South Africa condemns drone attacks directed at various targets in Saudi Arabia. The South African Government has noted, with concern, the increase in drone attacks directed at various targets throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, the most recent being the drone attack directed towards Abha Airport on 10 February 2021.

State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Parliament, Cape Town, 11 February 2021. On this day, 31 years ago, President Nelson Mandela walked out of the gates of Victor Verster prison a free person, a living embodiment of the resilience and courage of the South African people. For nearly 40 million years an extraordinary ecosystem has existed here at the southernmost tip of our continent.

As Africa unites to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, we also pin our hopes on the AU Peace Fund to silence the guns, Daily Maverick, by Naledi Pandor, 4 February 2021. African countries agree that the most important public health measure to prevent COVID-19 is the roll-out of vaccines.

South Africa condemns the detention of leaders in Myanmar. The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with serious concern the detention of the State Counsellor, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders on the eve of the opening session of Myanmar's Parliament and calls for her immediate release and a return to the rule of law.

Ambassador Mathu Joyini, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations delivers her maiden statement on Security Council Reform. Today, Monday, 25 January 2021, the newly accredited South African Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York, Ambassador Mathu Joyini, delivered a statement on South Africa’s long-held position calling for reform of the UN Security Council.

Statement by HE Deputy Minister Alvin Botes during the virtual commemoration of the entry into force, of the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, 22 January 2021. It is my honour and great pleasure to address you today on this momentous occasion and to, on behalf of the Government and the People of the Republic of South Africa, register our unwavering support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

South Africa welcomes the entry-into-force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Today, 22 January 2021, the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons enters-into-force.

Address by Minister Naledi Pandor on the occasion of South Africa’s tenure in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and as the chair of the African Union (AU), in the Chatham House London Virtual Engagement, Pretoria, South Africa, 20 January 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Address by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Chatham House London Virtual Engagement, 20 January 2021. Theme: ‘South Africa’s Foreign Policy: Reflections on the United Nations Security Council and the African Union.’ Thank you for this opportunity to speak to you today.

Minister Pandor to reflect on South Africa’s tenure in the UNSC and as the chair of the African Union, 20 January 2021 at 16h00

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor will, this afternoon, Wednesday, 20 January 2021, at 16h00 reflect on South Africa’s two-year non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and South Africa’s tenure as Chair of the African Union in 2020, in a virtual programme hosted by the London Chatham House.

Minister Naledi Pandor conveys condolences on the passing away of His Excellency, Dr General (Rt) Sibusiso Moyo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor, has learnt today with shock of the passing away of her colleague, Dr General (Rt) Sibusiso Busi Moyo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Welcoming Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during the virtual Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Week 2020, 19 January 2021. Compliments of the new season to you all! I would also like to welcome you to PIDA week 2020.

Minister Pandor to deliver the opening address for AUDA NEPAD 6th Annual Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor will, this afternoon, Tuesday, 19 January 2021 at 14h00, virtually deliver the opening address of the 6th Annual Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Week.

Statement on virtual Special Cabinet Meeting of 19 January 2021. Cabinet held a virtual Special Meeting on Tuesday, 19 January 2021 to discuss the progress report from the National Coronavirus Command Council.

South Africa welcomes forthcoming elections in Palestine. The Government of South Africa notes and welcomes the decree issued by President Mahmoud Abbas on legislative, presidential and National Council Elections in Palestine.

Minister Pandor to host the Minister of Foreign Affairs of The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, H E Mr Sabri Boukadoum, on a Working Visit to South Africa. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will host her Algerian counterpart, H E Mr Sabri Boukadoum, on a Working Visit to South Africa on Tuesday, 12 January 2021.

Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on progress in the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, 11 January 2021. We are now 11 days into a new year. Once again, I wish you all the very best for 2021. We enter this year with a great deal of hope – hope that we will restore our nation to health, that the new year will bring our people relief and comfort, and that lives and livelihoods will be rebuilt.

South Africa completes its two-year term as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council. Yesterday, 31 December 2020, marked the conclusion of South Africa’s two-year term as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2019-2020.

AU Chair supports ECCAS position regarding the situation in Central African Republic. African Union Chairperson, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes to thank the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) for the considered and progressive stance taken regarding the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) ahead of the Presidential and Legislative Elections, which are scheduled for 27 December 2020.

Media Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa, at the Media Stakeout following the UN Security Council Consultations on United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), 21 December 2020. Ladies and gentlemen of the media. I would like to make a statement in my national capacity as Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations.

Media Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa, at the Media Stakeout following the UN Security Council Briefing & Consultations on the situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine, 21 December 2020. I would like to address you in my national capacity as Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations.

Virtual Bilateral Meeting between Minister Naledi Pandor and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mr Ernesto Araújo, Pretoria, South Africa, 18 December 2020.

Photos: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

South Africa co-hosts Event commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration on Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. South Africa will today, 17 December 2020, co-host an event in New York commemorating the historic General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV) and the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration on Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

Minister Pandor to partake in the 20th IORA Council of Minister's Meeting. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, is scheduled to participate in the 20th Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) on Thursday, 17 December 2020.

Minister Naledi Pandor holds a Bilateral Meeting with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, OR Tambo Building, Pretoria, South Africa, 14 December 2020.

Photos: Yandisa Monakali / DIRCO

Opening Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the Working Visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud, to South Africa on Monday, 14 December 2020. I wish to welcome the honourable minister to South Africa and to our ministry and department at the OR Tambo Building.

Minister Pandor to host the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister on working visit to Pretoria – Tomorrow, Monday, 14 December 2020. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will, tomorrow, Monday, 14 December 2020, host her Saudi Arabian counterpart, Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Pretoria to engage on bilateral discussion and political consultations.

