Minister Pandor saddened by the passing away of Ambassador Nkadimeng. 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, 06 August 2020, at the age of 93.

Deputy Minister Botes visits the Karoo and Southern Cape as part of Cabinet deployment to combat Gender-Based Violence and COVID-19. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes (MP), will visit the Karoo (Prince Albert) and the Southern Cape from 02 – 05 August 2020 in response to the Cabinet Meeting of 27 May 2020, which allocated Ministers and Deputy Ministers to become District Champions for specific Districts and Metros.

Minister Pandor thanks the IAEA for the assistance provided to South Africa in the fight against COVID-19. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has on behalf of the South African Government expressed appreciation to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), based in Vienna, Austria, for the assistance that the Agency is providing to South Africa in the form of test kit packages aimed at hastening the country’s detection and testing capabilities for COVID-19.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria, 29 July 2020. Let me begin by thanking, Mr Mark Lowcock (Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs) for his frank briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We also thank Ms Amany Qaddour, Regional Director of Syria Relief and Development, for her briefing.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on Yemen, 28 July 2020. We thank Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths; Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, Gen. Abhijit Guha; Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA), Acting Assistant Secretary-General, Ramesh Rajasingham; Chairperson of the Arab Human Rights Foundation, Dr Raja Abdullah Ahmed Almasabi; and General Coordinator (Yemen of Medecins du Monde), Wafa`a Aisaidy, for their briefings.

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Climate and Security, 24 July 2020. We thank the Secretary-General as well as the briefers for their contribution on this matter.

Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on progress in the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 23 July 2020. I wish to address you this evening on two matters that are of great interest and concern to South Africans as we struggle to overcome the Coronavirus pandemic. The first issue is the re-opening of schools and the second is the management of the resources that we have dedicated towards the fight against COVID-19.

Message of Condolence by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the Passing of Tata Andrew Mlangeni. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has learnt with sadness the passing of the last Rivonia Trialist, struggle icon and Isithwalandwe Seaparankwe, Tata Andrew Mlangeni.

Let’s work together to create a just global order that radiates the values of Nelson Mandela, Daily Maverick, by Naledi Pandor, 21 July 2020. The pandemic has caused mass destruction of an already brittle global socio-economic landscape. At this moment of re-imagining President Mandela, we should be re-emboldened to create a new vision, based on a moral and ethical foundation of our current international system.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Open Video Teleconference Meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, 21 July 2020. We wish to welcome the participation of Mr Miguel Berger, the State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, in today’s meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine and for presiding over our deliberations here today.

Minister Pandor to participate in a Virtual Meeting of the UN General Assembly to observe the annual Nelson Mandela International Day. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will participate in a virtual meeting of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to observe the annual Nelson Mandela International Day. The virtual meeting is planned for Monday, 20 July 2020, from 16h00-17h30 (South African time) and can be viewed via webcast on UN WebTV (http://webtv.un.org).

Minister Pandor congratulates Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng following her appointment to a UN role. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has congratulated Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng following her appointment to an important position at the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Advert for the AU Commission positions. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) wishes to invite applications from the public and private sector employees and civil society with the requisite seniority, experience and rich background knowledge of African politics for consideration as nominee for the following positions at the African Union (AU) – Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission; Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; and Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation.

Joint Press Release: 14th European Union - South Africa Ministerial Political Dialogue, July 2020 (by Video Conference). The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles; and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor, co-chaired the 14th Session of the Ministerial Political Dialogue in the context of the Strategic Partnership on 14 July 2020, by video-conference.

Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the launch of the 2020 Report of the UN Secretary-General’s Independent Accountability Panel for every Woman, Every Child, 13 July 2020. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this event, which addresses some of the most important issues facing humanity today. The Coronavirus pandemic is testing the social, economic and political resilience of many countries around the world but more especially developing countries.

