Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, says South Africa has played a leading role on the international stage, in various spaces in recent years.
This includes advocating for the protection of human rights, advancing peace and security on the continent, and procuring COVID-19 vaccines.
Pandor spoke during the debate on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Pandor says among others, one of the great achievements, was Ramaphosa’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“President Ramaphosa chaired the African Union (AU) at a very difficult time. As the world was combatting the coronavirus, South Africa was praised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the strategies that it devised to deal with the pandemic. As chair of the AU, President Ramaphosa appointed special envoys to mobilize international economic support for the continental fight against COVID.”
SONA 2024 | Political parties debate
Meanwhile, International Relations Director-General, Zane Dangor says the department is concerned about the safety of Minister Pandor. This after the minister told the media on the sidelines of the State of the Nation Address that she was worried about the safety of her family.
Pandor has been publicly condemning Israel’s military operations in Gaza. South Africa took Israel to the International Court of Justice over allegations of genocide.
Dangor says the department will ensure the safety of the minister and her family.
“I think the minister is doing well and she will be cared for. Her safety is of paramount concern to all of us. So the minister is doing fine,” says Dangor.
