Minister of Defence of Germany, HE Ms Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, it is an honour to have you, your Excellency Chair this debate. We view this debate as important not only

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Africa, during the Security Council Video Teleconference (VTC) Meeting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Peace and Security, 2 July 2020   I thank the President, Minister Heiko Maas, for convening this briefing on the maintenance of peace and security focusing on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.   I also thank

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on the Implementation of Resolution 2231, 30 June 2020   Mr President,   South Africa continues to welcome the JCPOA as one of most important diplomatic achievements in the area of nuclear non-proliferation, since the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The JCPOA remains

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria, 29 June 2020   Thank you, Mr President,   Allow me to thank the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Mark Lowcock, for his timely briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We also take note of the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), during the UN Security Council Meeting on Peace and Security in Africa: Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, 29 June 2020   Mr President,   We thank Under-Secretary General, Rosemary DiCarlo, for her briefing and we welcome the participation of the representatives of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan in our discussions today.   Mr

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), during the UN Security Council Meeting on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), 25 June 2020   Thank you, Madam President,   We wish to welcome Ms Deborah Lyons (Special Representative and Head of UNAMA) to the Council and thank her for her briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and the

A3+1 Statement on the Democratic Republic of the Congo delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), 24 June 2020   Mr President,   I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 +1 members of the Council namely, Tunisia, South Africa, Niger and St Vincent and the Grenadines.   We would like to

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), 23 June 2020   Madam President,   My delegation would like to express its gratitude to you for convening this meeting. We would also like to thank the briefers, Mr David Shearer, SRSG for South Sudan and Mr Edmund

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Open Video Teleconference Briefing by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 18 June 2020   Mr President,   At the outset, I would like to thank France for convening this meeting on refugees, which is timely as we will be observing World Refugee Day, this coming Saturday, on

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Political situation in Syria, 16 June 2020   Thank you, Mr President,   Allow me to begin by thanking Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen and Ms Noura Ghazi for their briefings today.   The Syrian civil war has been raging for

Statement by the South African Mission to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), 08 June 2020   Mr President,   At the outset I wish to thank the President and Prosecutor for their comprehensive reports. The Mechanism is carrying out commendable work and has undertaken significant efforts to improve the functioning of the Mechanism

A3+1 Statement on Peacekeeping delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, 04 June 2020   Mr President,   I would like to thank you for convening this important and timely meeting on Peacekeeping Operations when the world is dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the challenge of implementation of the mandates of these missions

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, 27 May 2020   Mr President,   It has been an honour to have H.E. Ms Kaljulaid, the President of the Republic of Estonia, address the Council today.   I wish to thank the Secretary-General, Mr

A3+1 Statement on Somalia delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN, 21 May 2020   Mr President,   I would like to thank you for convening this important and timely meeting on Somalia. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+1, namely Niger, South Africa, Tunisia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.   At

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on Venezuela, 20 May 2020   Mr President,   We thank you for convening this meeting and thank Under-Secretary-General, Rosemary DiCarlo, for her informative briefing.   I will focus my intervention today on three issues, namely, the political situation, humanitarian situation and the exacerbating impact of

Statement by the South African Mission to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Open Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria, 19 May 2020   Thank you, Mr President,   I would like to thank Mr Lowcock for his comprehensive and frank briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Let me take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of humanitarian

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council VTC Meeting on the situation in Libya, 19 May 2020   Mr President,   Allow me to thank Acting Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission (UNSMIL) in Libya, Ms Stephanie Williams, for her detailed briefing on the latest political,

Statement by the South African Mission to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Open Video Teleconference on the Political situation in Syria, 18 May 2020   Thank you, Mr President,   Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his briefing on the political situation in Syria.   South Africa welcomes the relative calm across Syria and commends the parties

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the VTC Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 14 May 2020   Mr President,   We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ramesh Rajasingham, for their briefings. South Africa echoes its support for your efforts Special Envoy in seeking a

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the VTC Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 12 May 2020   Mr President,   We thank the Special Representative and Head of UNAMI, Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her insightful briefing.   South Africa supports the mandate renewal of UNAMI, in its current form, as it partners with the Government of

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open VTC Meeting on Bosnia & Herzegovina, 6 May 2020   Mr President,   We would like to thank the High-Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Valentin Inzko, for the latest report of his Office on the political, security and humanitarian situation in the country. The

