South Africa’s relations with The Holy See were formally established in March 1994 by an agreement signed between former President Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II. The South African Embassy in the Holy See opened in 2016, however it closed in 2021. The Holy See maintains formal Bilateral and Diplomatic relations with over 200 Countries through its Apostolic Nuncios who are the Pope’s Ambassadors accredited to the various countries. It also participates in intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations, European Union, African Union and the Organisation of American States.

To talk more to us about developments between the two, His Excellency, Archbishop Msgr H M Jagodzinski was in studio with Thelma Hlongwane. He is the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See (The Vatican) to Southern Africa, also accredited to Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamoma, will deliver the Budget Vote Speech of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Thursday, 3 July 2025, in Parliament, Cape Town.

Minister Lamola will use the occasion to outline South Africa’s foreign policy priorities for the Financial Year 2025 to 2026, focussing on programmes and activities aligned to the attainment of the priorities of the Seventh Administration.

Deputy Ministers Mr Alvin Botes and Ms Thandi Moraka will also deliver remarks during the debate on the Budget Vote Speech, focussing on South Africa’s relations with Europe and the Americas as well as Asia and Middle East regions, respectively.

Ahead of the Budget Vote Speech, Minister Lamola is scheduled to hold a media briefing.

The media briefing will take place as follows:

Date: Thursday, 3 July 2025

Time: 15h00

Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, Parliament, Cape Town

Global financial institutions are the bedrock of economic stability and development – but can they truly meet the demands of our rapidly evolving world? The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) invite you to a timely symposium dedicated to addressing this critical question head-on.

The urgency is clear: the current global financial architecture grapples with persistent inequalities, the pressing need for climate finance integration and the underrepresentation of emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) in key decision-making processes. This symposium, featuring a keynote by Minister Ronald Lamola and a panel discussion with experts, will delve into strategic reforms needed to create a more equitable and fair financial system.

As the current President of the G20, South Africa is leveraging its unique position to champion a transformative agenda for financial inclusion within the G20 framework. This includes advocating for governance reforms for more balanced representation within the IMF and World Bank, such as quota realignments and board reforms. These changes are essential to stimulate economic growth by enabling individuals and businesses to access capital for investment, innovation and expansion.

South Africa’s G20 presidency is dedicated to driving global solutions that foster economic resilience and sustainable development. Financial inclusion, as the World Bank notes, is a catalyst for achieving seven of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It can alleviate poverty, fuel economic empowerment for women and mitigate financial shocks for the poor and marginalised. Furthermore, access to finance promotes entrepreneurship and fosters job creation, leading to greater income and wealth generation, particularly in underserved regions.

Join us in Cape Town as we collaboratively discuss ways to address inequality and work towards reforming global financial institutions.

Global financial institutions are the bedrock of economic stability and development – but can they truly meet the demands of our rapidly evolving world? The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) invite you to a timely symposium dedicated to addressing this critical question head-on.

The urgency is clear: the current global financial architecture grapples with persistent inequalities, the pressing need for climate finance integration and the underrepresentation of emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) in key decision-making processes. This symposium, featuring a keynote by Minister Ronald Lamola and a panel discussion with experts, will delve into strategic reforms needed to create a more equitable and fair financial system.

As the current President of the G20, South Africa is leveraging its unique position to champion a transformative agenda for financial inclusion within the G20 framework. This includes advocating for governance reforms for more balanced representation within the IMF and World Bank, such as quota realignments and board reforms. These changes are essential to stimulate economic growth by enabling individuals and businesses to access capital for investment, innovation and expansion.

South Africa’s G20 presidency is dedicated to driving global solutions that foster economic resilience and sustainable development. Financial inclusion, as the World Bank notes, is a catalyst for achieving seven of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It can alleviate poverty, fuel economic empowerment for women and mitigate financial shocks for the poor and marginalised. Furthermore, access to finance promotes entrepreneurship and fosters job creation, leading to greater income and wealth generation, particularly in underserved regions.

Join us in Cape Town as we collaboratively discuss ways to address inequality and work towards reforming global financial institutions.

Global financial institutions are the bedrock of economic stability and development – but can they truly meet the demands of our rapidly evolving world? The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) invite you to a timely symposium dedicated to addressing this critical question head-on.

The urgency is clear: the current global financial architecture grapples with persistent inequalities, the pressing need for climate finance integration and the underrepresentation of emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) in key decision-making processes. This symposium, featuring a keynote by Minister Ronald Lamola and a panel discussion with experts, will delve into strategic reforms needed to create a more equitable and fair financial system.

As the current President of the G20, South Africa is leveraging its unique position to champion a transformative agenda for financial inclusion within the G20 framework. This includes advocating for governance reforms for more balanced representation within the IMF and World Bank, such as quota realignments and board reforms. These changes are essential to stimulate economic growth by enabling individuals and businesses to access capital for investment, innovation and expansion.

South Africa’s G20 presidency is dedicated to driving global solutions that foster economic resilience and sustainable development. Financial inclusion, as the World Bank notes, is a catalyst for achieving seven of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It can alleviate poverty, fuel economic empowerment for women and mitigate financial shocks for the poor and marginalised. Furthermore, access to finance promotes entrepreneurship and fosters job creation, leading to greater income and wealth generation, particularly in underserved regions.

Join us in Cape Town as we collaboratively discuss ways to address inequality and work towards reforming global financial institutions.

Deputy Minister Botes - District Development Model Meeting in Kuruman by Ubuntu Radio

MUZP GENERAL TRADING & GWM G20 SPONSORSHIP by Ubuntu Radio

South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency convened its Third Sherpa meeting on 25-27 June 2025, focusing on critical global challenges, including sustainable development and geopolitical tensions. On conclusion of the meeting, The South African Sherpa, Mr Zane Dangor interacted with media.

Marula Escapes Founder & Travel Curator Neo Masinga chats to Ubuntu Radio about the 'Taste B4 Travel event'. Marula Escapes stands as a beacon of African excellence in the luxury travel industry. Under Neo Masinga’s leadership, it continues to redefine what personalised travel looks like — combining curated storytelling, strategic expertise, and an unshakable belief in the power of purpose-driven exploration.

Media engagement with Dr Bright Okogu from World Trade Organization during the 3rd G20 Sherpa Meeting in Sun City.