DIRCO rejects reports of ISIS fighters returning to South Africa. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has, in recent days, noted false and irresponsible newspaper reports indicating that hundreds of former ISIS fighters have been repatriated to South Africa through a “secret operation” carried out since 2019.

Minister Naledi Pandor’s Remarks to Learners at Zinikeleni Secondary School, 20 May 2022. It is an honour to be with you today, ahead of our President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential Imbizo, which will take place later this morning not far from your school.

Investment Seminar to be held in Kimberley

The Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Mr. Alvin Botes, in collaboration with the Northern Cape Provincial Government, through the office of the Premier, will host a seminar aimed at showcasing investment opportunities in the Northern Cape Province.

Standalone BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs / International Relations Meeting and the First BRICS Plus Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue. On 19 May 2022, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, participated in the virtual edition of the Fifth Standalone BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Meeting as well as the First BRICS Plus Foreign Minister’s Dialogue with counterparts from emerging markets and developing countries

Minister Pandor to officially hand over computers to Zinikeleni Secondary School in Carolina, Mpumalanga Province. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will officially hand over laptops to Zinikeleni Secondary School in Carolina, Mpumalanga Province.

Remarks by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations at the Seminar to mark the 20th anniversary of the African Union, hosted by the University of Cape Town, on 18 May 2022. It is a great pleasure for me to deliver these remarks as part of our celebration of the birth of Africa’s premier organisation, the African Union (AU), the successor of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

Africa in 2063 – Removing obstacles to prosperity, Dr GNM Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, University of Cape Town, 17 May 2022. Allow me to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the warm welcome and for allowing us to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the African Union at the University of Cape Town.

Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini arrives in Geneva to Co-Chair the Fourth Capital Level Meeting of the Global Network of National Focal Points of Women, Peace and Security. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, has today arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, to co-chair the Global Network of Focal Points on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) taking place in Geneva from 18-19 May 2022.

Economic Assistance Agreement with the Republic of Cuba. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has responded to a Parliamentary Question from the Democratic Alliance (DA) relating to the Economic Assistance Package (EAP), of R350 Million to Cuba, signed on 03 February 2012 in Pretoria.

Minister Pandor to speak at two events in Cape Town marking the AU’s 20th anniversary. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will speak at two events in Cape Town this week marking the 20th anniversary of the launch of the African Union (AU).

Minister Naledi Pandor speaks at the book launch, "Beyond Fear: Reflections of a Freedom Fighter", by late former Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, 16 May 2022.

Photos: Yandisa Monakali / DIRCO

Minister Pandor to speak at the book launch - Beyond Fear: Reflections of a Freedom Fighter by late Former Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will speak at the launch of a book; Beyond Fear: Reflections of a Freedom Fighter, by late former Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ebrahim Ebrahim.

Budget Vote Speech for 2022 of the Department of International and Cooperation by Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Pretoria, South Africa, 12 May 2022.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

International Relations and Cooperation, Budget Vote Speech, Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini, 12 May 2022. As the world continues to grapple with the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have had to confront dwindling budgets and do more with less.

Budget Vote Speech for 2022 of the Department of International and Cooperation by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, Pretoria, South Africa, 12 May 2022.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

DIRCO condemns the killing of Aljazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, allegedly by the Israeli Defence Force on Wednesday, 11 May 2022.

Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Official Talks on the occasion of State Visit by Guinea-Bissau President Embaló, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 28 April 2022. On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, I welcome you and your esteemed delegation to our country on the occasion of this state visit.

Minister Naledi Pandor receives the President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, ahead of his State Visit, Waterkloof Air Force Base, Pretoria, South Africa, 27 April 2022.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

President Ramaphosa to host President Embaló of Guinea Bissau on State Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 28 April 2022, host His Excellency General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, on a State Visit to Pretoria.

Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini participates in the Raisina Dialogue Panel Discussion Conversation on: "Digital doses" with the focus on equitable access to health technology, New Delhi, India, 26 April 2022.

