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| The 40th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and preceding meetings are being held virtually from 10 to 17 August 2020. |
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In view of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit and preceding meetings are conducted virtually, with a reduced agenda, focussing on the handover of the SADC Chairship and critical institutional matters.
The Republic of Mozambique is hosting the virtual meetings as the incoming Chair of the 16-member regional economic bloc.
The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall policy direction and control of functions of the community, ultimately making it the policy-making institution of SADC.
The SADC Summit is made up of all SADC heads of state and government and is managed on a Troika system that comprises the current SADC Chairperson, the incoming Chairperson and the immediate previous Chairperson.
The Ordinary SADC Summit usually meets once a year around August or September at the member state of the incoming SADC Chairperson.
The current SADC troika comprises Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, as the Chairperson of SADC; his predecessor, Dr Hage G Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia, as the outgoing Chairperson; and Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the President of the Republic of Mozambique, as the incoming Chairperson.
The Troika for the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation comprises President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe as the Chairperson of the Organ; his predecessor, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu of the Republic of Zambia as the outgoing Chairperson of the Organ; and Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana, as the incoming Chairperson of the Organ.
Mozambique last hosted the SADC Summit in 2012 under the Chairship of former President Armando Emílio Guebuza.
The Ordinary SADC Summit is preceded by the meeting of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials, the SADC Finance Committee, SADC Council of Ministers Meeting, as well as the Organ Troika Senior Officials and Ministerial Council of the Organ Troika and the Troika Summit.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA APPOINTS SPECIAL ENVOYS FOR ZIMBABWE CRISIS |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former Speaker of Parliament, Baleka Mbete, and former Safety and Security Minister, Sydney Mufamadi, as special envoys to Zimbabwe. |
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With the crisis unfolding in Zimbabwe, their job will be to see how South Africa can assist its neighbouring country.
It follows widespread alarm over the arrests of journalists and a clampdown by security forces in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched a crackdown on planned nationwide protests on 31 July to highlight complaints over the country's response to the Coronavirus pandemic and its assistance to the poor.
President Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Tyrone Seale, said the special envoys were expected to "engage the Government of Zimbabwe and relevant stakeholders to identify possible ways in which South Africa can assist Zimbabwe".
The two countries have a deep connection, with many Zimbabwean nationals working in South Africa.
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA MOURNS PASSING OF RADIO LEGEND BOB MABENA |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of legendary radio personality, Bob Mabena, who passed away on Sunday, 10 August 2020, at the age of 51. |
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Mabena was a renowned television and radio personality, who started his career in 1989.
“This is a sad loss not only to Bob’s family and friends, but to the broadcast fraternity and the country. His exceptional talent, voice of reason and insight reached millions of South Africans in their homes, workplaces and vehicles.
“It is very sad that such an iconic and household voice has gone silent. May his soul rest in peace,” said the President.
With a career that spanned over 31 years on some of the country's biggest radio stations, Mabena hosted numerous television and radio shows across many prominent broadcast houses, with his final home at Power 98.7.
He mentored and paved the way for many emerging broadcasters to achieve their own success in a dynamic and competitive entertainment and broadcast industry.
The President extended his condolences to the Mabena family, as well as the colleagues and friends of the late broadcaster.
Meanwhile, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) joined South Africans and the media industry in mourning the loss of Mabena.
"South Africa has lost a giant today. Mabena was an inspiration to all South Africans and leaves an indelible mark in the industry," said GCIS Director-General, Phumla Williams, in a statement on Monday, 10 August 2020.
Mabena was the recipient of many accolades and the founder of the Bob K Mabena Foundation.
Mabena paved the way for many aspiring radio personalities and through the foundation, he inspired and changed the lives of learners.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES BRAD BINDER ON MOTOGP VICTORY |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated motorcycle racer, Brad Binder, on flying the South African flag high with his first win in the MotoGP premier class on Sunday, 9 August 2020. |
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Brad Binder, who previously raced in the Moto2 class, recorded the first MotoGP premier class win by a South African after starting in seventh place on the grid at the Masaryk circuit in the Czech Republic.
President Ramaphosa said: “Brad Binder made all South Africans proud today with his historic victory. We share in his elation and look forward to his long and successful career at the top of his sport.
“Coming as it did on Women’s Day, which brings us together as a nation, Brad’s victory in the Czech Grand Prix provides us with inspiration, hope and pride and lifts our spirits at a time we need this.”
With 10 laps to go, the 24-year-old was just half-a-second behind race leader Franco Morbidelli before overtaking him.
