Diary of an IR scholar

The University of Limpopo (UL) in collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) had on 26 May 2021 convened a virtual symposium to discuss: The Importance of Education (Academia) in the Formulation of South Africa’s Foreign Policy. DIRCO Deputy Minister, Candith Mashego-Dlamini, delivered the keynote address, in which she shared the importance of academics and scholars in the formulation of foreign policy. “As thought leaders, you also constitute part of the broader civil society movements, and your influence must never be understated,” she said speaking at the UL’s Turfloop Campus. Minister Mashego-Dlamini further said studies by the academia provided guidance in imagining an Africa that is united, independent and prosperous.  “We want to hear more African voices,” she emphasized.  Researcher, Remofiloe Lobakeng, said foreign-policy making cannot exist in a vacuum. Lobakeng said barriers between the academia and foreign-polic...

In honouring the legacy of Mama Charlotte Maxeke, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will next month launch an initiative aimed at mobilising the global community behind the Gender Equality Forum (GEF)’s Global Acceleration Plan, particularly the Action Coalition on Economic Justice and Rights. The Charlotte Maxeke African Women’s Economic Justice and Rights Initiative was to be implemented in three phases, namely; Charlotte Maxeke Africa Future Leadership Programme, Charlotte Maxeke African Women's Leadership Awards, and the Charlotte Maxeke Minister's Breakfast with Women Ambassadors. The Charlotte Maxeke Africa Future Leadership Programme was aimed at providing mentorship and training opportunities for youth on international policy and diplomacy work. The programme, to be launched in June, was to target 70% youth leaders from the continent and 30% from the country.  The Charlotte Maxeke African Women's Leadership Awards were to celebrate wo...

The South African Union of Students (SAUS) held its ordinary National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on 15 May 2021 at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).  SAUS said in a statement post the NEC meeting that it had discussed a number of socio-economic, political, and higher education matters. One of the key issues was the current regional and international political situation.  SAUS has condemned what it called ‘the callous brutality and repression’ meted out against the people of Palestine.  “SAUS has consistently expressed its profound opposition to the colonial occupation of Palestinian Land by the Israeli regime,” read the NEC statement. The meeting was stated to have further pledged to strengthen the existing efforts of boycott, sanctions and pickets across higher education institutions in demonstrating solidarity with the people of Palestine. The student union had also called on the African Union (AU) to address the issues of climate change and foo...

I had in my previous entry- Behind the name DIRCO- indicated my intention of taking further the discussion around the structure of ‘international relations’ and its institutions, South Africa’s foreign policy, and the look at how far South Africa was able to pursue its interests when it enjoyed a non-permanent member seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2019-2020 and when it was chair of the African Union (AU) in 2020.    I was eager to recently learn of the Nelson Mandela University, in collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), public diplomacy lecture which was themed: Celebrating Multilateralism and South Africa’s role on the UNSC and Chairship of the AU, where DIRCO Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes, had delivered the keynote address. Deputy Minister Botes had recognised the importance of the transformation of the UNSC in deepening multilateralism. Minister Botes said South Africa was calling f...

South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, had on Friday, 09 April 2021 expressed condolences on behalf of his Government and the people of South Africa  to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II,   on the passing of the Queen's husband, Prince Philip- Duke of Edinburgh.  Prince Philip passed away on Friday  (09 April 2021), at the age of 99. He  was the longest-serving consort in the history of the British monarchy. [Source: Al Jazeera]  "President Ramaphosa says South Africa’s thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty, the Royal Family, the Government and people of the United Kingdom as they mourn their loss," read an official statement issued by the office of the President.    President Ramaphosa had described Prince Philip as a remarkable public figure who lived an extraordinary life and said he will be fondly remembered by many people around the world.

President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, and his delegation, had on 06 April 2021 embarked on a Working Visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini.  The Visit was aimed at the two heads of states, Masisi and His Majesty King Mswati III, engaging on issues of mutual interest and concern, particularly in finding common solutions to the socio-economic challenges presented by Covid-19. The High-Level Visit to Eswatini by Botswana was the second; the first was in May 2018.   The Botswana Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation said the last visit had “provided the two leaders the opportunity to discuss areas of cooperation in health, education, defence and security.”  Meanwhile in South Africa, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, will on Thursday, 08 April 2021, be joined by Ukraine Ambassador to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova, in a community outreach programme at three schools in George, in the Wester...

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will on Thursday, 08 April 2021, convene an Extraordinary Double Troika Summit in Maputo, Mozambique, to deliberate on measures to address the terrorist attacks in Mozambique. President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, in his capacity as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, had on 31 March 2021 issued a statement expressing the SADC concern with the persistent terrorist attacks in the country and reaffirmed support for Mozambique.  “We wish to express our full solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Mozambique, as well as the armed forces on the ground, who are working towards restoring peace and security in the affected areas. We also wish to reaffirm our continued commitment to contribute towards the efforts to bring about lasting peace and security, as well as reconciliation and development in Mozambique.” Masisi said the attacks were an affront to peace and securi...