Minister Naledi Pandor hands over a newly refurbished Science Laboratory and the library, Siqongweni High School, Imbali Township, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, 11 September 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Speaking Notes for Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during the official hand-over of the Science laboratory and library at Siqongweni Senior Secondary School at Imbali Township in Pietermaritzburg on 11 September 2021. I am pleased to participate in this momentous occasion which marks the official handover of the Scientific Laboratory and Library to Siqongweni Senior Secondary School.

Minister Pandor to officially hand over the newly renovated Science Lab and the library to Siqongweni High School at Imbali Township, Pietermaritzburg – 11 September 2021 at 09h00

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will officially hand over a newly refurbished Science Laboratory and the library to Siqongweni High School at Imbali Township in Pietermaritzburg.

DIRCO parts ways with Director-General. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has terminated its employment relationship with Director-General, Mr Kgabo Mahoai.

Deputy Minister Alvin Botes and Ambassador Huang Van Loi, of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Pretoria, donate masks to the Northern Cape Department of Education for distribution to schools, Kimberley, Northern Cape Province, South Africa, 10 September 2021.

Photo: Yandisa Monakali / DIRCO

DIRCO and the Embassy of Vietnam to hand over masks to the Northern Cape Department of Education

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, and the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Pretoria, HE Huang Van Loi, will donate masks to the Department of Education in the Northern Cape Province, for distribution to schools.

Minister Pandor conveys her condolences to Ms Zanele Magwaza-Msibi’s family. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has conveyed her heartfelt condolences to Ms Zanele Magwaza-Msibi’s family, friends and colleagues, following the announcement of her passing this morning.

Ongoing political and security situation in the Republic of Guinea. The South African Government notes with great concern the ongoing political and security situation in the Republic of Guinea following the apparent coup d'état that took place on 5 September 2021.

Deputy Minister Alvin Botes concludes visits to Poland and Romania. The Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, has concluded his Working Visit to Poland and Romania for Political Consultations with the Polish Undersecretary of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Pawel Jablonski and the Romanian State Secretary, Mr Cornel Ferutã.

Speaking Notes for Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, at the Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum, 3 September 2021. Let me begin by being really excited about the elastreous list of women leaders who are going to be part of the forum.

Statement on the virtual Cabinet Meeting of Wednesday, 1 September 2021. Issues in the Environment - Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) vaccine roll-out. Cabinet was apprised by the Department of Health on the progress of the Vaccination Roll-out Programme, which included epidemiology (the branch of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health) and surveillance.

Meeting between Deputy Minister Alvin Botes and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Cornel Feruță, for Bilateral Political Consultations, Bucharest, Republic of Romania, 2 September 2021.

Photo: Yandisa Monakali / DIRCO

Deputy Minister Botes visits Poland and Romania for Bilateral Political Consultations. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will visit Poland and Romania from 31 August 2021 to 02 September 2021, where he will co-chair Bilateral Political Consultations with the Polish Head of Foreign Service, Dr Arkady Rzegocki, and the Romanian State Secretary, Mr Cornel Ferutã, respectively.

Minister Naledi Pandor participates in the virtual Event themed “Ensuring Protection for Full and Equal Participation in Peacebuilding and Political Spaces,”, hosted in partnership with the Governments of Kenya, South Africa, Sweden and the United States, in Pretoria, South Africa, 31 August 2021.

Photo: Katlholo Maifadi / DIRCO

Minister Pandor to participate in a panel discussion on the protection of women in conflict-affected environments. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor will, this afternoon, 31 August 2021 at 15h00, participate in a virtual event themed “Ensuring Protection for Full and Equal Participation in Peacebuilding and Political Spaces,” hosted in partnership with the Governments of Kenya, South Africa, Sweden and the United States.

Minister Naledi Pandor participates in the virtual Opening Session of the Eighth Edition of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Summer Course on Science and Diplomacy, Pretoria, South Africa, 30 August 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Minister Pandor to be a Keynote Speaker at the Opening Session of the Eighth Edition of the “AAAS-TWAS Summer Course on Science and Diplomacy. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will this afternoon, 30 August 2021 at 14h00, be a keynote speaker during the Opening Session of the Eighth Edition of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Summer Course on Science and Diplomacy.

Joint Communiqué issued by Dr GNM Pandor and Dr AK Abdul Momen at the conclusion of a Working Meeting held on 24 August 2021. The Working Meeting between the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Dr GNM Pandor, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh, Dr AK Abdul Momen, took place in Pretoria, South Africa on 24 August 2021.

Minister Pandor to host the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dr AK Abdul Momen, during an Official Visit to South Africa from 22 - 25 August 2021. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will host the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dr AK Abdul Momen, during an Official Visit to South Africa from 22-25 August 2021.

