Minister Pandor to host the Annual Ubuntu Awards in Cape Town

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will host the Annual Ubuntu Awards at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Saturday, 11 February 2023.

Tribute to former Speaker of the National Assembly, the late Dr Frene Ginwala at the Joint Sitting, Monday, 6 February 2023, City Hall, Cape Town. It is a privilege and deeply held honour to have the opportunity to contribute to this important sitting celebrating the life of a great South African.

President Ramaphosa offers condolences to Governments and People of Türkiye and Syria. President Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, expressed his deep sadness at the large-scale loss of life and extent of injuries inflicted by an earthquake that has affected the nations of Türkiye and Syria.

Bilateral Meeting between Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Mr Shahriar Alam, at the OR Tambo Building, in Pretoria, South Africa, 3 February 2023.

Photo: Yandisa Monakali / DIRCO

Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini hosts Bangladesh’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The Deputy Minister of International Relations Ms Candith Mashego Dlamini, will host the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Mr Shahriar Alam, on Friday, 03 February 2023, in Pretoria.

Message by Minister Pandor to the First BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa Meeting, Limpopo, South Africa, 1 February 2023. It is my pleasure to welcome you to South Africa for the first BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa meeting of 2023.

Remarks delivered by Mr Zane Dangor, Director-General, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, at the Welcome Dinner of the First BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa Meeting, 31 January 2023, Limpopo. On behalf of the Government of South Africa and its people, let me welcome you to our beautiful country.

South Africa hosts First BRICS meeting in Bela Bela

As Chair of BRICS for the year 2023, South Africa will host the first meeting of its tenure – the BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas – in Bela Bela, Limpopo Province, from 01-02 February 2023.

Deputy Minister Botes opens the African Regional Seminar on the Universalisation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.The Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Mr Alvin Botes, opened the African Regional Seminar on the Universalisation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) being held in Pretoria on 30 – 31 January 2023.

President Ramaphosa to participate in Extraordinary Summit of SADC Organ Troika. President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 31 January 2023, participate in a Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit taking place in Windhoek, Namibia.

Minister Naledi Pandor to deliver the Keynote Address at the annual Kgoshi Mampuru II Commemoration

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will deliver a keynote address at the Annual Kgoshi Mampuru II Commemoration event on Saturday, 28 January 2023.

Minister Pandor congratulates Adv Mojankunyane Gumbi on her appointment as the UN Special Adviser for Addressing Racism in the Workplace. On behalf of the South African Government, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has congratulated Adv Mojankunyane Gumbi for being appointed the United Nations Special Adviser for Addressing Racism in the Workplace.

Opening Statement by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor, during the 15th South Africa – European Union Ministerial Political Dialogue, in Pretoria, 27 January 2023. I wish to warmly welcome High Representative / Vice-President Borrell and the three accompanying EU Commissioners, Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen (International Partnerships); Commissioner Mairead McGuiness (Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union) and Commissioner Stella Kyriakides (Health and Food Safety) to South Africa for this 15th Session of the South Africa – EU Ministerial Political Dialogue, held within the framework of our Strategic Partnership.

Minister Pandor to co-chair SA – EU Ministerial Political Dialogue with EU High Representative, Mr Borrell

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will on 26 and 27 January 2023, co-chair the 15th South Africa–European Union (SA–EU) Ministerial Political Dialogue (MPD) with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, HE Mr Josep Borrell.

Minister Pandor to host the Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic

The Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will on Tuesday, 24 January 2023, host her counterpart from the Hellenic Republic, Mr Nikolaos Dendias, on the occasion of his Working Visit to South Africa.

Closing Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation during the Bilateral Political Consultations with Mr Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Pretoria, 23 January 2023. The discussions of today were frank and open, and I am pleased about the progress evident on a variety of issues between our two countries.

Opening Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation during the Bilateral Political Consultations with Mr Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Pretoria, 23 January 2023. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your delegation to South Africa and to thank you for honouring our invitation to visit our beautiful country.

Media arrangements for the SA – Russia Ministerial Meeting

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, is scheduled to host the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, 23 January 2023, in Pretoria for Bilateral Talks.

DIRCO DG visits Palestine for Political Consultations. The Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Zane Dangor, will undertake a Working Visit to the State of Palestine to co-chair the Second Round of the South Africa – Palestine Political Consultations at Director-General level, scheduled for 22-25 January 2023 in Ramallah.

Minister Pandor to host her Russian counterpart for Bilateral Talks. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, is scheduled to host the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, 23 January 2023, in Pretoria for Bilateral Talks.

Minister Pandor's message of condolence to the Ginwala family. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has learnt with sadness the news of the passing of Dr Frene Ginwala.

Opening Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, at the Bilateral Political Consultation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, 09 January 2023. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to South Africa and for making yourself available to meet in order for us to discuss matters of mutual concern, bilaterally and multilaterally during these very challenging times we find ourselves in.

South Africa condemns riots in Brazil. South Africa strongly condemns the events that took place in Brazil this Sunday, 08 January 2023, that saw rioters storm the Congress and Supreme Court buildings in the capital city, Brasilia.

