Latest News & Developments
dirco
Professor Anil Sooklal honoured with a Sivananda Peace Award for his efforts to develop South Africa
The Sivananda World Peace Foundation acknowledges noteworthy contributions to South Africa's development by honouring Professor Anil Sooklal with the Sivananda Peace Award. Discover how his silent dedication has impacted international relations and development in South Africa.
DIRCO defends policy change that will enable Musk’s Starlink to operate in SA as 'in the national interest
Deputy Minister Alvin Botes asserts that integrating Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system into South Africa's airspace aligns with national interests and developmental goals, amidst discussions on trade agreements and constitutional imperatives
‘These are not refugees’: Afrikaners relocating to the US can return to South Africa, but there’s a catch
The South African government asserts that the 49 Afrikaners departing for the US under Trump's offer are not refugees, raising questions about political motivations and the implications for South Africa's constitutional democracy.
'No interview took place': DIRCO denounces fabricated interview attributed to Special Envoy to US, Mcebisi Jonas
DIRCO has denied claims made by Semafor about an alleged interview with Mcebisi Jonas, emphasising that no such engagement took place and condemning the spread of misinformation.
Russia and South Africa pledge closer economic cooperation
The two countries’ foreign ministers have emphasized multilateral coordination at BRICS and the UN.
Lamola says SA maintains its independent foreign policy position on Taiwan office relocation
Despite the March 31 deadline for relocation, Taiwan's embassy in Pretoria remains operational, as the South African government and Taipei continue discussions on the future of diplomatic ties.
ActionSA calls for fiscal discipline as South Africa spends R3. 45 billion on foreign missions
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba reveals South Africa's R3. 45 billion expenditure on foreign missions in the 2023/24 financial year, urging the government to implement urgent fiscal discipline and review the effectiveness of these operations.
30% US tariff: The looming crisis for South Africa's agriculture and manufacturing sectors
US imposes 30% tariffs on South African exports, threatening to slash economic growth by up to 0. 2%. Economists warn the move is a calculated strategy to force American companies like Ford to abandon their SA operations and return home, putting thousands of jobs at risk across agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
South Africans safe in Myanmar following devastating earthquake
At least 12 South Africans have been confirmed safe in Myanmar following a devastating earthquake.
South Africans safe in Myanmar following devastating earthquake
At least 12 South Africans have been confirmed safe in Myanmar following a devastating earthquake, with updates from Dirco on the ongoing situation and support for those affected.
Ronald Lamola refutes claims of South Africa's prior knowledge of Hamas' attack on Israel
Minister Ronald Lamola rejects allegations of South Africa's prior knowledge of Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, labelling them as 'lies and propaganda' aimed at tarnishing the country's human rights reputation.
Media Review Network slams UK rights group's call for sanctions against South Africa
The Media Review Network has strongly condemned UK-based judicial rights group leader Justen Lewis for demanding sanctions against South Africa over alleged Hamas ties. South African officials have dismissed these claims as 'unproven allegations' that echo Israel's hostile stance, with no evidence provided to substantiate the serious accusations.
Clearing the Air | How SA's G20 delegation addressed US concerns about land policies
South African G20 delegation, led by Zane Dangor, met with White House officials to address misconceptions about the Expropriation Act and clarify that South Africa's land policies aren't designed to violate minority rights, but rather to tackle persistent structural inequality.
South African teacher’s disappearance in Myanmar raises alarm after catastrophic quake
Following a catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar, a South African teacher is reported missing, prompting concerns from her colleagues and calls for urgent assistance from the South African government.
South African teacher missing in Myanmar following a deadly earthquake
Following a catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar, a South African teacher is reported missing, prompting concerns from her colleagues and calls for urgent assistance from the South African government.
South Africa unfazed by external pressure over ICJ case against Israel
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola emphasised that the country's foreign policy is non-negotiable and constitutionally sound, while addressing concerns about diplomatic relations with the US.
SA sends ambassador to Thailand to assist citizens stranded in Myanmar
Following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar that has left over a thousand dead, South Africa is sending its ambassador to Thailand to assist citizens stranded in the affected region.
South Africa defends its stance on ICJ case against Israel amid US pressure
Minister Ronald Lamola asserts South Africa's commitment to its international policy and human rights, despite potential sanctions from the Trump administration.
Families reunited after Myanmar trafficking ordeal
According to the Hawks, some of the South African victims suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of their ordeal and only wanted to be reunited with their families.
Ramaphosa sends aid to help SA citizens in Thailand earthquake crisis
The South African government has dispatched its ambassador to Thailand to assist citizens potentially stranded in Myanmar following a devastating earthquake that has claimed over a thousand lives.
South Africa’s ambassador dispatched to aid citizens amid Myanmar earthquake crisis
The South African government has dispatched its ambassador to Thailand to assist citizens potentially stranded in Myanmar following a devastating earthquake that has claimed over a thousand lives.
SA won't budge on US pressure over the ICJ case with Israel
South Africa remains resolute in its stance against Israel at the ICJ, even as the US threatens to freeze funding. Minister Lamola emphasised that the country's foreign policy is non-negotiable and constitutionally sound, while addressing concerns about diplomatic relations with the US.
SA speaks against US pressure over ICJ case with Israel
South Africa remains resolute in its stance against Israel at the ICJ, even as the US threatens to freeze funding.
Repatriation of trafficked South Africans highlights ongoing human trafficking issues
Twenty-three South Africans have returned home after being lured to Myanmar with false job promises, held captive, and forced to work in cybercrime compounds. Their rescue highlights South Africa's improving but still inadequate response to human trafficking, as the country moves up to Tier 2 in global trafficking rankings.
South Africans repatriated from Myanmar just before devastating earthquakes struck
In an unbelievable rescue mission in which timing was everything, 23 South Africans were repatriated home on Thursday from a facility in Myanmar which was later hit by two earthquakes.