Interview with Mr Mlungisi Mncube, a representative of the families of the repatriated South Africans who were in distress in Russia following their meeting with Minister Ronald Lamola that took place in Durban. 26/02/2026

Minister Ronald Lamola’s interview following his meeting with the next kin of the repatriated South Africans who were in distress in Russia that took place in Durban.

Prof. Anthoni Van Nieuwkerk is the Professor of International Relations and Diplomacy at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs.

DIRCO, in partnership with UNISA’s Thabo Mbeki School of Public and International Affairs, will convene a Strategic Reflection Workshop on 25–26 February 2026 at DIRCO’s Conference Centre. This high‑level engagement forms part of South Africa’s preparations for assuming the 46th SADC Chairship, creating a platform for government stakeholders, scholars and policy experts to collectively assess South Africa’s evolving role within the SADC region. The workshop’s outcomes will directly contribute to shaping a renewed national SADC Engagement Strategy, strengthening South Africa’s policy coherence, leadership posture and regional priorities. These insights will guide South Africa’s agenda during its upcoming Chairship (August 2026-August 2027), ensuring its leadership advances deeper regional integration, peace, security, and inclusive development in alignment with SADC Vision 2050 and the AU’s Agenda 2063.

DIRCO, in partnership with UNISA’s Thabo Mbeki School of Public and International Affairs, this week convened a Strategic Reflection Workshop. This high‑level engagement forms part of South Africa’s preparations for assuming the 46th SADC Chairship, creating a platform for government stakeholders, scholars and policy experts to collectively assess South Africa’s evolving role within the SADC region. The workshop’s outcomes will directly contribute to shaping a renewed national SADC Engagement Strategy, strengthening South Africa’s policy coherence, leadership posture and regional priorities. These insights will guide South Africa’s agenda during its upcoming Chairship (August 2026-August 2027), ensuring its leadership advances deeper regional integration, peace, security, and inclusive development in alignment with SADC Vision 2050 and the AU’s Agenda 2063.

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Botes in conversation with Ubuntu Radio upon leading an Outreach Programme at South Peninsula High School in Cape Town

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes in conversation with Ubuntu Radio upon leading an Outreach Programme at South Peninsula High School .

The event forms part of DIRCO's nation-wide Public Participation Programme, recognising that foreign policy is linked to domestic policy and that South Africa’s success in global political and economic affairs is dependent on its ability to produce an educated and skilled workforce.

DIRCO, in partnership with UNISA’s Thabo Mbeki School of Public and International Affairs, convened a Strategic Reflection Workshop at DIRCO’s Conference Centre. This high‑level engagement forms part of South Africa’s preparations for assuming the 46th SADC Chairship, creating a platform for government stakeholders, scholars and policy experts to collectively assess South Africa’s evolving role within the SADC region. The workshop’s outcomes will directly contribute to shaping a renewed national SADC Engagement Strategy, strengthening South Africa’s policy coherence, leadership posture and regional priorities. These insights will guide South Africa’s agenda during its upcoming Chairship (August 2026-August 2027), ensuring its leadership advances deeper regional integration, peace, security, and inclusive development in alignment with SADC Vision 2050 and the AU’s Agenda 2063.

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, l lead an Outreach Programme at South Peninsula High School in Cape Town on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.The event forms part of DIRCO's nation-wide Public Participation Programme, recognising that foreign policy is linked to domestic policy and that South Africa’s success in global political and economic affairs is dependent on its ability to produce an educated and skilled workforce.

Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo is the Deputy Director General : Africa (DIRCO)

The #SADC Strategic Reflection Workshop is underway here at #DIRCO!

​The two day Workshop features brightest minds from #DIRCO #UNISA, #Wits, #UJ, and other government departments, who will be discussing amongst others:

➡️ Regional integration in Southern

Africa in context

➡️ Politics, Democracy and & Good

Governance.

➡️Peace & Security

​Hosted by DIRCO and the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, this workshop is about more than just reflection—it’s about action and ensuring a "Nation that Works for All."