This is only Binder's third race of the year, and still his debut season.
Franco Morbidelli finished second with pole-winner Johann Zarco finishing third.
Binder has been called a national star and a KTM legend by the commentators on Sunday. He has been a Moto3 championship winner, impressed in Moto2 and now made history by winning his first race for the team in MotoGP.
Binder said after the race: "This is the day I have dreamt about since I was a little boy, and gosh, today it came true. It's amazing to win my first grand prix, I really wish my parents were here because they were the ones who backed me from the beginning."
He is the first rookie to win a premier class race since Marc Marquez, and is the first South African to ever win a MotoGP race.
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA PARTICIPATES IN SADC’S ORGAN TROIKA SUMMIT |
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| On Wednesday, 5 August 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in a virtual summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ Troika plus countries contributing troops to the United Nations (UN) Force Intervention Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). |
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“The summit considered the United Nations-Southern African Development Community (UN-SADC) engagement on the reconfiguration of the Force Intervention Brigade,” The Presidency said in a statement.
The Brigade is a military formation authorised by the UN Security Council, which constitutes part of the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SPECIAL OFFICIAL FUNERAL FOR AMBASSADOR NKADIMENG |
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral to honour the late struggle stalwart and esteemed member of the Order of Luthuli in Gold, John Nkadimeng, who passed away on
6 August 2020 at the age of 93. |
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President Ramaphosa has expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Nkadimeng, whom the President visited at home in Johannesburg in April 2019.
“We have lost a remarkable veteran of our country's liberation struggle, who was a selfless, exemplary and courageous stalwart, who contributed immensely to South Africa's democracy," President Ramaphosa said.
Ambassador Nkadimeng was among the 156 congress activists who were detained during the Defiance Campaign in 1952 and charged with treason in the 1956 Treason Trial.
He also went into exile, taking refuge in numerous neighbouring countries.
He served in the African National Congress’ (ANC) political and military council and served as the Chairperson of the ANC's political committee.
He led the then underground South African Congress of Trade Unions, where he also played an instrumental role in the formation of the Congress of South African Trade Unions.
In August 1995, he was appointed as South Africa's Ambassador to the People's Republic of Cuba.
President Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral: Category 1 in honour of Nkadimeng.
The Category 1 funeral, to be held in Johannesburg on Friday, 14 August 2020, will entail ceremonial elements provided by the South African National Defence Force.
The President has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations until the evening of 14 August 2020.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER PANDOR LEADS A SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION TO A VIRTUAL MEETING OF THE SADC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, led a South African delegation to the virtual Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers Meeting, on 13 August 2020. |
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The SADC Council of Ministers is responsible for overseeing the functioning and development of the region. The council also ensures that policies and decisions taken are implemented.
The SADC Council of Ministers Meeting deliberated on a number of key issues pertaining to the region. The meeting also received update reports on progress made since the last ordinary meeting held on 18 March 2020. |
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Key issues deliberated on, among others, were a report presented by the SADC Executive Secretary on the overall performance of the organisation in the operationalisation of the SADC work programme; financial, human resources and administrative matters as well as progress towards continental and regional integration; a report on the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 and its implications in the SADC region; and a status report on the development of the SADC Post-2020 Agenda by focussing on the SADC Vision 2050 and the Revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020 – 2030.
In addition, the council also received a progress report on the implementation of the current theme of the 39th SADC Summit: “A Conducive Business Environment for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development”.
The SADC Council of Ministers Meeting preceded the 40th SADC Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place on Monday, 17 August 2020.
Minister Pandor was joined by Ministers Ayanda Dlodlo, Ebrahim Patel and Tito Mboweni. |
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| MINISTER PANDOR PARTICIPATES IN THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC) DEBATE ON PANDEMICS AND SUSTAINING PEACE |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on 12 August 2020 participated in the UNSC Debate on Pandemics and Sustaining Peace, under the Presidency of Indonesia. |
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| The debate took place at Ministerial level and was chaired by Retno LP Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The council was briefed by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres; former Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, in his capacity as a member of The Elders (an NGO founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007); and Sarah Cliffe, Director of the Centre on International Cooperation at New York University. |
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| MINISTER PANDOR SADDENED BY THE PASSING AWAY OF AMBASSADOR NKADIMENG |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has expressed sadness at the loss of Ambassador John Nkadimeng, who passed away on Thursday, 6 August 2020, at the age of 93. |
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One of democratic South Africa’s first group of diplomats, Ambassador Nkadimeng was appointed as South Africa’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba in 1995.