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the International Criminal Court and the Situation in Libya, 05 May 2020   Mr President,   South Africa expresses its appreciation to the Prosecutor, Ms Fatou Bensouda, for her briefing provided today on the situation in Libya. South Africa continues to support the implementation of

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria, 29 April 2020   Thank you, Mr President,   Thank you also Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria.   South Africa remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Syria.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Political Situation in Syria, 29 April 2020   Thank you, Mr President,   I would like to also thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his comprehensive briefing on the political situation in Syria.   Political situation   South Africa is encouraged that

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Stabilisation Force in Abyei (UNISFA), 28 April 2020   Mr President,   I would like to express my delegation’s gratitude to you for convening today’s meeting. I would also like to thank Mr Lacroix, as well as Special Envoy Onanga-Anyanga for their

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council VTC Meeting on Venezuela, 28 April 2020   Mr President,   Thank you for convening this video-teleconference (VTC) meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Venezuela. We welcome Ms Reena Ghelani, Director of Operations of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and thank

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UNSC VTC Open Meeting entitled: “Towards the 5th Anniversary of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda: Accelerating Implementation of Resolution 2250 and 2419”, 27 April 2020   Mr President,   At the outset, I would like to thank the United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Antonio Gueterres, and our excellent trio

A3+1 Statement delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN, during the Security Council VTC Meeting on the Transition of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), 24 April 2020   Mr President,   I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+1 member states of the Council namely Niger, Tunisia, South Africa and

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, Thursday, 23 April 2020   Thank you, Mr President   Allow me to begin by reiterating South Africa’s position on the situation between Palestine and Israel. We will continue to support all efforts

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Meeting on Protecting Civilians affected by Conflict Induced Hunger, 21 April 2020   Mr President,   At the outset, South Africa wishes to thank the Dominican Republic for convening this briefing to address the link between hunger and conflict.   We thank the Director-General of the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the VTC Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 16 April 2020   Mr President,   We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and OCHA Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock, for their briefings.   South Africa continues to reiterate its support to the Special Envoy and applauds his efforts to find a peaceful solution to

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Consultations regarding Syria-Chemical Weapons, 15 April 2020   Let me begin by thanking the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms Izumi Nakamitsu, for a detailed and factual briefing.   We would also like to thank the Director-General of the OPCW for his 78th monthly report and have

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council VTC Meeting on COVID-19, 9 April 2020   Mr President,   I thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and informative briefing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the issues that fall under the mandate of the Council.   At the outset, South Africa would like

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Closed Security Council VTC Meeting on the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), 9 April 2020   Mr. President,   Thank you for convening this timely briefing on the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). We also wish to thank the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), 4 March 2020   Mr President,   We would like to thank you for convening today’s important meeting. We would also like to thank SRSG, Mr David Shearer, for his briefing today and also commend him and

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Iraq, 03 March 2020   Mr President,   We thank the Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her briefing.   Iraq has been ravaged by numerous cycles of conflict, crippling sectarianism and, most destructively, the threat

Statement by the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, at the Briefing of the Security Council on Non-Proliferation: supporting the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) ahead of the 2020 Review Conference, 26 February 2020   We thank Under Secretary General Izumi Nakamitsu and the President of the NPT Review Conference, Gustavo Zlauvinen, for their briefings.  

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations during the UN Security Council Briefing on the Political Situation in Syria, Wednesday, 19 February 2020   Thank you, Mr President,   Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his informative briefing on the political situation in Syria. I would also like to express South Africa’s full support for Special

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Yemen, 18 February 2020   Mr President,   We thank the Special Envoy Martin Griffiths (VTC), USG Lowcock (OCHA) and Ambassador King as Chair of the Yemen sanctions committee for their briefings. South Africa continues to reiterate our support for the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Ukraine, 18 February 2020   Mr President,   Thank you for facilitating today’s discussion as per the Russian Federation’s letter dated 13 April 2014.   We thank the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Rosemary DiCarlo; Ms Heidi Grau, Special Representative of the Organization

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, Tuesday, 11 February 2020   South Africa welcomes the President of the State of Palestine, H.E. President Mahmoud Abbas, to the Security Council and thanks him for his impassioned statement as

