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Deputy Minister Alvin Botes Concludes Working Visit to the United States of America. Deputy Minister Alvin Botes' visit to the US is one of South Africa's key efforts this year to stabilize and rebuild relations around issues of foreign policy, trade and investment, and international justice. Deputy Minister Botes visited Washington, DC, and New York City, where he met with think tanks, interlocutors, and key voices advancing cultural and people-to-people diplomacy. 17 July 2026. New York City, United States of America.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola speaks to Ubuntu Radio upon participating in the 28th Ministerial SADC MCO in Salima, Malawi.

Closing Remarks by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the 4th SA-Namibia Bi-National Commission by Ubuntu Radio

Closing Remarks by President Ramaphosa at the 4th SA-Namibia Bi-National Commission by Ubuntu Radio

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Co-Chair the fourth session of the South Africa-Namibia Binational Commission (BNC) in Pretoria. The high-level presidential session serves as the culmination of a week of bilateral diplomatic engagements following the Council of Ministers Meeting held on Thursday, which was preceded by a two-day Senior Officials Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Co-Chair the fourth session of the South Africa-Namibia Binational Commission (BNC) in Pretoria. The high-level presidential session serves as the culmination of a week of bilateral diplomatic engagements following the Council of Ministers Meeting held on Thursday, which was preceded by a two-day Senior Officials Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday

Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi is the Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade. She spoke to Ubuntu Radio at the Conclusion of the Ministerial Session of the 4th South Africa - Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria.

Namibia remains one of South Africa’s most vital strategic partners in the region. Since the BNC structure was officially established in 2013, the nations have successfully convened three sessions, making Friday's meeting a milestone fourth chapter in their structured diplomatic mechanism. Biilateral partnership is robust and spans a broad range of activity, including political dialogue, economic cooperation, environmental management, science and technology, social development, as well as defence and security collaboration. The post-apartheid era has yielded significant progress for both countries, reflected in the 75 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) currently signed between the two States. The legal frameworks cover a comprehensive spectrum, ranging from economic and political treaties to defence, social upliftment, and security cooperation. Friday's summit is expected to review the implementation of these existing agreements while exploring new avenues to boost economic trade, regional stability, and sustainable development for both nations. The SA-Namibia BNC will also incorporate the South Africa – Namibia Business Forum which will be held under the theme ‘Driving Regional Industrialisation, Investment and Sustainable Growth Through Strategic South Africa–Namibia Partnerships’.

Opening remarks by H. E. Honourable Dr. George Chaponda, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi during the 28th Meeting of Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Malawi: Salima

Opening remarks by SADC Executive Secretary, H.E. Mr Elias M Magosi during the 28th Meeting of Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Malawi: Salima.

Minister of International Relations and Trade in the Republic of Namibia Hon Selma, Ashipala-Musavyi opening remarks at the Ministerial Segment of the 4th South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria together with her counterpart, Minister of Défence and Military Veterans Hon Angie Motshekga

Minister of Défence and Military Veterans Hon Angie Motshekga Co-Chairs the Ministerial Segment of 4th South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria together with her counterpart, Minister Selma, Ashipala-Musavyi of International Relations and Trade in the Republic of Namibia.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation, SACCUSA, and the SA NY Business Council have the great honor to invite our South African business leaders in the US to attend the Inaugural Nelson Mandela Global Leadership Forum – New York 2026, an evening dedicated to celebrating visionary leadership, advancing meaningful dialogue, and reaffirming Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy of justice, unity, and global cooperation. Event Details Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 Time: 6:00 PM Venue: The Town Hall, New York City, USA Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York, will be our Guest Speaker, who will share insights on leadership, inclusive governance, and the collective responsibility of shaping a more equitable future. The Forum will bring together distinguished leaders from government, business, diplomacy, academia, civil society, and the international community for an evening of thought-provoking discussion, networking, and shared commitment to the values that Nelson Mandela championed throughout his life. Your presence would greatly enrich this historic inaugural gathering, and we would be honoured to have you join us. Kindly confirm your attendance by 3 July 2026 via email to [email protected] or by contacting Thabo Sephuma on +27 79 488 4687. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an inspiring and memorable evening.