Photo: Katlholo Maifadi / DIRCO

Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini arrives in India to attend the Raisina Dialogue. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, has arrived in India on an Official Visit from 24 to 27 April 2022.

South Africa expresses concern at developments in Jerusalem. South Africa is appalled by the increased violence and heightened tensions in Jerusalem, particularly at the Al Aqsa Mosque, and the restrictions placed on religious sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

President extends condolences on passing of former President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya. President Cyril Ramaphosa has on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa extended condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya following the passing away of former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki.

Closing Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Plenary Session of the Fifth South Africa – Botswana Bi-National Commission, 22 April 2022. We have come to the end of our bilateral discussions, which have been frank and cordial in equal measure.

Opening Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Plenary Session of the South Africa – Botswana Bi-National Commission, 22 April 2022, Pretoria. I am pleased to welcome you and your delegation to South Africa. It is indeed a pleasure to co-chair this Summit Meeting of the Fifth Session of South Africa – Botswana Bi-National Commission alongside you.

Minister Naledi Pandor receives the President from the Republic of Botswana, HE Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, for the Fifth Session of the South Africa – Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), Waterkloof Air Force Base, Pretoria, South Africa, 22 April 2022.

Photos: Yandisa Monakali / DIRCO

South Africa – Botswana Bi-National Commission to take place in Pretoria. The President of the Republic of South Africa, HE Cyril Ramaphosa, is scheduled to host his counterpart from the Republic of Botswana, HE Mokgweetsi Masisi, on the occasion of the Fifth Session of the South Africa – Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), which will take place on Friday, 22 April 2022.

Minister Pandor and her counterpart to co-chair Ministerial Segment of the South Africa – Botswana BNC

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, and her counterpart from the Republic of Botswana, Minister Lemogang Kwape. will co-chair the Ministerial Segment of the Fifth South Africa – Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) on Thursday, 21 April 2022, in Pretoria.

President postpones Saudi Arabia visit to focus on Kwazulu-Natal disaster. President Cyril Ramaphosa has postponed a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to focus on government’s intervention in the KwaZulu-Natal flood disaster.

Minister Pandor to deliver a keynote address at the Gala Dinner function hosted by the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute to honour DIRCO’s role in preserving Mama Charlotte Maxeke’s legacy

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will, this evening, deliver a keynote address at the Gala Dinner function, hosted by the Charlotte Mannyi-Maxeke Institute in partnership with Freedom Park to honour the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) role in preserving Mama Charlotte Maxeke’s legacy.

Statement by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, during the Media Briefing on the Russia / Ukraine Conflict, 08 April 2022. We thought it useful for us to engage with you on South Africa’s approach to the conflict in Ukraine to date.

Media Briefing on ongoing Ukraine / Russia Conflict

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, joined by the Director-General, Mr Zane Dangor; Permanent Representatives of South Africa to the United Nations (UN), Ambassadors Mathu Joyini (New York) and Mxolisi Nkosi (Geneva), will tomorrow at 10h00 brief the media on the developments regarding the on-going Ukraine / Russia conflict.

President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 2022 Heads of Mission Conference (HoMC22), O R Tambo Building, Pretoria, South Africa, 7 April 2022.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the South African Heads of Mission Conference, 7 April 2022. It is good to be here at the first Heads of Mission Conference since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak fundamentally changed our world.

Minister Naledi Pandor addresses the 2022 Heads of Mission Conference (HoMC22), O R Tambo Building, Pretoria, South Africa, 7 April 2022.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

Minister Naledi Pandor being interviewed by Morning Live at the 2022 Heads of Mission Conference (HoMC22), O R Tambo Building, Pretoria, South Africa, 7 April 2022.

Photo: Katlholo Maifadi / DIRCO

Address by HE Dr Naledi Pandor, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to the South African Heads of Mission Conference, 7 April 2022. I would like to warmly welcome you to the 2022 Heads of Mission Conference, the first since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and since my appointment. The theme for our conference is: “Positioning South Africa’s Diplomacy to Advance our Domestic Priorities.”

