Welcome to the Department of International Relations & Cooperation

President Ramaphosa to eulogise Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa funeral

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 12 October 2025 deliver the eulogy in honour of the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal. The late Ambassador to France will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2, at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 12 October 2025. The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by

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DIRCO to host Official Memorial Service for the late Ambassador Mthethwa

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will host the Official Memorial Service for the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa on Friday, 10 October 2025. Ambassador Mthethwa served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France. He passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025 aged 58. The memorial service will take place as follows: Date: 10 October 2025 Venue:

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President Ramaphosa to address the UNGA80 High Level Segment

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, 23 September 2025, join Heads of State and Government, at the General Debate of the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). The proceedings will commence from 15h00(SAST). The President is speaker number 16 on the speakers list and he is expected to address at 20h15 (SAST). The proceedings can be followed

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Minister Lamola to deliver keynote address at Limpopo Black Excellence Awards

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, will deliver the keynote address at a Black Management Forum (BMF) event in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, which will be held under the theme: Harnessing Black Excellence to Drive Economic Innovation and Geopolitical Influence. This event will celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions of black leaders and innovators. The media are invited as follows: Date: Friday, 12

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President Ramaphosa to participate in virtual BRICS Leaders’ Summit

President Ramaphosa to participate in virtual BRICS Leaders’ Summit President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon, Monday 8 September 2025, participate in a virtual meeting of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit. The Summit is a platform for leaders to exchange views on pressing global issues, with particular focus on the current economic environment and the state of the multilateral system. The BRICS Leaders’ Summit chaired by President

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Minister Lamola to host the High-Level Forum of the 10th Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, is scheduled to host the High-Level Forum of the 10th Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum on Thursday, 28 August 2025, at the DIRCO Conference Centre, in Pretoria. The year 2025 will mark the 10th anniversary of the Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum. The Forum has developed into a platform that has gained respect from the

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Minister Lamola to brief the media on international developments

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, will brief the media on recent developments relating to the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy. The briefing takes place soon after South Africa’s participation in key regional and multilateral forums, including the TICAD Summit held in Japan and the SADC Summit held in Madagascar. It is expected that Minister Lamola will also provide an

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DIRCO and UNISA to host a seminar on “The UN at 80: The post-World War II peace architecture and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty”

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the University of South Africa (UNISA) will host a public seminar on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, under the theme: The United Nations (UN) at 80: The post-World War II peace architecture and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The year 2025 marks 80 years since the establishment of the UN. In 1945, the world witnessed in horror as

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President Ramaphosa to host President Van Der Bellen of Austria for a State Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 4 July 2025, host President Alexander van der Bellen of Austria at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The State Visit presents an opportunity to consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Austria, particularly in the fields of arts and culture, higher education, renewable energy, trade and investment, and waste management. South Africa and Austria maintain cordial

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DIRCO to host high-level dialogue focussing on “Re-imagining Democracy in Africa”

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will host a high-level dialogue focussing on the challenges of advancing democratic governance in the Global South. Held in partnership with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), the event will take place on 19 and 20 June 2025 in Pretoria under the theme Re-imagining Democracy in Africa: Comparative Experiences from the Global South. Deputy

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Repatriation of the mortal remains of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Former President of the Republic of Zambia

Members of the media are respectfully invited to cover the repatriation and solemn send-off ceremony of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu, former President of the Republic of Zambia. His Excellency sadly passed away on Thursday, 5 June 2025, in Pretoria, after a period of medical treatment. On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed profound sadness at the

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Minister Lamola to address Media Briefing focussing on South Africa’s G20 Presidency

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, will provide a briefing on South Africa’s G20 Presidency. South Africa assumed the role of President of the G20 on 1 December 2024, taking over from Brazil. Minister Lamola will update the media on the progress made to date and on preparations for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which is scheduled to take place in November

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Deputy President Mashatile to deliver a Keynote Address at the T20 Africa High-Level Policy Dialogue

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will attend and deliver a keynote address at the T20 Africa High-Level Policy Dialogue scheduled to take place in Pretoria from 29 to 30 April 2025. A hallmark of the G20’s legitimacy is its engagement with civil society and non-governmental stakeholders through eleven dedicated Engagement Groups. These groups provide platforms for business (B20), labour (L20), women (W20), youth (Y20), civil

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President Cyril Ramaphosa to host President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine on an Official Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 24 April 2025, host the President of Ukraine, His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on an Official Visit to South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The Official Visit to South Africa by President Zelenskyy will be the first by a Head of State from Ukraine, and follows on the visit to Ukraine by President Ramaphosa, as part of

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Media accreditation application for the incoming Working Visit by Ukraine

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 24 April 2025, receive the President of Ukraine, His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on a Working Visit to South Africa, at the Union Buildings, in Pretoria. Media interested in covering the Ukraine Working Visit proceedings at the Union Buildings is invited to apply for media accreditation by filling in UKRAINE WORKING VISIT MEDIA ACCREDITATION APPLICATION FORM.xlsx and submit it

