By Thapelo Molefe
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called on world leaders to help end the continued exploitation of Africa’s mineral wealth and commit to real partnerships that create jobs and promote peace.
Speaking at the G20 Sherpa Meeting in Sun City in the North West, Lamola reflected on the anniversary of South Africa’s Freedom Charter adopted in 1955, saying it still shaped the country’s foreign policy.
“South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and settlement of all international disputes by negotiations, not war,” he said.
“This is a foundation deeply ingrained in the DNA of our Constitution.”
Lamola warned that while Africa was rich in minerals like platinum, uranium, vanadium and copper, the continent continued to lose out on real value.
“These are not just rocks, they are the DNA of electric vehicles, renewable grids and life -saving isotopes,” he said.
“Yet, the value does not stay here. The minerals leave raw… the batteries, the solar panels, the cancer treatments are made elsewhere.”
He said this pattern must change and urged G20 countries to support South Africa’s proposed Critical Minerals Framework.
“Our mission is clear. We must turn these buried treasures into local jobs, factories and sovereignty.”
The minister described the current global order as unsustainable and said it only deepened inequality and weakened fragile states.
He raised concerns over recent conflicts, especially in Africa, calling the crisis in Sudan a moral emergency that has left more than 30 million people in need of aid.
“This is no longer a crisis but a catastrophe of unimaginable proportion,” he said.
Lamola stressed that South Africa rejected war and double standards in diplomacy.
“We know too well that war offers no victors, only victims,” he told the delegates.
He also criticised growing economic nationalism, which he said undermined trade and global cooperation.
He urged the G20 to support multilateralism and meaningful reform of global institutions.
“Our deliberations can no longer just be for us. They must influence the world.”
Lamola reminded delegates of their collective responsibility.
“Our shared prosperity now more than ever demands collaboration… We must be that persuasive force that the world is looking for to find solutions in this difficult period,” he said.
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