Minister Pandor to host her Türkiysh counterpart in Pretoria

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will host her Türkiysh counterpart, Mr Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, in Pretoria on Tuesday, 10 January 2023, for Political Consultations.

South Africa’s Statement on the visit to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The Government of the Republic of South Africa expresses concern over the visit to the Temple Mount by Israel’s National Security Minister.

South Africa and the People’s Republic of China commemorate 25 years of Diplomatic Relations. Today, 1 January 2023, marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, which came into effect from 1 January 1998.

Minister Pandor to attend the Inauguration Ceremony of the Brazilian President-elect Mr Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Vice President-elect, Mr Geraldo José Rodrigues Alckmin Filho on 01 January 2023. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will represent President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Inauguration Ceremony of the President-elect of the Federative Republic of Brazil. Mr Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Vice President-elect, Mr Geraldo José Rodrigues Alckmin Filho, scheduled to take place on 01 January 2023.

President hails Pele as a global inspiration and champion of peace. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of global football icon and social activist, Pelé.

South African Statement on the Taliban’s ban on women from attending universities. South Africa is gravely concerned by the recent decision by the cabinet of Afghanistan announced on Tuesday 20 December 2022, to suspend education for female students at all public and private universities in Afghanistan.

South Africa condemns the scheduled executions of the seven university students in Myanmar. The South African Government is deeply concerned about the scheduled executions of the seven (7) Dagon University students by the military in Myanmar.

Minister Pandor leads the South African delegation to the United States – Africa Leaders’ Summit in Washington DC. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, arrives in Washington DC, United States of America, this morning (GMT – 5) to lead a South African Delegation to the Second United States-Africa Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place, started, yesterday, 13 – 15 December 2022.

Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of the end-of-the-year Media Briefing on South Africa’s foreign policy milestones, 12 December 2022. Allow me to take this opportunity to send, on behalf of myself and my department, our deepest condolences to the family, friends and Cdes of Mr Geoff Doidge, my former Cabinet colleague and former ambassador to Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Minister Pandor to address DIRCO’s end-of-the-year Media Briefing

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will address DIRCO’s end-of-the-year Media Briefing on Monday, 12 December 2022.

Deputy Minister Botes concludes his Working Visit to Algeria. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooper, Mr Alvin Botes, has concluded his Working Visit to Algeria, where he participated in the Ninth High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa.

Remarks by DR GNM Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, at the World Science Forum Plenary on Science Diplomacy, Cape Town International Convention Centre, 8 December 2022. It is an honour to address you today at the first World Science Forum (WSF) to be held on African soil, and we are very pleased that South Africa is the first African country to host this Forum.

Minister Pandor to address the Plenary Session of the World Science Forum in Cape Town. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will this afternoon, 08 December 2022, at 15h00 address the Plenary Session of the World Science Forum (WSF), currently underway, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town.

Remarks by Dr GNM Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, at the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Global Network of Focal Points, DIRCO, 6 December 2022. I would like to warmly welcome you all to the Inter-Regional Focal Points Network Meeting.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to bestow the Grand Star of the Order of Jerusalem on Minister Naledi Pandor, 02 December 2022

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will be awarded the Grand Star of the Order of Jerusalem – the second highest level of Order awarded by the order of the President of the State of Palestine to the Heads of Government, Ministers, Envoys and others of similar standing - at an event scheduled to take place at the Freedom Park, in Pretoria.

South Africa and the Republic of Korea celebrate 30 years of Diplomatic Relations. The Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Korea are celebrating the 30th anniversary of Diplomatic Relations this year.

Deputy Minister Botes to host his Polish counterpart for Bilateral Political Consultations. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will host his counterpart from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Mr Paweł Jabłoński, for Bilateral Political Consultations, which will be held in Pretoria on 01 December 2022.

Minister Naledi Pandor to host her counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Mr George Onyeama, in Pretoria on 30 November 2022

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will host her Nigerian counterpart, His Excellency, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, in Pretoria on 30 November 2022, for the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two countries.

Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of 30 November 2022. Issues in the environment - Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) - Cabinet welcomed the results of Statistics South Africa’s QLFS for the third quarter of 2022, which indicated that 204 000 jobs were gained between the second and third quarters of 2022.

South Africa’s Country Statement delivered by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, on the occasion of the 22nd Meeting of the IORA Council of Ministers, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 24 November 2022. On behalf of the Government and People of South Africa, I wish to express our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Indonesia, for the tragic loss of life caused by an earthquake that struck the West Java region this week.

Scam Alert regarding Legalisation Services. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) would like to appeal to the public to be cautious of a legalisation scam whereby the Department’s name is being used to solicit money for legalisation services.

Keynote Address by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes at the 21st Annual Regional Seminar on the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law: 22 - 25 November 2022. Theme - International Humanitarian Law: An African Perspective on Contemporary Global Challenges”, 22 November 2022. I am honoured and privileged to be welcoming you all and opening our 21st Annual Regional Seminar on the implementation of International Humanitarian Law for Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Island States.

Message of condolences following the death and injuries from an earthquake in Indonesia. The South African Government wishes to express its condolences to the Government and people of Indonesia following the large-scale destruction and loss of hundreds of lives in the wake of the recent earthquake in the West Java Province.