President Ramaphosa to address Diplomatic Heads of Mission Conference

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 07 April 2022, address the opening session of the 2022 Heads of Mission Conference (HoMC22), which is a platform for strategic discussion among South Africa’s internationally deployed senior diplomats.

Statement by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa, on the Resolution to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council, 07 April 2022. South Africa is deeply concerned about the continuing conflict in Ukraine, the loss of lives and the deteriorating humanitarian situation.

Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of 6 April 2022. Issues in the environment - Fourth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) - Cabinet welcomed the successful conclusion of the Fourth SAIC held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg on Thursday, 24 March 2022, which saw domestic and international investors pledging new investments in our country.

Opening Remarks by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika Plus the Republic of Mozambique in Pretoria – 03 April 2022. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you back to South Africa to consider the important agenda items before us.

SADC Troika Ministerial Meeting to take place on Sunday, 03 April

Members of the media who have applied for accreditation are invited to the opening of the Ministerial Meeting of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, scheduled for Sunday, 03 April 2022.

Minister Pandor wishes Mr Dangor well as the new DG of DIRCO. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has congratulated Mr Zane Dangor on being appointed the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Update on media arrangements for the SADC Organ Troika Plus the Republic of Mozambique and the Kingdom of eSwatini. As Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, South Africa will convene the Ministerial Meeting of the SADC Organ Troika Plus the Republic of Mozambique and the Kingdom of eSwatini on Sunday, 03 April 2022, in Pretoria.

South Africa calls for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and dialogue, mediation and diplomacy to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the UN General Assembly. Today, the United Nations General Assembly considered resolutions on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.-

Explanation of Vote on the humanitarian resolution in Ukraine on the occasion of the Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly on 24 March 2022. South Africa is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries.

Minister Pandor on the Court Ruling regarding the South African Humanitarian Aid to Cuba. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor has, this morning, reacted to the Court Ruling yesterday regarding South Africa’s humanitarian aid to Cuba.

Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of 23 March 2022. Issues in the environment - National State of Disaster - The South African Government responded to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) global pandemic by declaring the National State of Disaster in March 2020, in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act 57 of 2002).

South Africa to host SADC Extra-Ordinary Organ Troika Summit. The media are invited to apply for accreditation to the SADC Extra-Ordinary Organ Troika Summit plus the Republic of Mozambique, the Kingdom of eSwatini and Personnel Contributing Countries, to be held from 04-05 April 2022 in Pretoria.

South Africa Chairs the 66th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. South Africa has assumed responsibility as the Chair of the 66th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) that is taking place at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York from 14 – 25 March 2022.

Parliamentary Debate Speech for the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Candith Mashego-Dlamini, for Parliamentary Debate on Russia – Ukraine Crisis, Tuesday, 15 March 2022. After the democratic elections in 1994, South Africa ceased to be the pariah of the world; it regained its rightful place in Africa, in the United Nations and in the family of nations.

South Africa observes Commonwealth Day. South Africa joins the other Commonwealth member states in marking Commonwealth Day today 14 March 2022, under the theme: “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.”

Acting Director-General, Ambassador Nonceba Losi, and the Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Mr Bharat Raj Paudyal, sign a Declaration of Intent on Cooperation between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Nepal, Pretoria, South Africa, 10 March 2022.

Photo: Jacoline Schoonees / DIRCO

South Africa and Nepal sign new agreement. The Acting Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Ambassador Nonceba Losi, and the Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Mr Bharat Raj Paudyal, signed a Declaration of Intent on Cooperation between the Republic of South Africa and Nepal on Thursday, 10 March 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa.

Deputy Minister Botes concludes Working Visit to Norway and Sweden. The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, has concluded his Working Visit to Norway and Sweden, which took place from 07 – 11 March 2022.