Minister Pandor to launch a new initiative in honour of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will on Monday, 23 August 2021, deliver the keynote address at the launch of the Charlotte Maxeke African Women’s Economic, Justice and Rights (AWEJR) initiative.

Celebrating the spirit of Charlotte Maxeke – pioneer, activist, artist, intellectual, internationalist and visionary, Daily Maverick, by Naledi Pandor, 23 August 2021. While being the first black woman in the many spaces she operated in, Charlotte Maxeke understood that for meaningful representation of women, she needed to rally other women to amplify their voice in the struggle for gender equality.

President Ramaphosa in discussion with President-Elect Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia. President Cyril Ramaphosa placed a call yesterday, Wednesday 18 August 2021, to Zambian President-Elect, Hakainde Hichilema, to wish the incoming leader and the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia well for the Presidential term.

Minister Pandor to be a guest speaker at Stellenbosch University Women Alumnae Network. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will be a guest speaker at the Stellenbosch University Women Alumnae Network (SWAN) to be held virtually, tomorrow, Friday, 20 August 2021, at 13h00 – 14h00.

Statement on the virtual Cabinet Meeting of Wednesday, 18 August 2021. Issues in the Environment - Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant - Cabinet is conscious of the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent public violence in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

We stand with Palestine, The Star, by Dr Naledi Pandor, 12 August 2021. Unjust actions committed by Israel offend letter and spirit of AU charter. On behalf of the South African Government, I recently had to communicate our objection to the unjust and unwarranted decision of the AU Commission to grant Israel observer status in the union.

Joint Communiqué issued by Amb. Raychelle Omamo and Dr Naledi Pandor at the Inaugural Session of the Kenya – South Africa Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), held on 11th August, 2021. The Inaugural Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) between the Governments of the Republics of Kenya and South Africa was held on 11th August, 2021 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Minister Pandor travels to Kenya to inaugurate the South Africa – Kenya Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC). The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will represent South Africa at the First Session of the South Africa – Kenya Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC), scheduled to take on 10 – 11 August 2021 in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya.

The global community must unite against vaccine racism and nationalism and defeat COVID-19 in honour of Madiba, Daily Maverick, by Naledi Pandor, 3 August 2021. Were Nelson Mandela alive today, having been born into a life of struggle that was given momentum by global solidarity, he would most certainly urge us as humanity to rise together in solidarity to save the lives of all, everywhere, because none of us is safe until all are safe.

South Africa objects to the African Union Commission Decision to grant Israel Observer Status. The Government of South Africa is appalled at the unjust and unwarranted decision of the AU Commission to grant Israel observer status in the African Union.

Deputy Minister Alvin Botes co-chairs the virtual Seventh South Africa – Chile Joint Consultative Mechanism Meeting with the Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile, Ms Carolina Valdivia, Pretoria, South Africa, 22 July 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Deputy Minister Botes to chair the Seventh Meeting of the South Africa – Chile Joint Consultative Mechanism on 22 July 2021. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will hold the Seventh South Africa – Chile Joint Consultative Mechanism Meeting with Ms Carolina Valdivia, Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile, during the afternoon of 22 July 2021.

Minister Naledi Pandor delivers a virtual Keynote Address at the Annual Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the occasion of the Nelson Mandela International Day, Pretoria, South Africa, 21 July 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Remarks by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, at the Annual Observance of the Nelson Mandela International Day, 21 July 2021, New York, UN General Assembly Hall. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa and His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, it is an honour for me to be with you today, even though virtually, to mark this auspicious occasion, the Nelson Mandela International Day.

Minister Naledi Pandor co-chairs the Ministerial Segment of the virtual 16th South Africa – Russia Federation Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), Pretoria, South Africa, 20 July 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Minister Pandor leads the South African delegation at the 16th South Africa – Russian Federation Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor will lead the South African delegation and Co-Chair the Ministerial Segment of the 16th South Africa – Russia Federation Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), taking place, virtually, today, Tuesday, 20 July 2021.

Diplomatic and Political Consultations between Minister Naledi Pandor and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Windhoek, Republic of Namibia, 14 July 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Minister Pandor travels to Windhoek, Namibia for Diplomatic and Political Consultations. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, is travelling to Namibia, today, 14 July 2021, to have Diplomatic and Political Consultations with her counterpart, HE Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Namibian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

Political Declaration adopted at the online Mid-Term Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement under the Theme: “Non-Aligned Movement at the Centre of Multilateral Efforts in responding Global Challenges,” 13-14 July 2021. We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Member States, having met through video conference at the online Mid-term Ministerial Conference of NAM, under the Theme: “Non-Aligned Movement at the Centre of Multilateral Efforts in responding Global Challenges,” on 13-14 July 2021, undertook a review of the progress achieved in the implementation of the outcomes of the XVIII Summit of the Movement held in Baku, the Republic of Azerbaijan, on 25-26 October 2019, and with a view to making an effective contribution to the solution of the major problems of concern to all NAM Member States and to the entire mankind.