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open Debate on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Upholding the Charter of the United Nations, 09 January 2020   Mr President,   As this is the first open debate for the year 2020, South Africa would like to use this opportunity of welcoming the new

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on UNOWAS, 8 January 2020   Mr President,   I thank SRSG Chambas for his briefing and would like to use this opportunity to commend the efforts of the SRSG and his team in efficiently discharging their mandate amidst an increasingly challenging environment.   At

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: The Role of Reconciliation in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security, 19 November 2019   Mr President, I wish to begin by thanking the Secretary-General, Professor Alpaslan Özerdem and Ms Ilwad Elman for their briefings on this very important topic

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Debate on the Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tuesday, 05 November 2019   Madam President, allow me to begin by thanking Mr Valentine Inzko, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina for his briefing and report on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ms Selma

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, Wednesday, 20 November 2019   Madam President. Let me thank Mr Nikolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Ms Tania Hary, Executive Director of Gisha – Legal Centre for

Statement by Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Peace and Security in Africa: Visit of the Deputy Secretary-General to Horn of Africa, 4 November 2019   Madame President,   At the outset, I would like to congratulate the United Kingdom on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November, please be assured

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Briefing on the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Thursday, 31 October 2019   Excellencies, in this the last formal meeting of the Security Council for this month, allow me to take a moment to thank you for your support during South Africa’s presidency. I

Statement on behalf of South Africa by Ambassador J Matjila, International Court of Justice, Under the theme “Threat to international peace and security and its evolution through the practice of the Security Council and Court”, 31 October 2019   Mr President,   South Africa warmly welcomes President Yusuf to the Security Council today and wishes to share its views on the thematic discussion related to

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa, to the United Nations, during the Security Council Mandate Renewal of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), 30 October 2019   At the outset, South Africa wishes to reiterate its unequivocal and strong support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). This Mission, as its

Statement by Minister Mapisa-Nqakula, South African Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Affairs, during the Security Council Briefing on Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations (African Union), 30 October 2019   Members of the Council,   Excellencies,   I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, Côte d’ Ivoire, Equatorial

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the Great Lakes Region, 3 October 2019   Excellencies,   At the outset let me join others in thanking the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Mr Huang Xia for his informative briefing.   South Africa welcomes the improving relations and levels of cooperation

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Debate on the “Maintenance of International Peace and Security in Africa: The Centrality of Preventative Diplomacy, Conflict Prevention and Resolution”, 7 October 2019   Excellencies,   I now wish to address the Council in my national capacity. I thank the Secretary-General António Guterres for his statement. I

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Mali, 8 October 2019   Excellencies,   I now address the Council in my national capacity, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank SRSG Annadif for his insightful briefing on developments in Mali pertaining to the implementation of the mandate of MINUSMA.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila,  Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on MONUSCO, 09 October 2019   Excellencies,   South Africa joins other delegations in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms. Leila Zerrougui for her briefing on MONUSCO activities.   My delegation recognizes and commends the fundamental role played by MONUSCO in addressing the perennial

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Meeting on the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, 10 October 2019   Excellencies,   I now address the Council in my national capacity. Let me start by thanking and welcoming the Foreign Minister of Colombia, H.E. Carlos Holmes Trujillo to the meeting. We appreciate your commitment and availability

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Debate on Peace and Security in Africa: Mobilising the Youth towards Silencing the Guns by 2020, 2 October 2019   I would like to thank the briefers for your insightful briefing. It is always beneficial and valuable for the Council to be briefed by young people who are passionate

Welcome Remarks delivered by Finance Minister, Mr Tito Mboweni on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa during a Plenary Session entitled: Shaping Inclusive Growth and Shared Futures in the Fourth Industrial Revolution World Economic Forum on Africa, Cape Town, 05 September 2019   Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, President of the World Economic Forum, Mr Børge Brende, Deputy Secretary-General of the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Debate on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), 10 September 2019   Mr President,   Please allow me to begin by thanking the Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Mr Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Executive Director of the UNODC,

Speech by Deputy Director-General Ambassador Sooklal commemorating 25 Years of bilateral relations between South Africa and Bangladesh at the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies (BIISS), 04 September 2019   Major General Abdur Rahman Esteemed Delegates Members of the media Ladies and Gentlemen   I am honored to be afforded this opportunity to be with you today to commemorate an historic event in our shared

