Minister Ronald Lamola has arrived in Juba, leading a High-Level African Union Ad-hoc Committee of Five (C5) Visit to South Sudan from 14 to 15 January 2026. He is leading the delegation in his capacity as the Chairperson. This visit is a follow-up to ...
Keynote Address by Minister Ronald O Lamola on the 2026 Foreign Policy Outlook: Advancing People-Centred Development (Working Brunch), Rustenburg, North West, South Africa, 9 January 2026
Executive Mayor, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and gentlemen, Greetings, We meet today in an atmosphere of global unease. The events of the last few days and recent years have placed the world on shaky ground. We see rising geopolitical ...
DIRCO and Rustenburg Local Municipality to host a public participation event in Rustenburg
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation, in collaboration with the Rustenburg Local Municipality, will host a public participation event on Friday, 9 January 2026, at the Civic Centre in Rustenburg under the theme: Advancing People-Centr ...
A Response to Secretary Rubio’s Substack post
Secretary Rubio, I have read your Substack post from 3 December 2025. From the outset, let me extend congratulations to the United States on assuming the G20 Presidency. We offer our sincere wishes for a successful term, one that we hope will serve ...
Media Statement by Minister Ronald O Lamola on preparations for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, 17 November 2025
It is my distinct honour to welcome you to the NASREC precinct, The National Arts Sports Recreation Events Centre, a place that stands as a living testament to South Africa’s journey of transformation and resilience. NASREC, also known as the Johannesb ...
Minister Lamola’s pre-recorded Keynote Address at a Special Session on G20 to the Virtual Global Town Hall 2025, Jakarta, Indonesia, 15 November 2025
Host: Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI). Theme: The Future We Want Dear delegates, Esteemed colleagues, Friends, It is a great honour to deliver this message on behalf of the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa ...
Minister Lamola to brief the media on the state of readiness to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, will brief the media on South Africa’s state of readiness to host the historic G20 Leaders’ Summit, which is scheduled to take place from 22 to 23 November 2025, at the Johannesbur ...
South Africa notes President Trump’s regrettable Truth Social post
The South African Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation has noted the content of a post by President Donald J. Trump on the Truth Social platform. The South African Government wishes to state, for the record, that the characterisation of ...
Minister Ronald Lamola congratulates the South African Broadcasting Corporation on United Nations Correspondents Association Award
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, extends his sincere congratulations to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and its correspondent, Mr Sherwin Bryce-Pease and videographer Aaron Berbrick, on being awa ...
South Africa condemns the attacks by the Rapid Support Forces in El Fasher, North Darfur
The South African Government strongly condemns the attacks perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces on 9 October 2025 in El Fasher, North Darfur on a hospital and displacement centre killing at least 20 people. These assaults on civilian infrastructure hav ...
South Africa expresses concern over developments in Madagascar
The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with deep concern the recent political developments in the Republic of Madagascar. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property that has occurred. South Afric ...
A Tribute to Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa by Minister Ronald Lamola, 10 October 2025
Mthethwa and Family representatives, Your Excellencies, Deputy Director-General for Europe and the Americas Ambassador VM Dlomo, members of the diplomatic corps, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. Our gathering here is a sombre reminder that Ambassador ...
South Africa mourns the untimely passing of Ambassador Nkosinathi Mthethwa
The Government of the Republic of South Africa announces with deep sorrow and profound regret the untimely passing of His Excellency Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to the French Republic. Ambassador Mthethwa was a di ...
Closing Remarks by Minister R O Lamola at the Second G20 Foreign Minsters’ Meeting, New York, USA, 25 September 2025
Your Excellences, I would like to thank you all for your attendance and constructive participation in this Second G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. We further thank the United Nations Secretary-General, HE Mr Antonio Gu ...
Statement by Minister R O Lamola at the Second G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, “The United Nations at 80: reaffirming peace as a path to sustainable development”, New York, USA, 25 September 2025
Honourable Ministers of Foreign Affairs of G20 Members, Honourable Ministers of Foreign Affairs of invited Guest Countries, Honourable Fellow Foreign Ministers of UN Members and permanent observers, G20 Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas, Heads of Invited Inter ...
Press Statement by the Global Governance Group (3G) on its Eighteenth Ministerial Meeting on 24 September 2025
1 The Global Governance Group (3G) held its 18th Ministerial Meeting in New York on 24 September 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The 3G welcomed the participation of South Africa and Brazil—who eng ...
