South Africa assumes its seat in the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2011 and 2012

South Africa will on the 1st of January 2011, assume its seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2011 and 2012, following its election to this body by 182 Member States of the General Assembly on 12 October 2010.

It is a significant honour for South Africa to be elected to serve on the Security Council for a second time, following its first term in 2007 and 2008. 

South Africa is committed to making a contribution to the work of the Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, especially in Africa, and through this the betterment of the conditions and lives of all. To this end South Africa will forge close partnerships with the other members of the Security Council.

South Africa will continue its efforts to promote and enhance the Security Council’s cooperation with regional organizations, particularly the African Union’s Peace and Security Council of which South Africa is currently a member. Closer co-operation between these two bodies will contribute to enhancing the convergence of perspectives and approaches in tackling and responding to peace and security challenges in Africa.

The Security Council membership will also provide an opportunity for South Africa to work towards the achievement of a representative, legitimate and more effective Security Council.

“In its actions South Africa will be guided by the commitment to upholding international law and universal values and to helping others protect or achieve their inherent and inalienable rights” said Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

South Africa is firmly committed to multilateralism and approaches membership of the Security Council from the premise that the United Nations remains the most appropriate forum for addressing contemporary challenges in the maintenance of international peace and security and through this creating a better world for all.

Building on the experience of our previous membership of this august body, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) has assembled a crack team of diplomats and officials, both at headquarters and in New York for this important internal task. DIRCO will endeavour to forge and maintain a close working relationship with all stakeholders, both domestic and external.  We will also do our best to ensure that we keep our public informed.

For more information, please contact DIRCO’s Spokesperson, Mr Clayson Monyela, at 082 884 5974.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

460 OR Tambo Building
Rietondale
0084

31 December 2010