Cape town: International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola announced South Africa's unwavering commitment to reforming global governance institutions while leveraging foreign policy to enhance economic growth and development domestically. Presenting the Department of International Relations and Cooperation's 2026/27 Budget Vote in Parliament, Lamola emphasized the challenges faced by developing countries within the current global system and outlined South Africa's strategic goals.
According to South African Government News Agency, Lamola highlighted the persistent inequalities that developing nations encounter, such as unsustainable debt and unequal access to development finance. He stressed South Africa's responsibility to advocate for a fairer and more representative global order, particularly calling for reforms within the United Nations Security Council to address contemporary global challenges more effectively.
Lamola underscored South Africa's Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency theme, "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," reflecting the nation's dedication to fostering an inclusive international order. Notable achievements during the presidency included the G20 Africa Expert Panel Report on Growth, Debt and Development, and the Report of the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality. Furthermore, South Africa is collaborating with international partners to establish an International Panel on Inequality through the United Nations General Assembly.
Discussing BRICS, Lamola stated that the bloc continues to amplify the Global South's influence. He noted the significance of expanding BRICS to 11 members, marking a pivotal milestone in the global governance landscape and supporting the development of the new BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy.
Lamola defended South Africa's adherence to international law and accountability, emphasizing the country's commitment to multilateral institutions. He introduced the Hague Group, formed to uphold the credibility of international law, ensure accountability for breaches, and maintain the integrity of the international legal order. The group aims to address complicity and impunity through measures such as halting arms transfers and pursuing accountability in national and international courts.
The Minister reiterated South Africa's advocacy for nuclear disarmament, citing the nation's historical decision to dismantle its nuclear weapons program. He announced South Africa's role in presiding over the first Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons later this year.
Lamola emphasized that South Africa's foreign policy must ultimately benefit ordinary citizens by fostering economic growth, job creation, and trade opportunities. He highlighted the positive outcomes of economic diplomacy, particularly in agriculture, where processed goods traded on the continent, including agricultural products, have seen substantial growth. In 2025, agricultural exports reached a record 15.1 billion US dollars, with a significant increase observed in the first quarter of 2026.
On migration, Lamola advocated for a lawful and coordinated approach to immigration management. He stressed the importance of upholding fundamental rights, ensuring secure borders, and maintaining an immigration system free from corruption, with law enforcement authorities responsible for enforcing laws regarding irregular migration.