A shop steward with the African Tobacco Workers' Union in 1949, Ambassador Nkadimeng became General Secretary of the underground South African Congress of Trade Unions in 1983.
Ambassador Nkadimeng was detained during the Defiance Campaign in 1952 and was one of the 156 congress activists charged with treason in the 1956 Treason Trial.
Ambassador Nkadimeng was a recipient of the Order of Luthuli in Gold for “dedicating his entire adult life to the struggle for liberation, workers’ rights and for the formation of a united federation of trade unions”.
Minister Pandor said Ambassador Nkadimeng contributed immensely not only to the fight against apartheid, but also to the post-1994 Government, laying the foundation for strong bonds of solidarity and cooperation between South Africa and Cuba.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family, comrades and friends of Ambassador Nkadimeng”, said Minister Pandor. |
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| SA READY TO OFFER HELP IN ZIMBABWE'S WORSENING HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION |
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| South Africa's Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation has offered the country's help in the reported deteriorating humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. |
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has spoken to Zimbabwean Minister Sibusiso Moyo to express South Africa’s readiness to help in the country that has recently seen a number of abductions and arrests of civic-society activists and opposition politicians.
There were a number of abductions and arrests of civic-society activists and opposition politicians in Zimbabwe before the 31 July demonstrations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule.
In a statement on Thursday, 6 August 2020, Lunga Ngqengelele, spokesperson for Minister Pandor, said the Minister was in contact with her Zimbabwean counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Sibusiso Moyo.
“Minister Pandor spoke to the Minister recently to express South Africa’s readiness to be of assistance.
“We will continue close interaction,” Ngqengelele said.
A Department of International Relations and Cooperation statement read: "The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with concern the reports related to human rights violations in the Republic of Zimbabwe.
"The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, is in contact with her Zimbabwean counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mr Sibusiso Moyo.
"As recent as Tuesday, the two ministers had a telephonic conversation, wherein Minister Pandor expressed South Africa’s readiness to assist if requested.
"Minister Pandor reiterated South Africa’s commitment to peace and stability in the region and the African continent. She stated that it remained South Africa’s resolve to continue the pursuit for consultative solutions to address the existing socio-economic challenges and to contribute to the well-being of all Zimbabweans, the people of the Southern African Development Community region and Africans at large." |
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| SOUTH AFRICA COMMENDS GERD NEGOTIATION PROGRESS |
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| The South African Government has commended African Union (AU) heads of state for working towards an amicable solution to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). |
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The message was relayed by International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, during the Second Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Bureau of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the GERD, held on 21 July 2020. This comes after negotiation teams from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan resumed the Trilateral Negotiations on the GERD on Monday, 3 August 2020.
“South Africa commends the parties to the GERD for their commitment to finding an inclusive and durable agreement through dialogue and negotiation. An amicable outcome would be beneficial to all the countries of the Blue Nile River and would boost regional cooperation and integration,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement.
"As the parties engage in this critical phase of the negotiations, we would like to urge them to continue to be guided by the spirit of Pan-African solidarity and fraternity, which has characterised the AU-led negotiations process on the GERD. In this regard, it is important that the parties should display magnanimity and understanding of each other’s interests so as to move the process forward.
"South Africa encourages the parties to remain engaged, and wishes to reassure them of the unremitting support and cooperation of the AU Bureau, and the entire membership of the AU," said Minister Pandor.
It is expected that a report of the ongoing negotiations on outstanding technical and legal issues will be presented to President Ramaphosa in the next two weeks.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER BOTES ADDRESSES VIRTUAL DIALOGUE ON SILENCING THE GUNS |
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| The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, on Wednesday, 12 August 2020, addressed the 2020 International Youth Day virtual dialogue on Silencing the Guns in our Lifetime: Peace and Security Agenda. |
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The dialogue was hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, in collaboration with UN Women (South Africa Multi-Country Office), the Embassy of Switzerland and the Embassy of Norway. The event took place under the theme: "Youth Engagement for Global Action".
Among other things, the event highlighted the importance of International Youth Day and mobilised young people behind the theme of the 2020 International Youth Day; recognised efforts of youth around the world in enhancing international peace, security and stability as a prerequisite for sustainable development; and provided a platform for youth to bring solutions on how to harness Africa’s youth’s dividend to silence the guns in Africa. |
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United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace and Security provides a framework for recognising and leveraging the transformative role young people play in building a peaceful world. The resolution builds on UNSCR1325 on Women, Peace and Security, adopted 20 years ago.