South Africa 's High Commissioner to Malawi, Mrs Yvette Myakayaka Manzini speaks to Ubuntu Radio about South Africa 's expectations ahead of the 24th Ministerial SADC MCO in Salima, Malawi. 15 July 2026

Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia and Co-Chair of the Senior Officials Meeting delivers the opening remarks at the 4th Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Namibia. 14/07/2026

Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa and Co-Chair of the Senior Officials meeting delivers the opening remarks at the 4th Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Namibia. 14/07/2026

Minister Ronald Lamola led a High-Level African Union Ad-hoc Committee of Five (C5) Visit to South Sudan. He was leading the delegation in his capacity as the Chairperson. The year 2026 marks a pivotal moment for South Sudan, as the country is earmarked to hold its first-ever elections since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011. The role of the C5 is to oversee the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). South Sudan is currently led by a Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, with elections expected to be held in December 2026

Minister Ronald Lamola has arrived in Juba, leading a High-Level African Union Ad-hoc Committee of Five (C5) Visit to South Sudan. He is leading the delegation in his capacity as the Chairperson. The year 2026 marks a pivotal moment for South Sudan, as the country is earmarked to hold its first-ever elections since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011. The role of the C5 is to oversee the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). South Sudan is currently led by a Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, with elections expected to be held in December 2026.

South Africa Poland Ministerial Meeting Press Conference by Ubuntu Radio

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, is hosting the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, who also serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Radoslaw Sikorski, in Pretoria. The meeting represents the first ministerial-level engagement between South Africa and Poland in several years and follows a bilateral meeting between Minister Lamola and Minister Sikorski on the margins of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, in 2026. This meeting provides an important opportunity to consolidate the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Poland, reactivate outstanding instruments, most notably the long-overdue inaugural session of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC), and exchange views on regional and global matters of mutual concern.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, is hosting the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, who also serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Radoslaw Sikorski, in Pretoria. The meeting represents the first ministerial-level engagement between South Africa and Poland in several years and follows a bilateral meeting between Minister Lamola and Minister Sikorski on the margins of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, in 2026. This meeting provides an important opportunity to consolidate the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Poland, reactivate outstanding instruments, most notably the long-overdue inaugural session of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC), and exchange views on regional and global matters of mutual concern.

Ubuntu Radio interview with the Head of Regional Delegation of the International Red Cross Committee, Mr Jean-Nicholas Paquet-Rouleau at the High-Level engagement under the theme: “A Dialogue on Strengthening Political Commitment for International Humanitarian Law”.

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Alvin Botes in conversation with Ubuntu Radio following his address at a High-Level engagement under the theme: “A Dialogue on Strengthening Political Commitment for International Humanitarian Law”.

It has been nearly two years since the Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitments to International Humanitarian Law was launched by Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICIR). Over this period, member states have responded to the growing urgency to strengthen respect for IHL, particularly considering the escalating human cost of armed conflict. The workstream consultations inter the Global Initiative have sought to foster renewed dialogue and practical engagement in IHL, with the aim of reaffirming a shared commitment to preserving humanity in times of war Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Alvin Botes with the Head of Regional Delegation of the International Red Cross Committee, Mr Jean-Nicholas Paquet-Rouleau hosted a High-Level engagement under the theme: “A Dialogue on Strengthening Political Commitment for International Humanitarian Law”.

It has been nearly two years since the Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitments to International Humanitarian Law was launched by Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICIR). Over this period, member states have responded to the growing urgency to strengthen respect for IHL, particularly considering the escalating human cost of armed conflict. The workstream consultations inter the Global Initiative have sought to foster renewed dialogue and practical engagement in IHL, with the aim of reaffirming a shared commitment to preserving humanity in times of war Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Alvin Botes with the Head of Regional Delegation of the International Red Cross Committee, Mr Jean-Nicholas Paquet-Rouleau hosted a High-Level engagement under the theme: “A Dialogue on Strengthening Political Commitment for International Humanitarian Law”.

Ubuntu Radio in conversation with the Executive Mayor of the Joe Morolong Local Municipality Councillor Dineo Doris Leutlwetse-Tshabalala during the Mining Sector Engagement at the John Taolo Gaetswe District Municipality.

Ubuntu Radio in conversation with Cllr. Neo George Masegela, the Executive Mayor of the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality during the Mining Sector Engagement held at the John Taolo Gaetswe District Municipality. Northern Cape.

Opening remarks by Cllr. Neo George Masegela, the Executive Mayor of the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality during the Mining Sector Engagement held at the John Taolo Gaetswe District Municipality. Northern Cape.

Opening remarks by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes during the Mining Sector Engagement held at the John Taolo Gaetswe District Municipality. Northern Cape.

