Minister Naledi Pandor attends the G20 Ministers’ Meetings, Matera, Republic of Italy, 28-29 June 2021.

Photos: Katlholo Maifadi / DIRCO

South Africa reiterates its support for multilateral efforts aimed at tackling global challenges. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, said today, 29 June 2021, at meetings of the G20 taking place in Matera, Italy, that South Africa supports international efforts to tackle the health and socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Pandor arrives in Italy for G20 Ministers’ Meetings. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has today, 28 June 2021, arrived in Matera, Italy, where she is representing South Africa in a number of meetings of the G20 Ministers.

South Africa contacts French authorities following the ill treatment of opera star Pretty Yende. The South African Government has noted with concern the manner in which acclaimed international opera singer, Pretty Yende, was treated at the Charles De Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France, on Monday, 21 June 2021.

Communiqué of the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, 23rd June, 2021, Maputo, Mozambique. The Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held at Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre in Maputo, Republic of Mozambique, on the 23rd June 2021.

Deputy Minister Botes concludes Working Visit to Turkey. The Deputy of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, has concluded his working visit to Turkey, where he attended the inaugural Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) from 18 - 20 June 2021.

Deputy Minister Botes undertakes Working Visit to Turkey. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, is scheduled to undertake a Working Visit to Turkey, where he will take part in the inaugural Antalya Diplomatic Forum (ADF) from 18 - 20 June 2021.

Minister Pandor to lead a South African delegation to a SADC-EU Ministerial Political Dialogue on 16 June 2021. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will participate in the virtual Southern African Development Community (SADC)-European Union (EU) Ministerial Political Dialogue on 16 June 2021.

South Africa declares diplomats persona non grata for abusing diplomatic privileges. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation wishes to confirm that it has, on behalf of the Republic of South Africa, declared several diplomats persona non grata following an intensive investigation into their flouting of diplomatic privileges.

South Africa sends condolences to Pakistan following a train crash in the Sindh province. The South African Government has learnt with sadness of the Pakistani train collision in a remote part of southern Sindh province which occurred on Monday, 07 June 2021, and caused the tragic loss of least 63 people.

Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of 9 June 2021. Issues in the Environment - Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) vaccine roll-out - Cabinet welcomed the progress with COVID-19 vaccinations which had on Tuesday, 8 June 2021 reached 1, 524, 589 and the Pfizer First Dose vaccinations breached the one-million mark with 1, 045, 245, which is a remarkable milestone.

Joint Statement at the conclusion of the Working Visit to South Africa by Dr Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, 04 June 2021. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, hosted her Rwandan counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Vincent Biruta, on a Working Visit to South Africa on 4 June 2021.

Remarks by Minister Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the Minister’s Dinner with Heads of Mission from the Asia and Middle East Region resident in Pretoria, 3 June 2021. It is a pleasure and honour for me to welcome you this evening. During the past 15 months, COVID-19 has prohibited us from holding such gatherings.

South Africa and Cuba commemorates 27 years of diplomatic relations based on solidarity and cooperation. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, and her Cuban counterpart, HE Mr Bruno Rodriquez Parrilla, virtually commemorated the 27 years of formal diplomatic relations between their two countries.

Deputy Minister Alvin Botes participates in the Debate on the Presidency Budget Vote, Parliament, Cape Town, South Africa, 2 June 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Deputy Minister Alvin Botes Debate on the Presidency Budget Vote, Parliament, Cape Town, 2 June 2021. Advancing the African agenda and seeking a Better World - On this 2nd day of Youth month this speech is dedicated to the memory of my former colleague and youthful firebrand, the late Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, Honourable Bavelile Hlongwa.

Meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs / International Relations. The Meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations under India’s Chairmanship was held on 1 June 2021 in virtual format.

South Africa welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution on Ensuring respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel. The Government of the Republic of South Africa welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution on Ensuring respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, on 27 May 2021.

Joint Communiqué at the conclusion of the Official Discussions of the State Visit of His Excellency French President, Emmanuel Macron, to South Africa. Today, Friday 28 May 2021, HE President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa hosted HE President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic for a State Visit. This was President Macron’s first visit to South Africa.

Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini to participate in a panel discussion focussing on Africa Month at the University of Limpopo. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, will participate in a hybrid panel discussion focussing on Africa Month at the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, on Wednesday, 26 May 2021.

South Africa to deliver tonnes of maize meal to support Zimbabwe victims of 2019 flooding. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor will travel to Zimbabwe on Africa Day, 25 May 2021, to officially hand over, on behalf of South Africa, the first consignment of aid that South Africa is providing to the people of Zimbabwe who were affected by severe flooding in 2019 (Cyclone Idai).

Welcoming Remarks by Minister Naledi Pandor at the Opening of the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Fifth Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Gallagher Estate, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, 24 May 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Minister Naledi Pandor participates in the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Gallagher Estate, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, 24 May 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Minister Pandor to welcome Members of Pan-African Parliament

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will, on behalf of South Africa, as the host country, deliver the welcoming remarks at the Opening of the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Fifth Pan-African Parliament (PAP), scheduled to take place at the Gallagher Estate, Midrand, tomorrow, Monday, 24 May 2021 at 11h00.

Minister Naledi Pandor hosts the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Frederick Shava, Cape Town, South Africa 21 May 2021.