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South Africa’s strategic adaptation to US Tariffs: Advancing National Interests through Policy and Strategy

The Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and Trade, Industry and Competition will host a joint press conference on South Africa strategic approach to US’s tariff regime. The details of the press conference are as follows: Date: Friday, 4 April 2025 Time: 10h30 Venue: Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) 1258 Lever Road, Headway Hill, Midrand Media colleagues are encouraged to RSVP with Ms K

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South Africa convenes the Second G20 Sherpa Meeting

South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, Mr Zane Dangor, will chair the Second Meeting of the G20 Sherpas, to be held virtually on 3 and 4 April 2025. The meeting will take place under the theme: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. The First G20 Sherpa Meeting under South Africa’s presidency of the group took place in December 2024, in Johannesburg. Members of the media are invited to cover the

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President Ramaphosa to receive Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 27 March 2025, receive Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate at a Credentials Ceremony to be held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria. Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission-designate who have been nominated by their respective governments to serve as ambassadors to South Africa. President Ramaphosa will

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President Ramaphosa to address G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, open the First Meeting of Group of 20 (G20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors under South Africa’s Presidency. This engagement will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting is hosted by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana and Governor of the South African Reserve Bank

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President Ramaphosa to officiate First Meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers under South African Presidency

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 20 February 2025, officially open and address the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg. The Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Minister Ronald Lamola, takes place under South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability on 20 and 21 February 2025 at the Nasrec Expo Centre. South Africa’s G20 Presidency

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Minister Lamola and EU High Representative Kallas to co-chair the 16th Ministerial Political Dialogue between South Africa and the EU in Cape Town

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, and Ms Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, will co-chair the 16th Ministerial Political Dialogue (MPD) between South Africa and the European Union (EU) on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, in Cape Town. Minister Lamola will be joined by various South African Cabinet Ministers.

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Deputy President Mashatile to attend the Ubuntu Awards

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Saturday, 08 February 2025, attend and deliver congratulatory remarks at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) annual Ubuntu Awards in Cape Town, Western Cape Province. The awards ceremony, which is held annually following the Opening of Parliament and State of the Nation Address, brings together leaders from various sectors, including business, civil society representatives, Cabinet Members,

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Minister Lamola to address the Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage to Tackle Debt, End Poverty and Heal Our Planet Press Conference

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, will address the Jubilee and Caritas Internationalis Leaders’ Press Conference virtually on 23 December 2024, at 16h00. The press conference will be held at Salone San Pio X, Vatican City, to launch campaigns on debt relief in 160 countries for Jubilee 2025. The 23 December St. Peter’s Press Conference explains the themes of debt cancellation lifted

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Minister Lamola to lead a delegation of South African Ministers to meet with Mozambican counterparts

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Mr Ronald Lamola, will on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, lead a South African delegation of Ministers during a bilateral engagement with Mozambique aimed at engaging on the challenges in Mozambique. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Paradise Creek Lodge in Malelane, Mpumalanga Province, starting from 10h00. The South African delegation will comprise key officials

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Collection of media accreditation for the Sherpas, Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meetings

As President of the G20, South Africa will host the Sherpas, Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meetings at Investec in Sandton, Johannesburg, from 9 to 12 December 2024. The meetings will take place under the theme, Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. Live accreditation details are as follows: Date: 7-8 December 2024 Venue: Nedbank Headquarters, 135 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton, 2196 Time: 09h00-17h00 Required Documents for Live Accreditation:

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President Cyril Ramaphosa to host His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of the Republic of Angola

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 12 December 2024, host His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The Heads of State will use the occasion of the State Visit to solidify relations between the two countries who share deep historical ties. President Ramaphosa and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço will address a Plenary Session of a Business

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Update: President Ramaphosa to launch South Africa’s G20 Presidency in Cape Town

Due to changes in the President’s diary, the media briefing on South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 3 December 2024 in Cape Town. Media are invited as follows: Date: Tuesday, 3 December 2024 Time: 09h30 (media to arrive at 08h30) Venue: 120 Plein Street, Parliament, Imbizo Media Centre, Cape Town Members of the media who wish to cover the

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Minister Ronald Lamola to address Annual General Meeting of Advocates for Transformation

Minister Ronald Lamola will be attending and addressing the Annual General Meeting of Advocates for Transformation (Johannesburg Region) on Saturday, 30 November 2024. Event Details: Date: Saturday, 30 November 2024 Time:  09h00 Venue: Advocates Group 621, Sandown Village, 81 Maude St, Sandton Minister Lamola will share his insights on South Africa’s position in the global struggle for the recognition of the Global South. Enquiries: Mr

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President Ramaphosa to launch South Africa’s G20 Presidency