Puleng Totana, a learner from Gardens Commercial High School in Cape Town joins Thelma Hlongwane in studio to discuss the role of young people in shaping South Africa’s future . Puleng is a youth leader, Model United Nations South African delegate, UNICEF-recognised International Youth Forum Chairperson, and Youth Ambassador for Justice Desk Africa. From engaging ministers on energy and economic policy to advocating for youth participation in governance and Pan-African dialogue, Puleng represents a generation of young South Africans determined to lead, engage and influence change.

Martha Moagi, a Master of Social Sciences in Counselling Psychology graduate from UKZN and an Intern Counselling Psychologist at University Fort Hare, shares invaluable insights on mental health

Dr Konosoang Sobane convened a webinar aimed at advancing institutional engagement with science diplomacy, exploring how African researchers and institutions can leverage scientific knowledge to influence global policy negotiations and strengthen international partnerships. The webinar titled: From Knowledge to Influence: Science Diplomacy as a Tool for Africa’s Global Policy Engagement

DIRCO Deputy Minister Alvin Botes meets with Algerian counterpart Mr. Sofiane Chaib who is the Algerian Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in charge of the National Community Abroad. The two met in Pretoria to review bilateral relations, exchange view on Africa's development and geopolitical issues.

Minister Ronald Lamola’s interview with Ubuntu Radio at the Conference on Democracy, Governance and Diplomacy held at DIRCO HQ, Pretoria.

Minister Ronald Lamola’s intervention on the occasion of the Conference on Democracy, Governance and Diplomacy held at DIRCO HQ, Pretoria.

Opening remarks by Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service, Ms Patricia Lombart during the 17th South Africa-European Union Joint Cooperation Council meeting

Opening remarks by Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Zane Dangor during the 17th South Africa-European Union Joint Cooperation Council meeting

Opening remarks by Hon. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda during his working visit in South Africa

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola 's opening remarks during his bilateral meeting with Hon. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda during his working visit in South Africa.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, delivers a keynote address at the 19th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) Africa Region, held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park. 16/06/2026. The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) Africa Region brings together leaders of 63 national and sub-national legislatures from across Africa under the auspices of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The forum provides a platform for strengthening democratic governance, promoting fairness and impartiality, and advancing the development of parliamentary institutions throughout the Commonwealth.

Mozambican Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs meets with Deputy Minister Moraka by Ubuntu Radio

DIRCO Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka met with HE Maria de Fatima Manso, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Mozambican Communities Abroad. The meeting was aimed at fostering strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

In an effort to amplify the voices of the Global South, DIRCO Deputy Minister Alvin Botes convened a Roundtable discussion in Richards Bay, City of uMhlathuze Municipality in the Kwazulu-Natal Province. The discussion centres around Strengthening Global South Solidarity for Justice, Peace and Self-Determination. The specific focus was given to the situation in Palestine and Cuba who were represented by their respective ambassadors.

Ubuntu Radio in conversation with Mr Lindelani Donald Maraganedzha , a South African environmental sustainability practitioner, agro-entrepreneur, and youth development leader. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of the Universal Greening Organisation (UGO), a youth-led organisation focused on environmental conservation, climate action, rural development, and community empowerment across Africa.

Cyprus and South Africa share longstanding friendly relations rooted in common values, respect for international law, support for multilateralism, and a commitment to peaceful cooperation among nations. Cyprus occupies a unique position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, making it an important partner in an increasingly interconnected world. His Excellency Antonis Mandritis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to South Africa joins Thelma Hlongwane in studio to share his insights on diplomacy, economic cooperation, multilateralism, regional affairs, culture and the future of relations between Cyprus and South Africa.

DEPUTY MINISTER ALVIN BOTES COMRADES MARATHON SEND-OFF REMARKS.mp3 by Ubuntu Radio

DEPUTY MINISTER ALVIN BOTES COMRADES MARATHON SEND-OFF.mp3 by Ubuntu Radio

Ubuntu Radio in conversation with Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo who serves as the Deputy Director-General (DDG) for the Africa Branch at Department of International Relations and Cooperation. This conversation happens at a time when South Africa gears-up to host the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal from August 16 to August 17, 2026.

South Africa and Slovakia enjoy warm diplomatic relations founded on mutual respect, shared commitment to international cooperation, economic development, education, innovation, and multilateral engagement. As both nations navigate a rapidly changing global environment, there are exciting opportunities to deepen cooperation across various sectors. His Excellency Vladimir Gracz, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to South Africa joins Ubuntu Radio to share insights on diplomacy, trade, education, innovation, culture and cooperation between Slovakia and South Africa

Opening remarks by Mr Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland during South Africa-Switzerland Democracy Dialogue