Minister Naledi Pandor hosts a Media Briefing on International Relations and Cooperation in 2020 as well as upcoming events in 2021, Pretoria, South Africa, 14 December 2020.

Photos: Katlholo Maifadi / DIRCO

Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the occasion of the Media Briefing on International Developments for the year 2020, 14 December 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on all of our lives during this past year.  It has affected the way we live, the way we work and the way we interact with each other.

DIRCO to host a Media Briefing on International Relations and Cooperation in 2020

Members of the media are invited to a media briefing to be addressed by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on international relations and cooperation highlights in 2020 as well as upcoming events in 2021.

Minister Pandor to host her Japanese counterpart for bilateral talks. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will on Saturday, 12 December 2020, host her Japanese counterpart, Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, in Pretoria for bilateral talks aimed at further strengthening South Africa – Japan relations.

Statement on virtual Special Cabinet Meeting of 9 December 2020. A virtual Special Cabinet Meeting was held yesterday Wednesday, 9 December 2020, to deliberate on an appointment in the Department of Tourism.

Rebuttal of France.24 article dated 6 December 2020 on Western Sahara - Decision of the 14th Extraordinary Summit on Silencing the Guns, 6 December 2020. The South African Government strongly objects to the “fake news” published by France24.news in an article headlined, “South African President disowns Polisario separatists”.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation saddened by the passing of Ambassador Lenin Shope. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has expressed her shock and sadness at the untimely passing of South Africa’s Ambassador to Senegal, The Gambia and Cabo Verde, His Excellency Lenin Magigwane Shope.

South Africa welcomes the unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 2553 on Security Sector Reform. The Government of the Republic of South Africa welcomes the unanimous adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2553 on Security Sector Reform (SSR) on 3 December 2020.

Statement delivered by Minister Pandor during the Virtual Meeting of the 13th Extra-Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union on the AfCFTA held on 5 December 2020. Mr Chairman, allow me to express my delegation’s appreciation to you for the sterling leadership of this important meeting.

President saddened by passing of Ambassador Lenin Shope. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the recent passing of South Africa’s Ambassador to Senegal, His Excellency Lenin Magigwane Shope.

Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa, during UN Security Council High-Level Debate on the cooperation between the UN and Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations, 4 December 2020. It is an honour for South Africa to preside over this meeting as our term as an elected member of the Security Council draws to a close.

Speaking Notes for Media Stakeout on outcomes of South Africa’s Presidency, 1 - 4 December 2020. I thank you for taking the time to attend to this press briefing on the outcomes of South Africa’s Presidency of the Security Council for the first week, 1-4 December.

Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Open Debate on Security Sector Governance and Reform, 3 December 2020. South Africa is honoured to preside over this meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Security Sector Governance and Reform, which we believe deserves the sustained attention of this Council, as it remains an integral aspect of conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts.

Minister Naledi Pandor leads the Virtual Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence (GEF – Action Coalition) Webinar, Pretoria, South Africa, 4 December 2020.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Statement on the virtual Cabinet Meeting of 2 December 2020. Issues in the Environment - Increase in Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) infections - Cabinet has expressed extreme concern about the spike in the number of new COVID-19 infections in the Eastern Cape and parts of the Western Cape.

Minister Naledi Pandor hosts a Virtual Lecture on the “BRICS Approach to the Post-COVID-19 Recovery”, Pretoria, South Africa, 1 December 2020.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Virtual Lecture by Minister GNM Pandor on the “BRICS Approach to the Post-COVID-19 Recovery”, on 1 December 2020 at 17h00. At the outset, allow me to thank the South African BRICS Think Tank as well as the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences for providing this platform for engagement between academia, civil society and government on key current affairs.

Virtual Meeting between Deputy Minister Alvin Botes and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Portugal, Ms Teresa Ribeiro, Pretoria, South Africa, 1 December 2020.

Photo: Yandisa Monakali / DIRCO

Opening Remarks by Deputy Minister Botes on the occasion of the Virtual Meeting with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Portugal, 01 December 2020. I am pleased to participate in these discussions to ensure that the strong and historic relationship between South Africa and Portugal continues to endure and that we can forge ahead with our work in these challenging times.

South Africa’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council – December 2020. Today, 1 December 2020, South Africa will assume the rotating monthly presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This will be South Africa’s second Presidency, during its two year (2019-2020) elected term on the Council. December will also be South Africa’s final month on the Council during its current term.

Speaking Notes of Minister Dr GNM Pandor on the occasion of the Virtual Meeting on “Violence and Harassment in the World of Work”, 30 November 2020. I am pleased to participate in this Webinar focusing on violence and harassment in the world of work.

Deputy Minister Alvin Botes participates in the commemoration of the annual United Nations (UN) International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Lombardy Hotel and Conference Centre, Pretoria, South Africa, 30 November 2020.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Remarks by Mr Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), on the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, 30 November 2020. I am honoured to address this august gathering in commemoration of the 43rd International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, as well as renewing South Africa (SA)’s shared commitments to a just and lasting solution to the Question of Palestine under the topic: “How will South Africa build renewed solidarity on the African continent and support the just cause of Palestine internationally.”

Deputy Minister Botes to lead commemoration of UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will on Monday, 30 November 2020, deliver the keynote address at an event commemorating the annual United Nations (UN) International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

South Africa condemns acts of terrorism in Jeddah - Saudi Arabia. The South African Government has noted, with deep concern, the attack targeting a petroleum facility in Jeddah on 23 November 2020.

Commemoration of the 43rd United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. On 29 November 2020, the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa will join the international community to observe the 43rd United Nations (UN) International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

South Africa calls for calm in the Middle East, following the assassination of Iran’s Dr Mohsehn Fakhrizadeh. The South African Government has condemned the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist, Dr Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, on Friday, 27 November 2020, in the strongest terms.