Latest news with #RonaldLamola
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Minister Lamola attends the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Ministerial Coordinator's Meeting, in Changsha, People's Republic of China, from 10 to 12 June 2025
Minister Ronald Lamola has undertaken an Official Visit to Changsha, Hunan Province, to attend the Ministerial Coordination Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The purpose of the meeting is to discuss implementation of the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Summit which was held in Beijing on 5 and 6 September 2024. The FOCAC 2025–2027 Action Plan it includes cooperation in ten partnership areas including trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity and development cooperation. This significant gathering coincides with the commemoration of FOCAC's 25th anniversary, underscoring the enduring partnership between Africa and China. Minster Lamola, said 'Our participation reflects our strategic priority to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations within this important framework.' The Ministerial Meeting will be immediately followed by the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), from 12 to 15 June 2025, where further avenues for economic collaboration and mutual prosperity will be advanced. Twenty South African companies will exhibit their products and engage with Chinese investors with a view to opening further avenues for the export of South African products to China. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Puff n' pass the G20 sherpa spirit
In a recent media briefing, international relations & co-operation minister Ronald Lamola gave a G20 Presidency progress report titled 'Five months of purposeful leadership', in which he detailed the critical issues being addressed across the various working groups — including but not limited to pursing enhanced international tax cooperation and addressing illicit financial flows; and ensuring trade policies actively support sustainable development objectives...
Zawya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa and Finland launch groundbreaking Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, today launched the South African leg of the South Africa-Finland Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme. This pioneering initiative, co-implemented by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, aims to empower a new generation of peacebuilders to advance global conflict resolution and sustainable peace. Programme Objectives The one-year capacity-building project will create a dynamic network of young peace mediators, equipping them with practical tools to contribute effectively to peace negotiation, mediation, conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. The programme directly supports: United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (Youth, Peace and Security). African Union Agenda 2063 (particularly its youth-focused governance, peace, and security pillars). The inclusion of youth in formal peace processes worldwide. A Fitting Tribute during Youth Month Minister Lamola highlighted the symbolic significance of launching the programme during South Africa's Youth Month, which honours the legacy of young activists in the struggle against apartheid, notably the heroes of the 1976 Soweto Uprising: 'We know too well that ethnic hatred poisons communities, that religious intolerance fractures societies and that ideological fanaticism suffocates debate. When violence rises, freedoms crumble and the very light of democracy flickers under the storm of conflict. This is not some distant tragedy; it is the lived reality of women and children in Eastern DRC, Sudan, Gaza and other places across our wounded world. By building bridges across continents, we reaffirm that young people are not merely beneficiaries of peace — they are essential agents of its creation.' Programme Structure Fifteen (15) exceptional young peacebuilders — jointly selected by DIRCO's Diplomatic Academy and Finland's Centre for Peace Mediation — will participate in: In-person workshops in South Africa and Finland, Study visits to the United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) headquarters, Online expert sessions on thematic areas of peace mediation. Participants represent nations in conflict, post-conflict societies and global peacebuilding leaders, including: South Africa, Finland, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Qatar, South Sudan, Türkiye, and Ukraine. Strengthening International Partnerships Aligned with the South Africa-Finland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the programme: Advances a strategic peace mediation partnership between the two countries, Fosters networking and knowledge-sharing among young peace mediators, Provides mentorship by seasoned international peace practitioners. Minister Lamola said this initiative underscores South Africa's role in shaping inclusive, youth-driven solutions to global challenges — ensuring that the voices of the next generation define the future of peace. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Zawya
7 days ago
- General
- Zawya
South African Government confirms tragic death of citizen in the United States of America (USA), extends condolences
The Government of the Republic of South Africa confirms with deep sadness the tragic passing of a South African citizen in West Virginia, United States of America. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, has extended condolences to the bereaved family during this profoundly difficult time. Our Embassy in Washington D.C. is providing full consular assistance the family. The circumstances surrounding this tragic death remain under active investigation by the relevant United States authorities. Out of respect for the ongoing investigative process, the sensitivity of the matter, and the privacy of the grieving family, the South African Government will not be providing further detailed commentary at this time. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
The Herald
7 days ago
- General
- The Herald
Embassy offers help to family of Kim White Towne, alleged GBV victim in US
International relations and co-operation minister Ronald Lamola has offered assistance to the family of Capetonian Kim White Towne, who was allegedly murdered by her American husband. 'Our embassy in Washington DC is providing full consular assistance to the family,' he said while sharing his condolences. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the minister, said: 'The circumstances surrounding the tragic death remain under active investigation by the relevant US authorities. Out of respect for the investigative process, the sensitivity of the matter and the privacy of the grieving family, the government will not provide further detailed commentary at this time.' Towne, 32, from the Blouberg area, had moved to Chantilly, Virginia, with her husband Alexander Towne. They had a child together but their relationship was tumultuous and she had moved home for a while before returning to him, according to posts by family members on social media platforms. She was killed on May 25 when he allegedly strangled her during an argument. A BackaBuddy campaign has been launched to help her family pay for the formalities involved with repatriating her remains. So far donations of R84,484 have been pledged, with a goal of R108,000. Organiser Lauren Delcarme said: 'Kim was a vibrant and cherished member of our family whose warmth, kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met. 'Her sudden and untimely death has left us in profound grief, and we are faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing her home to SA, where she can be laid to rest among her loved ones. The process of repatriating a loved one's remains is complex and costly. Expenses possibly include cremation, documentation and international transport. We are reaching out to our community and beyond to ask for support in raising the funds needed to reunite Kim with her family and homeland.' Friends are sharing their memories of her, recalling her as ' an amazing person who was always smiling and bringing joy', and who showed ' warmth, humour and kindness' to everyone she knew. TimesLIVE