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Libya, 04 September 2019   Mr President,   I would like to thank Mr. Ghassan Salamé for his briefing on the situation in Libya. I also thank the Chair of the 1970 Committee, Ambassador Jürgen Schulz for his briefing on the work

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Meeting on “the Situation in the Middle East”, Tuesday, 27 August 2019   Mr President,   We thank you for convening this meeting. My delegation also thanks the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Mr Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing.   Mr President,  

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations and African Union Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), 26 August 2019   Madame President,   My delegation would like to thank you for convening this meeting. We would also like to thank Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and African Union Commissioner

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Yemen, 20 August 2019   Mr President,   We thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr Martin Griffiths, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Ms Ursula Mueller for their briefings. South Africa wishes to express our support for the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, on the Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, 2 August 2019   Madame President,   On the outset, I would like to thank Poland for organising this open debate on Children and Armed Conflict. The debate is timely as it coincides with the celebration of the 10th Year Anniversary of

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, on the occasion of Security Council Meeting on Libya, 29 July 2019   Mr President,   I would like to welcome and thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr Ghassan Salamé for his enlightening briefing and I also thank the Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany, Ambassador Jürgen Schulz for a

Opening Address by Director-General, Mr KE Mahoai, at the Six Month Review Workshop of South Africa’s Term as an Elected Member of the United Nations Security Council, 25- 26 July 2019   Programme Director, Representatives of Departments, Deputy Directors-General, Colleagues,   I wish to welcome you the opening session of the six-month review workshop of South Africa’s term as an elected member of the United

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa, to the United Nations during the Security Council Briefing on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Afghanistan, 26 July 2019   Mr President,   My delegation wishes to thank the briefers Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, USG Rosemary DiCarlo, and Jamila Afghani, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Afghanistan, Executive Director of Noor

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on MONUSCO, 24 July 2019   Mr President, We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms. Leila Zerrougui for her briefing on MONUSCO activities. South Africa recognises the important role played by MONUSCO in addressing the perennial instability in the eastern DRC and

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine, Tuesday, 23 July 2019   Let me begin by thanking Ms Di Carlo for her briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine.   Mr President,  

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Council Briefing on the situation in Yemen, Thursday, 18 July 2019   Thank Mr President,   At the outset, my delegation would like to thank all the briefers for their detailed and informative briefings.   Mr President,   South Africa remains extremely concerned at the serious humanitarian and

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Strengthening Partnerships for Nationally-Owned Transitions”, 18 July 2019   Mr President,   My delegation would like to thank you for convening this meeting on peacebuilding and sustaining peace: strengthening partnerships for nationally-owned transitions.   We thank the Secretary-General, António Guterres, the Chairperson

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, on the occasion of an Open Debate of the Security Council on the issue of “Linkages between International Terrorism and Organised Crime”, 9 July 2019   Mr President,   We congratulate Peru on its Presidency of the Security Council, and welcome today’s important discussion.   We also thank the briefers

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine, Thursday, 20 June 2019   Mr President,   I would like to thank Mr Mladenov for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine.   We are

Opening Remarks by Ambassador Anil Sooklal, Deputy Director-General: Asia and the Middle East at DIRCO, and Chair of the IORA Committee of Senior Officials (CSO), Durban, 19 June 2019   Salutations,   Colleagues, a warm welcome to the Ninth Bi-annual CSO Meeting. We are honoured by your presence and we hope that you have had an opportunity to rest, especially in view of the two

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the International Criminal Court and the situation in Sudan, 19 June 2019   Mr President,   At the outset allow me thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms Fatou Bensouda, for her comprehensive briefing on the situation in Sudan.   South Africa continues

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Yemen, 17 June 2019   Mr President,   We thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr Martin Griffiths, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Mark Lowcock and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme Mr David Beasley for their briefings.   We

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations and African Union Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), 14 June 2019   Mr President,   My delegation would like to thank you for convening this meeting. We also thank the briefers for their comprehensive briefings which have highlighted a number of key

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Burundi, 14 June 2019 Mr President, We thank Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, AU Peace and Security Commissioner, Ambassador Smail Chergui and Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), Chairperson of the Burundi Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission for their insightful briefings on the evolving situation in Burundi

