Riyaz Patel
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor says South Africa will use the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA74) to affirm Pretoria’s commitment to multilateralism and the central role of the UN in the system of global governance.
“We plan to use the upcoming UNGA74 to restate and affirm our commitment to multilateralism and the central role of the UN in the system of global governance,” said Pandor, who has been delegated by President Cyril Ramaphosa to lead the SA delegation to the UN, affording him time to focus on domestic issues.
“Our overarching strategic approach is predicated on the notion of an equitable, just and fair world order, buttressed by a multilateral system that includes respect for international law,” said Pandor ahead of the UN meeting that will get underway on 24 September.
She said this year’s UNGA debate will provide South Africa with an opportunity to provide an assessment of the current global and continental peace, security and development challenges.
“We will also highlight South Africa’s role in the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, South Africa will argue for stronger and enhanced coordination between the AU and the UN, especially in the resolution of conflicts in Africa,” she added.
In light of recent attacks on foreign nationals, Pandor said South Africa recognises that countries on the African continent contributed to South Africa attaining independence.
“Our message to the UN, firstly, will be that we need not be reminded by anyone that the African continent made a contribution to our freedom, and we need to convey that message to our people, recognising that contribution is insufficient to building bridges between our people.
The Minister also stressed the need for South Africa to better manage its immigration policies.
“We must manage our immigration far better because you can’t just allow lawlessness as a country… That’s intolerable for us and our administration of immigration. We will be working on that,” she said.