Speech delivered by Minister Ronald Lamola at the International Peace Institute’s (IPI) Annual Event on Africa and the Global Order Reform of the Global Financial Architecture: G20 Imperatives for Sustainable Debt and Inclusive Growth, New York, USA, on 24 September 2025
Your Excellencies, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, My co-host, Mr Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an honour and privilege to welcome you all here this evening. South Africa’s Leadership at the G20 South Af ...
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 ...
Speech By Minister Ronald Lamola at the Second Annual Peace and Security Dialogue under the auspices of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation held on 4 September 2025
Former President, Your Excellencies, Esteemed Delegates, Brothers and Sisters of Africa, We stand today at a crossroads of history. In the current world of heightened uncertainty, and the return of dangerous might-makes-right policies, new possibili ...
Keynote Address by Minister Roland Lamola on the occasion of the B20 Recommendation Papers Handover, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, 4 September 2025
Good afternoon. It is a great honour to be with you today, to represent the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, if there is one thing we must take away from the ...
How non-alignment shapes South Africa’s foreign policy in a multipolar world, Daily Maverick, by Ronald Lamola, 2 September 2025
Our foreign policy of non-alignment is not anti-West or anti anyone. It is an expression of sovereignty anchored in our Constitution and in international law. There is a strong narrative and a seemingly strident lobby in South Africa that insists our f ...
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 202 ...
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 ...
Clarification on South Africa’s Foreign Policy Authority
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has taken note of recent media reports concerning comments attributed to South African National Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzani Maphwanya. It is crucial to clarify that the implementa ...
Joint Media Statement by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and Trade, Industry and Competition, 4 August 2025
South Africa's Response Measures to the US tariffs Since the beginning of the 7th Administration, South Africa embarked on a process to stabilise and enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations with the US. The aim has been to address lo ...
Chair’s Statement, Plenary Meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Cape Town, South Africa, 21 – 25 July 2025
The thirty-fourth Plenary Meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) took place from 21 – 25 July 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The NSG brings together 48 Participating Governments with the European Commission and the Chair of the Zangger Committ ...
Speech by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Ronald Lamola (MP), in the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa on the occasion of The Presidency Budget Vote Debate, delivered on 16 July 2025
A Call for Collective Action in a World Under Strain Mr President, Madam speaker, Honourable members, This budget will enable the Presidency to fulfil its obligations to build a national democratic society and not narrow political interests. So ...
Minister Lamola leads South African delegation at the 47th Ordinary Session of AU Executive Council in Equatorial Guinea
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, is leading South Africa’s delegation at the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council taking place on 10 and 11 July 2025 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. T ...
Budget Vote Speech delivered by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, MP, in Parliament, Cape Town, South Africa, 3 July 2025
House Chairperson, Honourable Members, We’re tabling a budget today, just over a year since the formation of the GNU. We continue to make progress in our international relations work. Honourable Members, I have just returned from Sevilla in Spain ...
Pre-Budget Department of International Relations and Cooperation Media Briefing by Minister Ronald Lamola, in Parliament, Cape Town, South Africa, 3 July 2025
Africa: Implementing Agenda 2063 Our foreign policy is an extension of our domestic imperatives on human rights and resolving the triple challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment. Through attracting Foreign Direct Investment, we intend to h ...
Minister Lamola to deliver DIRCO Budget Vote Speech, which is to be preceded by a media briefing
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamoma, will deliver the Budget Vote Speech of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Thursday, 3 July 2025, in Parliament, Cape Town. Minister Lamola will ...
South Africa to participate at the Fourth International Conference on the Financing for Development in Spain
At the invitation of the President Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón of the Government of Spain and United Nations Secretary - General António Guterres, the South African Government, led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Ronald Lamol ...
Speech by Minister Ronald Lamola at the High-Level Session of the Third G20 Sherpa Meeting, Sun City, 26 June 2025
Honourable Premier of the North West Province, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi, Mr Zane Dangor, G20 Sherpa and Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Sherpas from G20 Members, Invited Guests and International O ...
Minister Lamola conveys condolences in Zambia, discusses repose of former President Lungu
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Ronald Lamola, MP, on Sunday concluded a High-Level Diplomatic Mission to Lusaka, Republic of Zambia, as Presidential Special Envoy. Minister Lamola was receive ...
