Ronald Lamola Pledges Economic Diplomacy to Address Poverty and Unemployment

Lamola highlighted the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) commitment to achieving a more just and equitable African continent and world.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has announced that his department will utilize economic diplomacy to confront South Africa's core issues of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Lamola emphasized that international relations are integral to everyday life and pledged to make them more accessible to all South Africans.

Lamola highlighted the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) commitment to achieving a more just and equitable African continent and world. He assured the public that DIRCO will continue to align its foreign policy with the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) vision. The GNU's foreign policy, as outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will focus on human rights, solidarity, peace, and multilateralism.

In response to recent events, Lamola strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, including women and children. South Africa criticized the targeting of civilian sites and called on the international community to take decisive action against these violations of international law. Lamola also urged the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to safeguard civilians in Gaza.

Additionally, Lamola welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, facilitated by Angola. He also expressed South Africa’s support for Venezuela following recent elections, affirming the country’s stance on Venezuelan self-determination without external interference.