Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the presentation of letters of credence by newly accredited Heads of Mission to the Republic of South Africa at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House, Pretoria
Your Excellencies, Heads of Mission,
Directors-General in the Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I extend a warm welcome to you all.
Your presence here affirms the value that your governments place on their relations with South Africa.
We stand ready to deepen our bilateral relations and to build new partnerships of mutual benefit.
You assume your responsibilities at a particularly consequential moment in international affairs.
The world is marked by heightened geopolitical competition, shifting alliances and growing uncertainty about the future of the international order.
Conflicts in different parts of the world continue to exact an enormous human toll.
The situations in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere remind us of the devastating cost of war and the failure of diplomacy.
These conflicts disrupt global trade, undermine food and energy security and place a heavy burden on countries like ours.
At the same time, the multilateral system, particularly the United Nations, is under considerable strain.
Its ability to respond to global challenges is constrained by divisions among major powers and selective adherence to international law.
South Africa’s position is clear.
International law must apply consistently, without exception or favour.
The principles of the United Nations Charter must be respected by all nations, whatever their economic or military power.
We cannot build a stable international order on selective justice, unilateralism or the idea that might makes right.
We will continue to champion dialogue, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the protection of civilians and respect for human rights.
The answer to the crisis facing multilateralism is not less multilateralism, but better, more representative and more effective multilateralism.
Our foreign policy is anchored in the values of our Constitution, which marks its 30th anniversary this year.
These values – human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, freedom and justice – shape how we engage with the world.
Our struggle against apartheid taught us that freedom and dignity cannot be selectively applied.
It also taught us the power of international solidarity in overcoming injustice.
We seek constructive relations with all countries, whatever their political systems or economic models.
These relations are guided by mutual respect, equality and the pursuit of shared interests.
Speaking at the Mercosur Heads of State Summit in Argentina in 1998, President Nelson Mandela said:
“The challenges of development and peace are beyond the capacity of any one nation to solve.”
His words remain as true today as they were then.
The challenges facing humanity require us to engage across political, ideological and geographical divides.
Africa remains at the centre of South Africa’s foreign policy.
In August, South Africa assumed the Chairpersonship of the Southern African Development Community for 2026 and 2027.
Our focus is on regional industrialisation, infrastructure development, agricultural transformation and food security.
We are determined to expand the beneficiation of our critical minerals.
Africa must move beyond being a supplier of raw materials to become a centre of production, innovation and value addition.
We invite you to work with us through investment, technology transfer, skills development, infrastructure financing and trade.
Our vision is of an Africa that is peaceful, integrated and prosperous.
It is an Africa that determines its own development path, as set out in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Through BRICS, the G20, the United Nations and other international platforms, we will continue to advocate for reform of the global governance architecture.
The United Nations Security Council and the international financial institutions must reflect the realities of today’s world.
We firmly believe that Africa deserves a permanent voice in the institutions that maintain international peace and shape the global economy.
As the first African country to hold the G20 Presidency, we will continue to champion inclusive growth, debt sustainability, climate justice and food security.
The opportunities of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and the just energy transition must be shared by all countries.
No nation should be left behind in shaping or benefiting from the future global economy.
The strength of relations between countries is measured by the tangible benefits they deliver to their people.
We encourage you to work closely with our Department of International Relations and Cooperation to identify practical areas of cooperation.
We particularly welcome partnerships that support economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills.
We encourage you to engage our provinces, municipalities, universities, research institutions and private sector.
Diplomacy must create opportunities, build bridges between societies and improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Your Excellencies,
As you take up your assignments, I assure you of the full support and cooperation of the South African Government.
South Africa is a country of remarkable diversity, rich heritage and immense potential.
We hope you will experience the warmth of our people and come to know our democratic journey and our aspirations.
In return, we look forward to learning more about your countries, your peoples and your aspirations.
Once again, I welcome you to South Africa and congratulate you on your appointments.
May your tenure in our country be successful.
May it bring our nations closer together.
And may the relations between our respective countries grow from strength to strength.
I thank you.
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