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Minister Ronald Lamola's Reply - DIRCO Budget Vote 2026.mp3 by Ubuntu Radio

In his address during the International Relations and Cooperation Budget Vote, Deputy Minister Botes reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to international relations, multilateralism, and solidarity with oppressed peoples around the world. He further reiterated South Africa’s commitment to transforming the multilateral system, advancing the African agenda, investing in young people, and maintaining a practical policy of non-alignment.

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka, delivered her Budget Vote speech in the Good Hope Chamber at Parliament in Cape Town. In her speech, DM Moraka highlighted the following: 1. South Africa reaffirms its commitment to African unity, peace, economic growth, and stronger global partnerships. 2. DIRCO outlines South Africa’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous Africa and deeper cooperation with the Global South. 3. South Africa strengthens diplomatic and economic ties across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East while championing peace and development. 4. From African unity to global diplomacy, South Africa continues advancing peace, trade, investment, and international cooperation. 5. South Africa remains committed to peace, multilateralism, economic diplomacy, and support for Palestine and African development.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, presented the Budget Vote Speech of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to Parliament on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. The Minister used the occasion to outline South Africa’s foreign policy priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year. Through this Budget Vote, the minister accounted for how DIRCO has carried out its mandate, advanced South Africa’s national interest and values, and contributed to the building of a better Africa and a better world. Minister Lamola also took stock of the department’s achievements and setbacks; while setting out the work the department intends to carry forward in the year ahead.

Ubuntu Radio interview with Mr Lwazi Somya, a panelist at DIRCO-SAIIA Pre-Budget Vote Symposium DIRCO-SAIIA held at Kelvin Grove, Newlands, Cape Town.

Minister Ronald Lamola engages with media following the DIRCO-SAIIA Pre-Budget Vote Symposium DIRCO-SAIIA held at Kelvin Grove, Newlands, Cape Town.

South Africa’s foreign policy priorities have recently been advanced through (but not limited to) its successful 2025 G20 Presidency. On the horizon for the continued advancement of these foreign policy imperatives, is the chairship of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and two-year tenure on the African Union Peace and Security Council, reinforcing its role in shaping both global governance and continental stability. How do these advancements and positions mirror South Africa’s national interests and domestic realities? As part of an ongoing series of public policy engagements held jointly by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, this public symposium is an ongoing effort to bring international relations closer to different sectors of society including: media, academia, students, think tanks, private sector, community organisations, political organisations, and the diplomatic corps. This symposium accordingly provides a platform to critically examine these intersecting issues and to craft informed, forward-looking responses suited to Africa’s contemporary realities.

Minister Ronald Lamola final reflections following the DIRCO-SAIIA Pre-Budget Vote Symposium DIRCO-SAIIA held under the theme: “South Africa’s Foreign Policy in an Era of Global Fragmentation: Trade, Geopolitics and International Law” at Kelvin Grove, Newlands, Cape Town.

Minister Ronald Lamola delivering a keynote address at DIRCO-SAIIA Pre-Budget Vote Symposium DIRCO-SAIIA under the theme: “South Africa’s Foreign Policy in an Era of Global Fragmentation: Trade, Geopolitics and International Law” held at Kelvin Grove, Newlands, Cape Town. South Africa’s foreign policy priorities have recently been advanced through (but not limited to) its successful 2025 G20 Presidency. On the horizon for the continued advancement of these foreign policy imperatives, is the chairship of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and two-year tenure on the African Union Peace and Security Council, reinforcing its role in shaping both global governance and continental stability. How do these advancements and positions mirror South Africa’s national interests and domestic realities? As part of an ongoing series of public policy engagements held jointly by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, this public symposium is an ongoing effort to bring international relations closer to different sectors of society including: media, academia, students, think tanks, private sector, community organisations, political organisations, and the diplomatic corps. This symposium accordingly provides a platform to critically examine these intersecting issues and to craft informed, forward-looking responses suited to Africa’s contemporary realities.

Deputy Minister Alvin Botes delivering welcoming remarks and introducing Minister Ronald Lamola at DIRCO-SAIIA Pre-Budget Vote Symposium held at Kelvin Grove, Newlands, Cape Town. South Africa’s foreign policy priorities have recently been advanced through (but not limited to) its successful 2025 G20 Presidency. On the horizon for the continued advancement of these foreign policy imperatives, is the chairship of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and two-year tenure on the African Union Peace and Security Council, reinforcing its role in shaping both global governance and continental stability. How do these advancements and positions mirror South Africa’s national interests and domestic realities? As part of an ongoing series of public policy engagements held jointly by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, this public symposium is an ongoing effort to bring international relations closer to different sectors of society including: media, academia, students, think tanks, private sector, community organisations, political organisations, and the diplomatic corps. This symposium accordingly provides a platform to critically examine these intersecting issues and to craft informed, forward-looking responses suited to Africa’s contemporary realities.