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on “Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations in maintaining Peace and Security”, 13 June 2019   Mr President,   We thank you once again for your stewardship of today’s Council meeting on “Cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Mali, 12 June 2019   Mr President,   We wish to welcome His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali in the Council today. Minister we are pleased that you could joint us to discuss this important matter.   I wish to thank the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Conflict Prevention and Mediation”, 12 June 2019   Mr President,   It is good to see you back in the chair, presiding over our work in the Council.   We thank the delegation of Kuwait for convening the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Protection of Civilians: Missing Persons in Armed Conflict, 11 June 2019   Mr President,   I would like to thank the Operations Director Ms Reena Ghelani of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the President of the International Committee

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Kosovo, 10 June 2019   Mr President,   South Africa would like to thank the briefers for their informative statements.   South Africa welcomes the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), with support from the UN Kosovo Team and the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Libya, 10 June 2019   Mr President   South Africa thanks Secretary General for his report on the implementation of the Resolution 2420 on the arms embargo. We thank the United Kingdom as a penholder for facilitating this process.   My delegation

Joint E10 Statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, during the Open Debate on the Working Methods of the Security Council, 6 June 2019   Mr. President,   Thank you for giving me the floor. Allow me, before I deliver our joint E10 statement on the working methods of this Council, to reflect for a moment on

Press Conference by the African Members (A3) of the United Nations Security Council (Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea & South Africa) on the situation in Sudan at the UNSC Press Stakeout, UN Head Quarters, New York, 6 June 2019   Good Afternoon   1. The Representatives of the three African members of the Security Council (A3), along with the representative of the African Union would like

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, 04 June 2019   Mr President,   We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr François Louncény Fall for the report on the situation

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the Adoption of the Amisom Mandate Renewal, 31 May 2019   Mr President,   We thank the United Kingdom, in its capacity as penholder, for their transparency, tireless efforts and commitment in facilitating the resolution that we have adopted today.   The renewal

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria, 28 May 2019   Mr President,   I would like to thank Ms Ursula Meüller, Assistant-Secretary-General of Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for her briefing.   South Africa remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Syria.  We

A3 Joint Statement on the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, 23 May 2019   Madame President,   On behalf of the African members of the Security Council, Côte d’ Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa, I would like to thank the Indonesian Presidency for organising this important Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine, Wednesday, 22 May 2019   Mr President,   Please allow me to begin by thanking Mr Mladenov for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East, particularly the question of Palestine and

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Somalia, 22 May 2019   Mr President   South Africa thanks Deputy SRSG Zenenga, ASG Ursulla Mueller and AU SRCC Francisco Madeira for their briefing and Secretary-General Mr António Guterres for his report.   My delegation commends the UN Secretary General Guterres

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Libya, 21 May 2019   Mr President   South Africa thanks Special Representative Mr Ghassan Salamé for his briefing and Ambassador Jürgen Schulz for his report.   My delegation commends the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Mr Salamé, for their tireless

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 21 May 2019   Mr President,   We thank the Special Representative and Head of UNAMI, Ms Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing. South Africa supports the mandate renewal of UNAMI in its current format as it promotes the strengthening of the government of Iraq

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on Ukraine, 20 May 2019   Mr President,   We have supported the request for this meeting on the basis of consistency, having acceded to requests from other delegations for briefings on matters, which they regard as urgent and important. We also support the meeting based on

Statement delivered by Ambassador Jerry Matjila during the Security Council Meeting on Peace and Security in Africa: G5 Sahel Joint Force, 16 May 2019   Mr President,   I wish to thank H.E. Mr. Alpha Barry, the Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso for taking time to brief the Security Council on behalf of the G5 Sahel Presidency.   I also thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa,

Statement of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the State of Readiness for the Presidential Inauguration   Members of the IMC Senior officials of government Members of the media Ladies and gentlemen   I would like to first welcome you and the thank you for coming to this briefing on preparations for the presidential Inauguration scheduled to take place on the 25th of May, at Loftus

Statement Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, New York, 15 May 2019   Mr President   Thank you for convening this meeting on Yemen. We thank the Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore and the chair of the 2140 Sanctions Committee Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra of

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during, the Security Council Debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 08 May 2019   Mr President,   We would like to thank you for convening this debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.   We want to express our appreciation for the informative briefing by the High-Representative for Bosnia

Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Investing in Peace: Improving Safety and Performance of UN Peacekeepers, 07 May 2019   Madam President,   South Africa wishes to thank the Republic of Indonesia for organising the open debate on this important matter.   We also thank the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, on the occasion of the coordinated Briefing of the Chairs of the 1267/1989/1373 &1540 Committees, 20 May 2019   Mr President,   It is with deep regret that I must once again begin my remarks with expressing South Africa’s condolences, on this occasion to the people of Burkina Faso, who recently

Address by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, H.E. Ms LN Sisulu at the Conversation with the members of the Hellenic, Italian and Portuguese Communities Alliance, Alberton, Johannesburg, 3 May 2019   Members of the Diplomatic Corps The South African Hellenic, Italian and Portuguese Communities, Distinguished guests Ladies and Gentlemen.   Introduction   This is a year in which we are going to our

Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Mandate renewal of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) 30 April 2019   Mr President,   South Africa wishes to reiterate its unequivocal and strong support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and the renewal of

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine, Monday, 29 April 2019   Mr President,   Please allow me to take this opportunity to thank Ms Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing regarding the situation in the Middle East, including the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Ukraine, 25 April 2019   Mr President,   We note that today’s discussion is taking place as requested by Ukraine in its letter dated 24 April 2019.   At the outset we wish to thank the briefers for their briefings on the current situation in

Statement by South Africa during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security: Sexual Violence in Conflict, 23 April 2019   Mr President, Excellencies, Distinguished briefers,   At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Minister Heiko Maas, and the Permanent Mission of Germany for organising this debate.   Equally, I wish to extend South Africa’s gratitude to the Secretary-General, Mr

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), 17 April 2019   Mr President,   We would like to express our appreciation to you for convening this meeting. We also thank the African Union-United Nations Joint Special Representative for UNAMID, Mr J Mamabolo for his enlightening

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, New York, 15 April 2019   Mr President   Thank you for convening this meeting on the humanitarian situation in Yemen. We also thank Mr Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr Mark Lowcock, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs

Keynote Address by L N Sisulu, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the Dr Phyllis Naidoo Memorial Lecture, Senate Chamber I, Westville Campus University Of Kwazulu-Natal, 12 April 2019   “Key International Relations issues facing South Africa”   Moderator, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,   It is an immense pleasure for me to address the Dr Phyllis Naidoo Memorial lecture today. I have been

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Meeting on the humanitarian situation in Venezuela, 10 April 2019   Mr President, thank you for giving me the floor.   My delegation wishes to welcome the Secretary-General to the Council.   We also acknowledge the briefings provided by Mr Mark Lowcock, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian

Statement by Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, at a Public Lecture on South Africa’s two-year non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), 05 April 2019, Durban   Moderator, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,   I wish to begin by thanking you for joining us today at this public lecture convened by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

Keynote Address by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, HE Ms LN Sisulu, at the Mid-Term Meeting of the BRICS Business Council, Johannesburg, 4 April 2019   Council members of the respective chapters of the BRICS Business Councils, Captains of industry, Honourable delegates, Ladies and gentlemen.   I must preface my address by congratulating the newly appointed South African BRICS Business Council. I am

Remarks by LN Sisulu, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the DIRCO Monthly Media Briefing, 30 April 2019, DIRCO Media Centre   DIRCO Senior Officials, Members of the media,   Introduction   1. Our briefing today will cover a number of areas we have been involved in over the past couple of weeks. These include international engagements such as the recent

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Debate on the situation in Haiti, 3 April 2019   Mr President,   We welcome and support the innovation of Germany with the introduction of time keeping measures and opening of the curtain in the Council Chamber, we hope that this will translate into and lead to more

Keynote Address by L N Sisulu, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), Johannesburg, 3 April 2019   “Representing Africa in the World: Setting Priorities for South Africa’s Third Term in the UN Security Council”   Moderator, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,   I am glad for this opportunity to finally formally make your acquaintance. We have had

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Briefing on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Tuesday, 2 April 2019   Thank you Mr President,   We highly appreciate that you are presiding over this timely and relevant discussions on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), just a few