Statement by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the Mid-Term Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement under the Theme: “Non-Aligned Movement at the Centre of Multilateral Efforts in responding Global Challenges,” 13-14 July 2021. I thank you for convening this online Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Minister Pandor mourns the passing of Dr Ben Ngubane. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has conveyed her heartfelt condolences to Dr Ben Ngubane family, friends and colleagues, following the announcement of his untimely passing, this morning.

Minister Pandor leads South African delegation at the Meeting of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, is today, 07 July 2021, leading a South African Government delegation at the virtual Meeting of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Virtual Political Consultations between Deputy Minister Alvin Botes and the Deputy Foreign Minister for non-European Countries and Economic Diplomacy of the Czech Republic, Mr Martin Tlapa, Pretoria, South Africa, 1 July 2021.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Deputy Minister Botes holds Political Consultations with the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, held Political Consultations with the Deputy Foreign Minister for non-European Countries and Economic Diplomacy of the Czech Republic, Mr Martin Tlapa.

Ongoing political and security situation in the Kingdom of eSwatini. The South African Government notes with great concern the ongoing political and security situation in the Kingdom of eSwatini.

Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of 30 June 2021. Issues in the Environment - Adjusted Alert Level 4 of the national lockdown - Cabinet reaffirmed the move to Adjusted Alert Level 4 as announced by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, 27 June 2021 as a necessary step in the fight against the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.

Minister Naledi Pandor attends the G20 Ministers’ Meetings, Matera, Republic of Italy, 28-29 June 2021.

Photos: Katlholo Maifadi / DIRCO

Matera Declaration on Food Security, Nutrition and Food Systems. A Call to Action in the time of the COVID – 19 pandemic and beyond. We, the G20 Foreign Affairs and Development Ministers, UN agencies and other partners convened here in Matera to contribute to strengthening international efforts to contain the effects of the pandemic on lives and livelihoods and to build forward better.

South Africa reiterates its support for multilateral efforts aimed at tackling global challenges. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, said today, 29 June 2021, at meetings of the G20 taking place in Matera, Italy, that South Africa supports international efforts to tackle the health and socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Pandor arrives in Italy for G20 Ministers’ Meetings. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has today, 28 June 2021, arrived in Matera, Italy, where she is representing South Africa in a number of meetings of the G20 Ministers.

South Africa contacts French authorities following the ill treatment of opera star Pretty Yende. The South African Government has noted with concern the manner in which acclaimed international opera singer, Pretty Yende, was treated at the Charles De Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France, on Monday, 21 June 2021.

Communiqué of the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, 23rd June, 2021, Maputo, Mozambique. The Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held at Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre in Maputo, Republic of Mozambique, on the 23rd June 2021.

Deputy Minister Botes concludes Working Visit to Turkey. The Deputy of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, has concluded his working visit to Turkey, where he attended the inaugural Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) from 18 - 20 June 2021.

Deputy Minister Botes undertakes Working Visit to Turkey. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, is scheduled to undertake a Working Visit to Turkey, where he will take part in the inaugural Antalya Diplomatic Forum (ADF) from 18 - 20 June 2021.

Minister Pandor to lead a South African delegation to a SADC-EU Ministerial Political Dialogue on 16 June 2021. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will participate in the virtual Southern African Development Community (SADC)-European Union (EU) Ministerial Political Dialogue on 16 June 2021.

South Africa declares diplomats persona non grata for abusing diplomatic privileges. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation wishes to confirm that it has, on behalf of the Republic of South Africa, declared several diplomats persona non grata following an intensive investigation into their flouting of diplomatic privileges.

South Africa sends condolences to Pakistan following a train crash in the Sindh province. The South African Government has learnt with sadness of the Pakistani train collision in a remote part of southern Sindh province which occurred on Monday, 07 June 2021, and caused the tragic loss of least 63 people.

Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of 9 June 2021. Issues in the Environment - Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) vaccine roll-out - Cabinet welcomed the progress with COVID-19 vaccinations which had on Tuesday, 8 June 2021 reached 1, 524, 589 and the Pfizer First Dose vaccinations breached the one-million mark with 1, 045, 245, which is a remarkable milestone.

Joint Statement at the conclusion of the Working Visit to South Africa by Dr Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, 04 June 2021. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, hosted her Rwandan counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Vincent Biruta, on a Working Visit to South Africa on 4 June 2021.