Minister Pandor expresses her condolences on the passing of Zindzi Mandela, South Africa’s Ambassador to Denmark. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has learnt with shock of the news of the passing of South Africa’s Ambassador to Denmark, Ms Zindzi Mandela.

Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on progress in the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 12 July 2020. This evening, as I stand here before you, our nation is confronted by the gravest crisis in the history of our democracy. For more than 120 days, we have succeeded in delaying the spread of a virus that is causing devastation across the globe. We delayed the spread of the virus by working together and by maintaining our resolve.

Statement on the Virtual Cabinet Meeting of Friday, 10 July and 12 July 2020. Update on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) - Cabinet received a status report from the National Coronavirus Command Council.

Middle East peace plan must guarantee sovereign equality between Palestine and Israel Daily Maverick, by Alvin Botes, 10 July 2020. South Africa, as a member of the United Nations Security Council, will continue to support all efforts aimed at the establishment of a viable, contiguous Palestinian state, existing side-by-side and in peace with Israel, within internationally recognised borders.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Video Teleconference (VTC) Security Council Meeting on Peace Operations and Human Rights, 7 July 2020. The Minister of Defence of Germany, HE Ms Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, it is an honour to have you, your Excellency Chair this debate.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Africa, during the Security Council Video Teleconference (VTC) Meeting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Peace and Security, 2 July 2020. I thank the President, Minister Heiko Maas, for convening this briefing on the maintenance of peace and security focusing on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africa condemns Israel's planned annexation of Palestinian territories. The South African Government remains gravely concerned at the intention of Israel to proceed with its unilateral action to annex strategic areas of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) in the West Bank and Jordan Valley, from 1 July 2020.

Deputy Minister Alvin Botes visits the COVID-19 Humanitarian Staging Area, OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), Kempton Park, South Africa, 1 July 2020.

Photos: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Deputy Minister Botes to visit the COVID-19 Humanitarian Staging Area at ORTIA. The Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, at the invitation of the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Director for Southern Africa, Ms. Lola Castro, will visit the COVID-19 Humanitarian Staging Area at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) on Wednesday, 01 July 2020.

Deputy Minister Botes to visit the COVID-19 Humanitarian Staging Area at ORTIA

The Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, at the invitation of the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Director for Southern Africa, Ms. Lola Castro, will visit the COVID-19 Humanitarian Staging Area at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) on Wednesday, 01 July 2020.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), during the United Nations Security Council Meeting on the Implementation of Resolution 2231, 30 June 2020. South Africa continues to welcome the JCPOA as one of most important diplomatic achievements in the area of nuclear non-proliferation, since the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria, 29 June 2020. Allow me to thank the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Mark Lowcock, for his timely briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria.

President Ramaphosa congratulates Dr Lazarus Chakwera on his election as President of Malawi. Chairperson of the Africa Union His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa has offered his congratulations to Dr Lazarus Chakwera on his election as the President of the Republic of Malawi.

Media Statement by South Africa on the commemoration of the signing of the Charter of the United Nations, 26 June 2020. South Africa today joins the international community in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of the United Nations.

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), during the UN Security Council Meeting on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), 25 June 2020. We wish to welcome Ms Deborah Lyons (Special Representative and Head of UNAMA) to the Council and thank her for her briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and the work of UNAMA.

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), 23 June 2020. My delegation would like to express its gratitude to you for convening this meeting.

Statement on the Virtual Cabinet Meeting of 24 June 2020. South African Airways (SAA) Business Rescue Plan - Cabinet received a progress report on the SAA business rescue process from the IMC on the SAA, chaired by the Public Enterprises Minister Mr Pravin Gordhan.

South Africa congratulates the elected members of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2021-2022. President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 19 June 2020, congratulated Kenya, India, Ireland, Mexico and Norway on their election as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2021 to 2022.