Photos: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Minister Pandor to host the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Frederick Shava, on a Working Visit to South Africa

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will host her Zimbabwean counterpart, Dr Frederick Shava, on a Working Visit to South Africa on Friday, 21 May 2021 in Cape Town.

Budget Speech by Dr Naledi Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation on 20 May 2021. Topic: Building back better, to advance the legacy of Charlotte Maxeke. We return to Parliament for this Budget Vote debate following an unexpectedly tumultuous financial year.

Media Statement by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the Budget Vote in Parliament on 20 May 2021. The theme - Our theme for this year's budget vote is "Building Back Better, Honouring the Legacy of Charlotte Maxeke”.

Minister Pandor to address Media at 10h00 ahead of DIRCO Budget Vote Speech at 14h00 - 20 May 2021

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, is scheduled to brief the media ahead of the Budget Vote Speech of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini participates in the Video Conference of the BRICS Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs/Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Pretoria, South Africa, 17 May 2021.

Photo: Katlholo Maifadi / DIRCO

BRICS Deputy Ministers to discuss the situation in the Middle East. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, will participate in a video conference of the BRICS Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs/Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

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.

South African Government strongly condemns Israel’s unjust attacks on civilians in Palestine especially on the most vulnerable, children, women and the elderly. The South African Government strongly condemns the unjust attacks on civilians by Israel in Gaza and Jerusalem.

President Akufo-Addo to grace opening of PAP Session. H E Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO, President of the Republic of Ghana will be the Guest of honour and keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).

Keynote Address by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes at the Symposium focusing on the role South Africa plays in fostering multilateralism in Africa and the rest of the world on Wednesday, 12 May 2021. “The cardinal responsibility of leadership is to identify the dominant contradiction at each point of the historical process and to work out a central line to resolve it.” Mao Zedong.

Deputy Minister Botes to anchor a symposium on South Africa’s role in fostering multilateralism

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), in partnership with Nelson Mandela University, will host a symposium reflecting on the role South Africa plays in fostering multilateralism in Africa and the rest of the world.

Clashes between Israelis and Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque. The South African Government expresses its deep concern at the continued clashes at Al-Aqsa Mosque wherein Israeli soldiers attacked Palestinian worshipers while praying at the holy site.

Minster Naledi Pandor participates in the 12th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) between South Africa and the United Kingdom, London, United Kingdom, 6 May 2021.

Photo: DIRCO

South Africa and the UK holds a Joint Ministerial Commission in the UK. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor, and the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of United Kingdom (UK), Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP, co-Chaired the 12th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission on 6 May 2021, in the UK.

Minister Pandor to attend the Group of Seven (G7) Foreign and Development Ministerial Meeting on 4 and 5 May 2021, in London, UK. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will attend the Group of Seven (G7) Foreign and Development Ministerial Meeting in London, UK, on 04 – 05 May 2021.

Deputy Minister Alvin Botes and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain, Ms Cristina Gallach Figueras, participate in the virtual 13th South Africa – Spain Consultations, Pretoria, South Africa, 15 April 2021.

Photo: DIRCO

Deputy Minister Botes to host the Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will on Thursday, 15 April 2021, host the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain, Ms Cristina Gallach Figueras, for the 13th South Africa-Spain Consultations.

Deputy Minister Botes makes follow-up visit to the Western Cape. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, is scheduled to visit George, Western Cape Province, on Thursday, 08 April 2021.

South Africans evacuated from Mozambique; mortal remains repatriated. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) would like to thank the Government of the Republic of Mozambique for the assistance provided to South African citizens affected by the recent terrorist attacks in that country.

Distressed South African citizens in Mozambique accounted for. The South African High Commission in Maputo, Republic of Mozambique, has managed to account for a total of 43 South Africans affected by the recent attacks in the north of the country.

Minister Naledi Pandor undertakes an Official Visit to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 29 March - 1 April 2021.

Photo: DIRCO

Minister Naledi Pandor undertakes an Official Visit to Kuwait City State of Kuwait, 29 March - 1 April 2021.

Photo: DIRCO

Minister Pandor visits the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will undertake an Official Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait from 29 March to 1 April 2021.

South Africa reinforces its Mission in Mozambique in the wake of attacks. The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with concern the recent attacks in Palma, northern Mozambique, against foreign nationals which took place on Friday, 26 March 2021.

Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini embarks on a Back-to-School campaign in Limpopo. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, is today, Friday, 26 March 2021, embarking on a “back-to-school” campaign at Mokhutjisa High School, Mookgophong, Limpopo Province.

Ambassador N N Losi, Acting Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and Deputy Minister Marta Morgan of Global Affairs of Canada, participate in a Virtual Meeting of the 13th South Africa – Canada Annual Consultations, Pretoria, South Africa, 25 March 2021.

Photo: DIRCO

Statement on the occasion of the Meeting of the Annual Consultations between the Republic of South Africa and Canada held on 25 March 2021. 1n 25 March 2021, Ambassador NN Losi, Acting Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Deputy Minister Marta Morgan of Global Affairs Canada co-chaired a virtual meeting of the 13th South Africa – Canada Annual Consultations.

Statement on the virtual Cabinet Meeting of Wednesday, 24 March 2021. Vaccination Roll-Out Programme - The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Sisonke vaccination roll-out programme has been extended to 54 vaccine sites across the country. The programme has to date vaccinated more than 207 808 people.