International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola

Defence vs Diplomacy: SANDF Chief’s Comments Expose Cracks in South Africa’s Foreign Policy

STORM: South African National Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzani Maphwanya's controversial remarks during his recent visit to Iran have thrown Parliament into a storm, forcing both the Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to distance themselves from him. Photo: GCIS

Parliament has been thrown into a storm after South Africa’s top soldier, General Rudzani Maphwanya, made controversial remarks during his recent visit to Iran – comments that have forced both the Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to distance themselves from him. The incident, which is now the subject of a… Continue reading Defence vs Diplomacy: SANDF Chief’s Comments Expose Cracks in South Africa’s Foreign Policy

Economic Turmoil Looms as U.S. Tariffs Slam South Africa Amid Diplomatic Breakdown

GEOPOLITICAL SHIFT: Trade Minister Parks Tau and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s investment envoy Alistair Ruiters have arrived in the US capital, hoping to persuade the Trump administration to soften its hard line. Photo: GCIS

South Africa is staring down the barrel of a major economic blow after the United States confirmed it will impose steep tariffs—up to 30%—on goods and produce imported from the country. The move, effective 07 August 2025, follows a diplomatic and trade negotiation failure led by Trade Minister Parks Tau and International Relations Minister Ronald… Continue reading Economic Turmoil Looms as U.S. Tariffs Slam South Africa Amid Diplomatic Breakdown

G20 Sherpa Meeting in South Africa Highlights Importance of Global Cooperation

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola underscores fair mineral value and sustainability. Photo: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, opened the third G20 Sherpa Meeting in Sun City by highlighting the country’s vast mineral wealth and its crucial role in the global energy and technology sectors. “Beneath this soil lies the world’s platinum, gold, uranium, the copper for wires, the vanadium for batteries, the… Continue reading G20 Sherpa Meeting in South Africa Highlights Importance of Global Cooperation

Ramaphosa Sends Envoy to Hichilema Over Lungu’s Burial

Lusaka, 22 June 2025 — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Ozzy Lamola, to Lusaka as a special envoy to convey condolences and discuss matters surrounding the burial of Zambia’s late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Minister Lamola paid a courtesy call on President Hakainde Hichilema, delivering… Continue reading Ramaphosa Sends Envoy to Hichilema Over Lungu’s Burial

South African Foreign Minister calls for deepening economic partnership with Russia

The African Republic plans to expand supplies to Russia. Photo: TV BRICS

Representatives of the Russian and South African parts of the Russia-South Africa Business Council met in Moscow on 15 April. The talks were held on the margins of the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. The key participant of the meeting was Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation… Continue reading South African Foreign Minister calls for deepening economic partnership with Russia