Release of two South African nationals from detention in Equatorial Guinea following Presidential Pardon
The Government of the Republic of South Africa welcomes the release of Mr Peter Shane Huxham and Mr Frederic Potgieter from detention in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. This release follows the granting of clemency by the President of Equatorial Guinea ...
Media Programme for the G20 Third Sherpa Meeting
South Africa will host the Third Meeting of the G20 Sherpas from 25 to 27 June 2025 at the Sun City Resort in the North West Province. The meeting will take place under the theme: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. Live accreditation details are ...
Minister Lamola attends the FOCAC Ministerial Coordinator’s Meeting, in Changsha, People’s Republic of China, from 10 to 12 June 2025
Minister Ronald Lamola has undertaken an Official Visit to Changsha, Hunan Province, to attend the Ministerial Coordination Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The purpose of the meeting is to discuss implementation of the outcome ...
Speech by Minister Mr Ronald Lamola delivered at the Black Business Council at the OR Tambo Conference Centre, Pretoria, South Africa, on 5 June 2025
The President of the BBC Elias Monage and the entire leadership of the BBC, It is an honour and privilege to address the BBC annual summit under the theme socio economic transformation and inclusive growth in the context of the GNU, G20 Presidency and ...
South African Government confirms tragic death of citizen in the USA, extends condolences
The Government of the Republic of South Africa confirms with deep sadness the tragic passing of a South African citizen in West Virginia, United States of America. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, has extended con ...
South African Ministers arrive in Paris to champion reform at OECD Ministerial Meeting, target Africa’s Financing Gap
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Ronald Lamola; and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Mr Parks Tau, arrived in Paris today to lead South Africa’s delegation at the 2025 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (from 3 to 4 June ...
Remarks by HE Mr Ronald O. Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, during the 12th High-Level Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region, 28 May 2025
Your Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Chairperson of the PSC Framework, Your Excellencies, Signatory Countries of the PSC Framework, Your Excellencies, Representatives of Guarantors Institutions, Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of Presi ...
Minister Lamola in Uganda to participate in a High-Level Meeting focussing on peace in the DRC, Sudan and South Sudan
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, is in Kampala, Uganda, to participate in the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democr ...
Minister Lamola mourns Ma Shope and says DIRCO will continue to be associated with her name
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, joins the country in mourning the passing of anti-apartheid veteran Gertrude Shope, who passed away on 22 May 2025 aged 99. Shope lived an extra-ordinary life as a teacher, trad ...
Joint Communiqué of the Fourth Meeting of the South Africa–the Netherlands Joint Commission for Cooperation, 19 May 2025
1. The Netherlands and South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC) on 19 November 2015, which provides for regular meetings chaired by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the two countr ...
Minister Ronald Lamola attends Fourth Joint Cooperation Commission between South Africa and the Netherlands
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Ronald Lamola, has arrived in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands, to co-chair the Fourth Biennial Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) alongside Mr Caspar Veldkam ...
Joint Communiqué: Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue between the French Republic and the Republic of South Africa, Paris, 16 May 2025
The 9th Session of the Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue between the Republic of France and the Republic of South Africa was held in la Celle Saint-Cloud, France, on 16 May 2025. The French and South African delegations were led respecti ...
Ninth Meeting of the South Africa-France Forum for Political Dialogue
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Ronald Lamola, has arrived in France to co-chair the Ninth Forum for Political Dialogue alongside the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republi ...
Media Statement by Minister Ronald Lamola focussing on South Africa’s G20 Presidency, 12 May 2025
Good Morning to members of the media, esteemed colleagues, and fellow citizens. Please allow me to extend a very warm welcome to you all at our Headquarters, the OR Tambo Building. We have invited you today so we may brief the people of South Africa, thro ...
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 w ...
Minister Lamola to address Solidarity Conference on Women, Peace and Security
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), in partnership with the Gertrude Shope Women’s Mediation Network (GSWMN), invites members of the media to the Solidarity Conference on Women, Peace and Security – Voices of Women within a ...
South Africa to maintain close ties with Bulgaria as the embassy in Sofia winds down operations
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) announces the decision to close the South African Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, effective 30 June 2025. This decision, informed by prudent fiscal considerations and the need to prioritise ...
Minister Lamola welcomes Tanzania’s lifting of import ban on South African agricultural products
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, has warmly welcomed Tanzania’s decision to lift its import ban on South African agricultural products. This resolution follows constructive diplomatic engagement between Minister Lamol ...
