The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will deliver the keynote address at the colloquium marking the culmination of the 22nd All Africa Course on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) taking place at the University of Johannesburg on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
The colloquium is focussing on South Africa’s role in promoting and developing IHL, artificial intelligence and Autonomous Weapons Systems. It brings together academics, practitioners, military, and judicial personnel, as well as members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Later in the day, Deputy Minister Botes will also participate in a panel discussion at the Nucleus Institute Seminar focussing on “Middle Power Alignment, South Africa & Canada Perspectives”. He will join the panel focusing on “The Perils and Promise of the Middle Power Doctrine: The Political and Diplomatic Perspective”. The event will take place at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
All Africa Course on International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
Time: 08:30
Venue: University of Johannesburg
Nucleus Institute Seminar: Middle Power Alignment: South Africa & Canada Perspectives
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
Time: 14:00
Venue: The Maslow Hotel, Corner Grayston Drive & Rivonia Road, Sandton
Media RSVPs: Ms Babalwa Mavuso, mavusob@dirco.gov.za
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084