Latest News & Developments
department of international relations and cooperation
The Resource Curse and the Struggle for Self-Determination in Western Sahara
As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day, we must reflect on the ongoing struggle for self-determination faced by the Sahrawi people in Western Sahara. What lessons can we learn from their fight against colonialism and resource exploitation?
G20 labour stream presentation sparks tensions between Cosatu and DA
COSATU and the DA engage in a heated debate over labour representation at the G20 summit, highlighting political divisions in South Africa.
‘Ramaphosa, Motshekga must account for killing of SA soldiers’
The urgent debate in the National Assembly highlighted the political and financial interests behind the South African troop deployment in the DRC.
Political fallout from SANDF soldiers’ deaths in the DRC
The urgent debate in the National Assembly highlighted the political and financial interests behind the South African troop deployment in the DRC.
Trump's funding freeze raises concerns over climate initiatives in disaster-prone KZN province
US President Donald Trump's drastic aid cuts pose severe risks to South Africa's climate change initiatives. As KwaZulu-Natal grapples with the fallout from this decision, local environmentalists call for urgent action to combat the escalating impacts of climate disasters.
Airlink resumes Nampula flights after assurances from authorities amid legal dispute
Airlink is set to resume flights to Nampula on January 9, 2025, after receiving assurances from South African and Mozambican authorities that its aircraft will not be seized due to a legal dispute involving unruly passengers.
Pressure mounts on South Africa to act as Taiwan refuses to relocate office
At the crux of the dispute is a clear ultimatum laid out by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who recently expressed the government’s disapproval of Taiwan's failure to heed calls for the relocation.
SA and Mozambique strengthen ties to mitigate trade disruptions amid protests
The agreement aims to minimise disruptions to trade and supply chains exacerbated by civil unrest in the region.
Pressure mounts on South Africa over Taiwan liaison office relocation
Dirco previously said relocating what will be rebranded as trade offices both in Taipei and in Johannesburg will be a true reflection of the non-political and non-diplomatic nature of the relationship between South Africa and Taiwan.
5-year-old to be repatriated to SA following years in Mauritian prison
A 5-year-old child who has spent their entire life inside a prison in the Republic of Mauritius will soon be repatriated to South Africa.
Pro-Palestine organisations rally in Durban on International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
Pro-Palestine organisations are set to demonstrate outside the US Consulate in Durban on the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People, calling for global action against Israel amid ongoing violence in Gaza.
‘Discovery Health complicit in Israeli in genocide’
Neurologist dumps healthcare provider for hosting hospital with close ties to Israeli military.
German national on Interpol’s most wanted list nabbed at OR Tambo Airport
A German national who is wanted by authorities for drug trafficking is accused of having stolen an Israeli identity.
Calls for Action: SA’s stance on Israel’s human rights violations
South Africa grapples with international pressure to impose sanctions on Israel as the government faces calls to act against alleged human rights violations in Gaza
‘I thought we were going to be killed’: SA news crew speaks about torture while arrested in Mozambique
Veteran journalist Bongani Siziba told IOL that they were working in Maputo when they were suddenly surrounded and whisked away by the Mozambican police.
Concerns rise after South Africa-based news crew detained in Mozambique while covering post-election violence
Kayode Akintemi, chief executive of News Central TV said his television news crew was arrested on Thursday while covering developments in Maputo, Mozambique.
JUST IN: Mozambican port officials flee into South Africa again, Lebombo border closed as violence flares up
Border Management Authority commissioner Michael Masiapato said on Thursday morning protesters intensified their riots and looted some of trucks.
‘Postpone non-essential travel to Mozambique’: Lamola engages his Mozambican counterpart amid rising tensions
Minister Lamola had a telephonic conversation with his Mozambican counterpart, Minister Verónica Macamo, reflecting on the current security situation in Mozambique.
Donald Trump’s win could mean US-Africa ties take a back seat, says Dr Gideon Chitanga
Dr Chitanga said policy uncertainty will follow Trump’s win, adding that US-Africa relations was not on top of the agenda during his election campaigns.
Battle of the GNU: DA says it has better communication strategy and ANC ministers must step up
DA MP Ryan Smith said his party is certainly a much better political communicator than the ANC, and ANC ministers in Cabinet could take lessons from the DA ministers.
China International Import Expo: 35 South African companies to showcase products, seek to penetrate vast Chinese market
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition will fund 35 South African companies to participate at the China International Import Expo which takes place next month.
Breakdown of protocol? Dirco says South Africa, not an individual minister would take credit for Ukraine visa deal
Dirco’s Chrispin Phiri said ordinarily an agreement gets announced once the president has signed the presidential minute, then it becomes official that an agreement has been made.
How does Chinese state-enterprises succeed? Minister Maropene Ramokgopa leads South Africa’s delegation to China
As South Africa advances the National State Enterprises Bill, Minister Ramokgopa’s visit to China is part of an interventions to draw from best practices on SOE reform.
South Africa returns to ICJ against Israel genocide as more countries join the legal fight
Dr Atilla Kisla said South Africa’s case has exposed the limitations of the International Court of Justice which is confined to State actors, yet Hamas is not a State.