Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane address after South Africa election to the UNSC Non-permanent Membership 2011-2012

South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, has today, Tuesday 12 October 2010 - on behalf of President Jacob Zuma, the government and the people of South Africa – “placed on record our gratitude to the African Union and its Member States for the trust and confidence they have placed in our ability to advance the African Agenda of achieving peace, security and development, including respect for human rights”. In this regard, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane thanked all the Member States of SADC, the African Union and United Nations’ Member States after South Africa was re-elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2011-2012.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said “South Africa is humbled, and at the same time delighted by the overwhelming support it received from the Member States of the United Nations during these elections”. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane continued to say “the confidence of the Member States and the international community at large in our ability to contribute and further advance the cause of international peace and security and international law during our tenure on the Security Council is indeed reflected in the huge support expressed in the 182 votes we were able to receive.

The Charter of the United Nations bestows on the Security Council the high responsibility “for the maintenance of international peace and security” and South Africa will, in the execution of these responsibilities play her part, as a responsible member, in answering this high calling by giving effect to the purpose and principles of the UN Charter.

In this regard, “we pledge our commitment to promoting effective partnership between the UN and regional and sub-regional organizations, in particular the African Union Peace and Security Council, in the maintenance of international peace and security. We will continue to work tirelessly toward improving the working methods of the UNSC to make it more legitimate, representative and more effective”. In this respect, “we would be among those who promote greater consultation with member states in the conduct of the work of the Council. South Africa will continue to place emphasis on the promotion of issues affecting women, children, who are the most victims in conflict areas.

“This is our commitment”, the Minister concluded.

For more information, please contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi on 082 940 1647, +27 12 351 0083 or e-mail him at molobisk@dirco.gov.za

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
Soutpansberg Road
RIETONDALE
Pretoria, RSA
0002

12 October 2010