President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address delivered yesterday, reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to peacebuilding and diplomatic engagement in global conflicts. The President highlighted the government’s active involvement in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict through the Africa Peace Initiative, emphasizing the belief that even the most challenging conflicts can be resolved through negotiation.
Driven by the principles of human rights and freedom, President Ramaphosa also addressed the government’s advocacy for the Palestinian cause, stressing the importance of preventing further loss of life and destruction in Gaza. He welcomed the ruling of the International Court of Justice, urging Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians.
Amidst these efforts, the South African government strongly condemned the killing of civilians on all sides of the conflict and called for a commitment from all parties involved to pursue a peace process leading to a two-state solution.
President Ramaphosa underscored the strategic use of foreign policy to advance South Africa’s development goals, citing the country’s leadership role in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as an example. Under South Africa’s stewardship, the BRICS family expanded from five to ten members, offering new avenues for trade and bolstering political and diplomatic ties among countries in the Global South.
Looking ahead, President Ramaphosa emphasized the government’s commitment to building on the progress made in establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This landmark agreement, he stated, holds the potential to transform South Africa’s economy and that of the continent by generating employment opportunities and increasing economic participation.
As South Africa continues to engage diplomatically on global issues and pursue initiatives for economic growth and development, President Ramaphosa assured Members of Parliament and other stakeholders of the government’s steadfast dedication to advancing peace, prosperity, and cooperation on both regional and international fronts.