Remarks by Deputy Minister L. Landers on the occasion of the GRULAC Luncheon, DIRCO, 2 April 2019   Your Excellency, Ambassador Mairin Moreno Merida, Dean of the GRULAC Group Ambassadors and High Commissioners Ladies & Gentlemen Comrades and Friends Good afternoon,   Allow me the opportunity to extend to your esteemed selves fraternal greetings on behalf of the People and Government of South Africa.   It

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Meeting on the Middle East including the Question of Palestine, 26 March 2019   Mr President,   I would like to join others in thanking the Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Mr Mladenov for his briefing on the developments in the Middle East.   South Africa condemns the rocket

Welcome Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu, on the occasion of the SADC Solidarity Conference with Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Pretoria, 25 March 2019   It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the Republic of South Africa on this unprecedented occasion where our progressive region – SADC, convenes a Solidarity Conference with the Saharawi people. Unprecedented

Statement delivered by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, H.E. Mr Luwellyn Landers, at the Second High Level Meeting on South-South Cooperation, on 20 March 2019   Mr President,   It is an honour and privilege for me to attend and participate in the deliberations of this important conference.   I wish to thank the government of Argentina for their generosity and excellent efforts

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, New York, 18 March 2019   Mr President,   At the outset let me join others in thanking the Special Representative and Head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), 11 March 2019   Mr President,   Thank you for convening this briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) this morning.   We wish to take this opportunity to convey our condolences to our Ethiopian friends

Opening Remarks by Deputy Minister R Mhaule, at the Ninth Deputy Ministerial Working Group Meeting (DMWG) between the Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran, 08 March 2019, Cape Town   Your Excellency Dr Abbas Araghchi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Your Excellency, Mr Mohsen Mohavhedi Ghomi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations on the Briefing to the Security Council by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), 7 March 2019   Mr President,   Thank you for facilitating today’s briefing by the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe, Mr Miroslav Lajčák, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

Opening Remarks by Deputy Minister Landers during his Working Lunch with the European Union Ambassadors accredited to South Africa, Pretoria, 05 March 2019   Ambassador Marcus Cornaro, Ambassador of the European Union to South Africa Heads of Mission of European Union Member States accredited to South Africa Head of the European Investment Bank Offices in South Africa, Mr Tom Anderson Officials from DIRCO and the

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Myanmar, 28 February 2019   Mr President,   South Africa thanks the Special Envoy, Ms Christine Schraner Burgener, for her informative briefing following her recent visit to the region. We also wish to commend Ms Burgener for her continued efforts in finding solutions to this

Statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, during the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the political situation in Syria, 28 February 2019   Mr President,   The South Africa delegation would like join others in thanking the Special Envoy for Syria, Mr Geir Pedersen, for his insightful and forward-looking briefing.   As this is the

Opening Remarks by Mr Luwellyn Landers, MP, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, at the Western Sahara Side-Event, on 27 February 2019, on the European Union and its Member State’s responsibility for the Decolonisation of Western Sahara   Moderator Excellencies Fellow panellists Distinguished guests Ladies and gentlemen   It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Open Briefing of the United Nations Security Council, 26 February 2019   Mr President,   We are grateful for the informative briefing provided by Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms Rosemary DiCarlo.   Mr President,   The United Nations Security Council is the principle organ charged with maintaining

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Meeting on the AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), 25 February 2019   Mr. President   At the outset let me thank you for convening this meeting today. Allow me to also express our appreciation to Ms. Bintou Keita, ASG for Africa, for her comprehensive briefing on

Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers, South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the Annual High-Level Panel Discussion on Human Rights mainstreaming, 40th Session of the Human Rights Council, Human Rights in the light of Multilateralism: Opportunities, Challenges and the way forward, 25 February 2019   Mr President   We wish to thank the dignitaries and panellists for sharing their views.   On occasions

Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers, South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at the High-Level Segment of the 40th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland   25 February 2019   Mr President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers present, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen   Permit me to begin by congratulating Ms Michelle Bachelet on assuming the Office of the High Commission for

Statement by Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation at a Public Lecture on Creating a Secure and Peaceful world: Key priorities during South Africa’s tenure in the UN Security Council – 22 February 2019, Cape Town.   Moderator, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,   I wish to begin by thanking you for joining us today at this public lecture convened by