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday, 2 December 2024, brief the media on South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency. During the recent G20 Rio Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, President Ramaphosa officially accepted South Africa’s responsibility for the G20 Presidency for 2025. This will be the first time an African economy leads the G20 for a rotational, one-year term. Brazil held the G20 Presidency during

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Minister Lamola to participate in the 47th United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Members of the Media are invited to join us as we DIRCO, the Embassy of the State of Palestine, and the UN in South Africa will host an event to mark the 47th United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This special event will include the unveiling of a memorial plaque honouring the late President Yasser Arafat and a ceremony to bestow

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Media accreditation for the First Sherpas-Finance and Central Bank Deputies Joint Meeting

As President of the G20, South Africa will host the first set of meetings of the grouping in December 2024, in Gauteng. The First Sherpas, Finance Deputies and Central Bank Governors Meetings will take place in Sandton, Johannesburg, from 9 to 12 December 2024. The meetings will take place under the theme, Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. Only bona fide media practitioners may apply for media accreditation.

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Minister Lamola to host his UK counterpart in Cape Town

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola will host Rt. Hon David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development of the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday, 5 November 2024, in Cape Town. The meeting will focus on strengthening relations between South Africa and the UK. The UK is one of South Africa’s most significant bilateral partners, particularly in trade, investment, skills development, science,

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Minister Ronald Lamola meets with the Deputy Secretary-General of United Nations (UN), Ms Amina J Mohammed

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola will meet Ms Amina J Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of United Nations (UN). Media are invited as follows: Date: Monday, 7 October 2024 Time: 12h30 Venue: DIRCO Media Briefing Room, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria RSVP: RapakuanaK@dirco.gov.za Enquiries: Mr Chrispin Phiri, Ministry Spokesperson ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION OR Tambo Building 460 Soutpansberg Road Rietondale

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DIRCO Perspective Media Briefing by Spokesperson

DIRCO Perspective Media Briefing by Spokesperson DIRCO will on Monday, 12 August 2024, host a media briefing to update the public on the Minister’s programme and other topical issues related to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Members of the media are invited as follows: Date: Monday 12 August 2024 Time: 12h30 Venue: DIRCO, Media Centre RSVP: Members of the media wishing to attend

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2024 Presidential Inauguration application for accreditation

Members of the media wishing to cover the 2024 Presidential Inauguration are invited to apply for accreditation. Applications for accreditation are to be submitted online using the link: https://mrs.gcis.gov.za. The closing date for applications is Monday, 17 June 2024 at 12h00. Accreditation enquiries may be directed to: Takalani Mukwevho, 082 227 9308, takalanim@gcis.gov.za or Mpho Phatudi, 079 605 2659, mphop@gcis.gov.za. Enquiries: William Baloyi on 083

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Minister Pandor to deliver the Opening Remarks at the Global Anti-Apartheid Conference on Palestine

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will tomorrow, Friday, 10 May 2024, at 09h00, deliver on behalf of President Ramaphosa, the Opening Remarks at the Global Anti-Apartheid Conference on Palestine at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.   ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION   OR Tambo Building 460 Soutpansberg Road Rietondale Pretoria 0084

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Minister Pandor to co-chair the South Africa-Ghana Bi-National Commission with her counterpart

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will co-chair the Ministerial Segment of the South Africa-Ghana Bi-National Commission (BNC) with her counterpart, Ms Shirley Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana; on Monday, 11 March 2024.   The BNC provides an opportunity to strengthen and consolidate cooperation between the two countries and to exchange views on

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile to address the Eighth Annual Awards

On behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will tomorrow, 10 February 2024, deliver the keynote address at the Eighth Annual #UbuntuAwards2024 Ceremony.   The awards ceremony is organised annually by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and is aimed at recognising South African industry leaders, eminent persons and ordinary South African citizens for their distinguished service and contribution to promoting

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Minister Pandor leads South Africa’s delegation to the Hague to hear the ICJ provisional measures application outcome

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced that it will deliver its order on Friday, 26 January 2024 “on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa” in a genocide case against Israel. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will be in attendance, representing South Africa.   On 29 December 2023, South Africa filed a lawsuit

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Minister Pandor to host her Austrian counterpart for Bilateral Consultations

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will host the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, HE Mr Alexander Schallenberg, for Bilateral Consultations.   The visit by Minister Schallenberg will serve as a platform to discuss South Africa-Austria bilateral relations as well as international issues of mutual concern.   South Africa and Austria have longstanding bilateral relations, which are currently

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President to attend African Peer Review Mechanism 20th Anniversary

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 12 December 2023, attend the 20th anniversary celebration of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).   This event at the Capital On The Park Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, will also entail the launch of the South Africa Second Generation Country Review Report.   The APRM 20th anniversary is being celebrated through a series of meetings and events from 10

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