On 23 June 2020 at its 93rd meeting, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) adopted the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security. Furthermore, the AU Office of the Youth Envoy and Peace and Security Department launched the “Youth Silencing the Guns” Campaign on 29 July 2020 to put youth at the centre as well as to ensure intergenerational leadership. |
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| SOUTH AFRICA RECEIVES GLOBALLY RECOGNISED "SAFE TRAVELS" STAMP |
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| South Africa has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Safety Stamp of Approval as a destination based on industry-designed protocols. |
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The approval gives the Tourism Business Council of South Africa the right to issue the WTTC Safe Travels stamp to tourism suppliers within South Africa.
“The specially designed stamp will allow travellers to recognise businesses in South Africa that have adopted world-class health and hygiene protocols for safe travel,” said TBCSA CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa.
The globally recognised protocols provide consistency to destinations and countries, as well as guidance to travel providers and travellers about the new approach to health, hygiene, deep cleansing and physical distancing in the post-COVID-19 world, according to Gloria Guevara, WTTC President and CEO.
Emphasising the need for South Africa – and indeed any destination – to ensure confidence among global travellers, SA Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona, said: “The South African tourism sector has done a great job of putting in place health and safety protocols, in a move that goes a long way to boost traveller confidence.”
To aid in the safe reopening of the industry, the TBCSA – through a multi-stakeholder partnership – has launched a tourism and hospitality industry application, Opus4business app.
The new app – made available to the industry through a sponsorship by food service distributor, Bidfood – will aid in the safe reopening of the industry by enabling business owners to register and implement the COVID-19 tourism safety protocols.
The Opus4business App is a quick, easy and paperless way to show full understanding of the importance of safe industry operating protocols and record compliance with them for tourism industry business owners.
The linked Travel Safe – Eat Safe Certification provides evidence that health screening, distancing and cleaning procedures are in place and helps businesses seamlessly manage COVID-19 health screening for employees, suppliers, delivery agents and customers in full compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act. The app can facilitate contact tracing if needed.
“The app is yet another way the industry is demonstrating self-regulation and a readiness to open for domestic and international travel in the country. We are encouraging businesses to download the app and take their teams through the training to increase compliance in the industry and to keep staff and customers in the sector safe,” said Tshivhengwa.
– Source: www.tourismupdate.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN CYCLIST DARYL IMPEY TO JOIN CHRIS FROOME AT ISRAEL START-UP NATION |
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| Daryl Impey will join four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome's new team, Israel Start-Up Nation. Impey, a Tour de France stage winner, has signed a two-year deal. |
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He previously raced for Mitchelton-Scott from 2012 onwards.
South African cyclist Daryl Impey will join four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome at Israel Start-Up Nation next season after signing a two-year deal with the team.
The 35-year-old Impey, the first African cyclist to wear the Tour's yellow jersey in 2013, has ridden for Mitchelton-Scott since 2012.
"It's not often you get to race with one of the greats in our sport, so when Chris called me and said he trusts me and would like to have me by his side I appreciated that and knew he meant it," Impey said on the Israeli team's website.
"I decided to make a fresh start," he added. "I feel like I need to step out of the comfort zone.
"I will have the opportunity to play a leadership role, and as a team captain, I will be given more responsibility and a huge challenge at the same time."
A two-time winner of the Tour Down Under in 2018 and 2019, Impey also won a stage on last year's Tour de France.
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| JONATHAN KAPLAN LANDS MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY ROLE |
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| Former South Africa Test referee Jonathan Kaplan will lead the appointment and development of match officials for the 2021 Major League Rugby (MLR) season. |
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Organisers also confirmed that New Zealander Chris Pollock would assist Kaplan in a technical adviser role.
Between them, Kaplan and Pollock have refereed at six Rugby World Cups and 96 international matches, including five British and Irish Lions Tours.
"We are pleased to welcome Jonathan Kaplan and Chris Pollock to Major League Rugby," commissioner George Killebrew told the MLR's official website. "Their calibre speaks for itself and their experience at the highest level will no doubt be beneficial for our growing pool of officials."
The duo will focus on developing existing talent in North America and supplementing this pool with referees from overseas.
"We are both very excited to be able to contribute to the refereeing landscape in MLR," Kaplan said in a press statement.
"We're hoping to use our experience and knowledge of the game at the elite level to identify and develop match officials with the express aim of improving the quality of the game in MLR and in North America."
Killebrew added: "We recognise the importance of the man in the middle in facilitating an action packed and easy to understand game for fans to fall in love with. We look forward to using Jonathan and Chris’ expertise to help lead this."