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Central African Republic 21 February 2019   Thank you, President   Mr President,   At the outset let me join others in thanking  the outgoing Special Representative and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East including the question of Palestine 20 February 2019   Thank you, Mr. President,   Mr President, at the outset we join others in thanking the Special Coordinator, Mr Mladenov for his comprehensive briefing. Likewise, we welcome the briefing by

Remarks by L N Sisulu, Minister of International Relations and cooperation on the occasion of the DIRCO media engagement 19 February 2019   Deputy Minister Landers DIRCO senior officials Members of the media   Introduction: RSA General elections   1. This morning we hosted our Quarterly engagement with members of the Diplomatic Corps, this is in-line with our commitment to keep the Diplomatic Corps informed

Statement by the Permanent Representative of South Africa, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, on the situation in Burundi   19 February 2019   Mr President   We thank former President Michel Kafando, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi and Ambassador Jurg Lauber, Chair of the Burundi Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission for their important and insightful briefings on the evolving situation in Burundi and for their

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council meeting on Yemen   19 February 2019   Mr President,   We thank the Secretary General’s Special Envoy Mr Martin Griffiths, as well as the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mr Mark Lowcock for their informative briefings. We also welcome the appointment of Major General Michael Anker

Address by L N Sisulu, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, at the occasion of the debate on the President’s State of the Nation Address, 13 February 2019   Madam Speaker, President of the Republic, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, Honourable Members:   Honourable Members have had very robust debates, which were very valuable in parts. From where I stand it is important for us

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the Security Council Meeting on Iraq, 13 February 2019   Mr President,   We thank the new Special Representative and Head of UNAMI, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing and we are looking forward to working together with her in future.   South Africa would like to highlight the following three

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila Permanent Representative of South Africa  to the United Nations during the Security Council meeting on Ukraine 12 February 2019     Mr President,   We thank Assistant Secretary-General Mirosalv Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General Ursula Müller, Ambassador Ertuğrul Apakan, as well as Ambassador Martin Sajdik for their informative briefings.   It is clear from the briefings we have heard, that there remains an

Statement by the Deputy Director-General Global Governance and Continental Agenda of South Africa, Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi, during the United Nations Security Council Debate on “Transnational Organised Crime at Sea as a Threat to International Peace and Security”, 5 February 2019   Mr President,   I thank you for convening this important debate on Transnational Organised Crime at Sea as a Threat to International Peace and

Speech by Deputy Minister Landers participation at the GEG-Africa Programme and the T20 African Standing Group Meeting, the G20 and Africa: Navigating African Priorities for the G20, 29 January 2019   Programme Director, Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Director-General Dondo Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, Chief Executive of the NEPAD Agency, Dr Yashuo Fujita, Deputy Director, JICA Research Institute Representatives of International Organisations and Think-Tanks present, and

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the UN Security Council Meeting on Venezuela   26 January 2019   Mr President,   In any country, political parties choose the provisions on which to conduct elections.   Venezuela is no different and it held its Presidential elections on 20 May 2018, on the basis of its national laws

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations during the UN Security Council Open Debate on Addressing the Impacts of Climate related Disasters on International Peace and Security   25 January 2019   Mr President,   We are honoured to have you preside over today’s open debate, and thank the Dominican Republic for arranging this important meeting as well

Statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador J Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations in New York during the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Libya – 18 January 2019   Mr President,   We would like to add our voice in thanking you for convening this meeting today, and to thank SRSG Mr Ghassan Salame for his comprehensive briefing to the

Statement delivered by H.E. Jerry Matjila during the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Sudan Sanctions, 17 January 2019   Mr President   We would like to thank you for convening this meeting, and we would also like to thank Ms Wronecka for her briefing and her leadership in this portfolio.   South Africa welcomes the improvements in the security situation in Darfur. The situation

Statement by South Africa to the United Nations Security Council on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 11 January 2019   Mr President,   We would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Ms Leila Zerrougui, for her briefing. We welcome and thank CENI, SADC and the African Union of their assessment of the electoral process. We also

Speech by Deputy Minister Mhaule on the 25 years of South Africa’s Freedom at the Research and Information System for developing countries (RIS), 9 January 2019   Programme Director, Director General of RIS, Prof Sachin Chaturvedi, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Sanibonani   I am honoured to be addressing this distinguished audience and wish to thank the RIS for the opportunity to address you today.