Opening Remarks by Honourable Ronald O. Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the Council of Ministers Meeting of the Second Bi-National Commission between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho, 22 April 2025
Co-Chair and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Honourable Lejone Mpotjoana, High Commissioners, Honourable Ministers, Senior Government Officials, Members of the Media, Good Afternoon, I sincerely ...
Minister Lamola saddened by the passing of South Africa’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, has expressed his sadness at the untimely passing of South Africa’s Ambassador to the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, His Excellency Zolani Mtshotshisa. Ambassador Mtshotshisa passed ...
Official Statement on the conclusion of Minister Lamola’s Working Visit to the Russian Federation
Minister Lamola has concluded a two-day Working Visit to the Russian Federation. During his visit to Moscow, Minister Lamola co-chaired the 18th Session of the Joint Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) alongside Mr Alexan ...
Minister Lamola embarks on Working Visit to Russia
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, has arrived in Moscow, in the Russian Federation, for a two-day Working Visit. During this visit, Minister Lamola will preside over the 18th Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade a ...
Minister Ronald Lamola Lands in Greece for a Working Visit
Mr Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, has landed in Greece for a high-level Working Visit. Minister Lamola will address the prestigious Delphi Economic Forum, where he will outline South ...
Joint Media Statement by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and Trade Industry and Competition
South Africa's Strategic Adaptation to US Tariffs: Advancing National Interests through Policy and Strategy The new tariff regime arising from the decision by the United States of America, which have been directed not only to South Africa, but the enti ...
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: Frida ...
South Africa sends message of condolences to Thailand and Myanmar following earthquake
The Government of the Republic of South Africa expresses its deepest condolences to the peoples of Thailand and Myanmar following the devastating earthquake that has resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage to property. Minister Ronald ...
Speech delivered by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, at the Opening of the Aziz Pahad Inaugural Annual Peace, Security and Human Rights Dialogue, in Pretoria, South Africa, Monday, 31 March 2025
Theme: Constitutionalism as the Foundation of Nation Building and Social Cohesion: A Reflection of 30 Years of Freedom, Equity and Justice in a Post Apartheid South Africa. Former President Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki and First Lady Mam Zanele Mbeki, Prof. A ...
South Africa expresses concern over rising tensions in South Sudan
The South African Government is deeply concerned over the rising tensions in South Sudan, particularly following the arrest of First Vice President, Dr Riek Machar. Minister Ronald Lamola said: “We call upon all stakeholders in South Sudan to prioritis ...
Former President Mbeki to address DIRCO’s inaugural Annual Aziz Pahad Peace, Security and Human Rights Dialogue
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will host the inaugural Annual Aziz Pahad Peace, Security and Human Rights Dialogue, in Pretoria, on Monday, 31 March 2025. Former President Thabo Mbeki will deliver a keynote address at ...
Minister Lamola to hold consultations with his DRC counterpart
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, will hold Political and Diplomatic Consultations with his counterpart, Ms Thérèse Kayiwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie of the D ...
Speech by Minister Ronald Lamola delivered in Parliament, on the Motion: USA decision to cut USAID funding and the response thereto, on 6 March 2025
It was the great son of Africa, President Kwame Nkrumah who once said, "We face neither East nor West; we face forward.” This, Honourable Members, is the foreign policy outlook of this Republic. Indeed, we as South Africa face neither East nor West, ...
Minister Lamola to host his Cuban counterpart for Bilateral Consultations
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, will host the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba, HE Mr Bruno Rodriquez Parrilla, on 10 March 2025 for Bilateral Talks in Pretoria. The Working Visit will provide an oppor ...
Remarks by Mr Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa on The Global Geo-Political Situation, Nasrec, Johannesburg, 20 February 2025
Your Excellences, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Heads of Delegation, G20 Sherpas and Sous Sherpas, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Allow me, once again, to reiterate the words of His Excellency, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa in w ...
Media Accreditation for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
South Africa will host the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the G20 from 20 to 21 February 2025 in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province. The meeting will take place under the theme: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. Members of the media wishing to cov ...
South Africa-United Kingdom Bilateral Forum Joint Statement: South Africa and the UK hold the 13th Session of the Bilateral Forum in South Africa, 5 November 2024
South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald O. Lamola, hosted the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, The Right Honourable David Lammy MP, on 5 November 2024 in Cape Town, for the 13th S ...