Statement by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, during the UN Security Council Open Video Teleconference Briefing by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 18 June 2020. At the outset, I would like to thank France for convening this meeting on refugees, which is timely as we will be observing World Refugee Day, this coming Saturday, on 20 June 2020.

President Ramaphosa congratulates new Burundi President on his election and inauguration. His Excellency President Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the African Union, congratulates the President of Burundi, Major General Evariste Ndayishimiye on his election and inauguration as President of Burundi today.

AU Chair to provide public update on continental strategy to fight COVID-19. His Excellency, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa, and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), will tomorrow, Thursday, 18 June 2020, provide a public update on the continent-wide effort to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

African Union and FOCAC to co-host China-Africa Solidarity Summit on COVID-19. President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), participate in a virtual Extraordinary China-Africa Solidarity Summit against COVID-19 co-hosted by the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the AU.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the United Nations Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the Political situation in Syria, 16 June 2020. Allow me to begin by thanking Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen and Ms Noura Ghazi for their briefings today.

Courtesy call on President Cyril Ramaphosa by Lesotho Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro. His Excellency, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa will receive the Right Honourable Dr Moeketsi Majoro, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho today, 12 June 2020, at Mahlamba Ndlopfu in Pretoria.

President Ramaphosa convenes Virtual Meeting of the AU Bureau and Regional Economic Communities. President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as African Union Chairperson, will chair a virtual meeting of the African Union (AU) Bureau of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and Chairpersons of AU Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

Deputy Minister Botes to host a webinar on Diplomacy and Youth in the age of COVID-19 pandemic

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will lead a webinar on Diplomacy and Youth in the age COVID-19 pandemic.

Statement on the Virtual Cabinet Meeting held on Wednesday, 10 June 2020. Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) - At its virtual meeting held on Wednesday, 10 June 2020, Cabinet received an updated report from the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).

President Ramaphosa conveys condolences on the passing of President Pierre Nkurunziza. His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the African Union, has expressed his sadness at the untimely passing of Burundian President, His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza.

Statement by the South African Mission to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), 08 June 2020. At the outset I wish to thank the President and Prosecutor for their comprehensive reports.

South Africa’s Statement regarding protests in America following the death of Mr George Floyd. The Government of the Republic of South Africa has observed the protests in the United States of America, following the tragic death of Mr George Floyd.

Statement delivered by African Union Chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the High-Level Event on Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and beyond, 28 May 2020. I wish to thank the organisers for convening this critical and timely event. The Coronavirus pandemic will have far-reaching impacts on human health, livelihoods, security, economic development and social stability.

Minister Pandor to lead webinar on the impact of COVID-19 on the African continent

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will lead a webinar on the impact of COVID-19 on the African continent. The webinar is planned for Thursday, 28 May 2020, from 09h00-10h00.

Statement on the Virtual Cabinet Meeting held on Wednesday, 27 May 2020. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Africa - Cabinet was briefed on the outcome of consultations undertaken by President Cyril Ramaphosa with various civil-society organisations, to ensure that the country’s progression from Level 4 to Level 3 of the national lockdown has the support and inputs of all social partners.

Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Video Teleconference Meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, 27 May 2020. It has been an honour to have HE Ms Kaljulaid, the President of the Republic of Estonia, address the Council today.

Remarks by Chairperson of the African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa, on the occasion of Africa Day, 25 May 2020. On this day 57 years ago, the Organisation of African Unity was born. From the beginning it was dedicated to the idea that only through unity could Africa safeguard its independence and unlock its potential.

The angst of being a locked-down South African diplomat in Brazil, Opinionista, Daily Maverick, by Ntsiki Mashimbye, 25 May 2020. The greatest causes of anxiety among diplomatic officials, both in Brasilia and São Paulo, is the health of family and friends in South Africa, especially those with elderly and vulnerable parents, and siblings.

The Continent celebrates 57th Africa Day. On 25 May 2020, the African continent will mark the 57th anniversary of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The day is marked annually as Africa Day.