The MLR is entering its fourth season and represents the highest level of rugby in North America.
The event will evolve from seven teams in 2018 to 13 teams in 2021, featuring 12 from the United States and one from Canada.
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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| STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION OF SOUTH AFRICA, DR NALEDI PANDOR, AT THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE ON THE PANDEMICS AND SUSTAINING PEACE |
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"Madame President,
"At a time when the world is only beginning to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts are being made in various international forums to deal with the multitude of adverse impacts, we thank Indonesia, through you Minister Marsudi, for convening this Security Council debate prioritising sustaining peace in the midst of pandemics.
"We also welcome the important and insightful briefings by the Secretary-General, António Guterres, Former Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and Ms Sarah Cliffe, lending substantial weight to our discussion.
"South Africa has had to learn many lessons from the pandemic. The critical need for international collaboration and robust multilateral institutions and the urgency of socio-economic assistance in sectors that should be giving support to the most vulnerable. We support the Security Council addressing the possible link between the pandemic and peace and security.
"Madame President,
"This multilateral approach which entails financial assistance is of utmost necessity given the intractable nature of global pandemics in general, as well as the complex array of challenges that emerge from such a pervasive global phenomenon. It requires us to be aware of how deeply interconnected our world is and how solidarity and cooperation are becoming more and more indispensable.
"South Africa is deeply concerned by the potential adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on conflict situations that are currently the focus of the Council, particularly the potential to delay or reverse vital gains in peace and political processes. It is crucial for the international community to maintain its support to countries affected by conflict in order to preserve these gains and sustain investments directed at stabilisation and peace-building.
"Another such impact area, which will increasingly require more attention, is that of post-conflict reconstruction and sustaining the hard-won peace that has been achieved through the Council’s efforts and those of the broader international community over many years. We must not lose sight of what it has taken to assist those in conflict situations to extricate themselves from violence, destruction and insecurity, and what the adverse effects of renewed instability and the re-emergence of conflict would entail. This may be especially pronounced to the adverse humanitarian impact of coping with conflict amidst a global pandemic.
"In this regard, South Africa will continue to support the UN Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire and a humanitarian pause in order to focus due attention on the pandemic and attempts to mitigate its impacts, a call that has been reiterated and emphasised by the African Union.
"We must, at this stage, acknowledge and commend the leadership and proactive action of the United Nations which put in place measures to protect the health and safety of peacekeepers and to help navigate the effects of the pandemic. In this effort we, especially commend the leadership and critical role of the World Health Organisation and its Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in preventing and mitigating the broader public health emergency in which peacekeeping and other peace-related activities are embedded. The WHO has also been working with affected countries and regional organisations such as the African Union to address the spread of COVID-19, exemplifying a global cooperative effort.
"Madame President,
"While it is important to focus on post-conflict support in all peace-building efforts, we must be wary not to provide support on the one hand while inhibiting the adequate responses of governments to protect their people from the pandemic and weather the economic difficulties and implications on the other. It is for this reason that South Africa strongly supports the UN Secretary-General’s call for the waiving of unilateral coercive measures and sanctions in order to allow affected governments and societies to have the requisite resources to secure the much-needed life-saving and medical supplies, and personal protective equipment to respond to the pandemic. We also support calls for debt relief and deferral and robust support for recovery in Africa.
"South Africa has consistently held the position that sanctions should be used to support peace processes and not as a means of collective punishment, which is made all the more devastating in the context of a pandemic that even the most capable economies have been struggling to deal with.
"The notion of a comprehensive response to the pandemic, which includes both additional efforts and resources as well as how we can refine the engagement of the Security Council, such as related to sanctions, will be key in this Council’s role in the broader global effort.
"It is for this reason that South Africa sees the matter of sustaining peace in the context of global pandemics as requiring concurrently addressing the confluence of factors that determine the context for peace to endure in these trying times.
"In conclusion, sustaining peace depends on the overall political, social, economic and physical health of societies. In addition, we inhabit a world which is increasingly global and interconnected.
"Therefore, we must come to terms with the necessity of prioritising sustainable peace through forums such as the UN Peace-Building Commission in cooperation with regional organisations and their peace-building counterparts and mechanisms, while also drawing on a system-wide UN multilateral effort. This is especially necessary as we work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to address the root causes of many conflicts we face.
"It is only through cooperation in the face of temptation to look inward, that we will emerge from the current pandemic the better, and confront a new world with a renewed spirit of global cooperation.
"I thank you." |
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