Ubuntu Magazine Issue 22

www.dirco.gov.za DIRCOza @theDIRCOza thedircoza DIRCO flickr Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action A better South Africa * A better Africa * A better world



Dullstroom, in Mpumalanga, is known as the flyfishing mecca of South Africa.

UBUNTU magazine – issue 22 creditsSouth Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Publisher Advertising Clayson Monyela Nthabiseng Makuwa – [email protected] UBUNTU Tel: +27 12 351 0388 Editor-in-Chief a Nguni word meaning humanity Michelle Greeff – [email protected] Distribution The Department of International Relations Tel: +27 12 351 1743 Olwethu Koli – [email protected] Tel: +27 12 351 0006 and Cooperation’s quarterly magazine Editor Delien Burger – [email protected] ON THE COVER Tel: +27 12 351 0948 This year marks numerous milestones in the struggles Photographers for gender equality. These include the end of the Jacoline Schoonees, Yandisa Monakali, Katlholo Maifadi and Yolande Snyman, Department of International Relations and Decade of African Women; the 25th anniversary of Cooperation; Government Communication and Information System; South African Tourism; Nelson Mandela Foundation; the Adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform Brand South Africa; Brad Binder Facebook page; Justin Copeland; Chadwick Boseman Facebook page; La Colombe for Action; the fifth anniversary of the Sustainable Facebook page; Matthew Willman; Southern African Wildlife College Facebook page; Rhino Conservation Awards Development Goals; and significantly, the 20th Facebook page; Johannesburg Wildlife Vet Facebook page; UN Photo; Wits University; Oscar Gutierrez; and anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Jürgen Schadeberg Facebook page. All these milestones provide an ideal historical background that should further strengthen our Acknowledgements determination and give impetus to our efforts to put President Cyril Ramaphosa; Dr GNM Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Senzo Mchunu, the gender agenda at the centre of international African Peer Review Mechanism Focal Point for South Africa and the Minister for Public Service and Administration; awareness. Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; Phumla Williams, Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System and Government Spokesperson; Anesh Maistry, South Africa’s Ambassador to the Union of the Comoros; Dr Bhaso Ndzendze, Research Director, Centre for Africa-China Studies and Lecturer on Tech Dynamics in International Relations at the University of Johannesburg (UJ); and Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal and Deputy Chairperson of the South African Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution; Byelongo Elisée Isheloke, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Cape Town; Keith Gottschalk, Political Scientist, University of the Western Cape; Benjamin Roberts, Chief Research Specialist: Developmental, Capable and Ethical State Research Division and Coordinator of the South African Social Attitudes Survey, Human Sciences Research Council; Muazu Ibrahim, Lecturer, Department of Banking and Finance, University for Development Studies; Moses Alobo, Programme Manager for Grand Challenges Africa, African Academy of Sciences; Sam Kinyanjui, Head of Training and Director, IDeAL, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme and Sharon Fonn, Professor of Public Health, Co-Director Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa and Panel Member, Private Healthcare Market Inquiry, University of the Witwatersrand; Agnieszka Fal- Dutra Santos, Programme Coordinator, Global Network of Women Peacebuilders; Ashok Swain, Professor of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University; Clare Corbould, Associate Professor, Deakin University, Australia; Kylie Thomas, Research Fellow, NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies; Dominique Mystris, Senior Researcher, SA SDG Hub, University of Pretoria; Lesley Cowling, Associate Professor in the Department of Journalism, University of the Witwatersrand; Alberto Valenciano Vaquero, PhD Vertebrate Paleontology, University of Cape Town and Romala Govender, Curator of Cenozoic Palaeontology, Research and Exhibitions, Iziko Museums of South Africa; and Honorary Research Associate, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town; Tyler Leigh Vivier, Goodthingsguy; United Nations Environment Programme; Brent Lindeque, Goodthingsguy; Nicola Gerrard, Goodthingsguy; and SAnews.gov.za. Advertisers African Union, Ubuntu Radio, Old Mutual, Standard Bank, World Food Programme, Freedom Park, Iziko Museum, City of Cape Town, MTN, Department of Environmental Affairs and Brand South Africa. To subscribe Send an e-mail with the words SUBSCRIBE UBUNTU in the subject line, your organisation, e-mail address and delivery address in the body to [email protected]. Back-issue enquiries [email protected] The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) ©2012 Tel: +27 12 351 1000, www.dirco.gov.za Private Bag X152, PRETORIA, 0001, Republic of South Africa 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria, 0084, Republic of South Africa No portion of this magazine may be produced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. DIRCO is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to amend and to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. Copyright is reserved. Views in Ubuntu are not necessarily those of DIRCO or those of the South African Government. They can accept no liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of this publication.



UBUNTU magazine – issue 22 In every issue c o n t e n t sSouth Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action 6 Letter from the Minister 8 Publisher’s note 34 The elimination of Diplomacy nuclear weapons: All of us must play 10 Together confronting a world in crisis our part 14 Reinforcing global solidarity through science diplomacy 16 40th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held virtually – a first in history 20 Let’s work together to create a just global order that radiates the values of Nelson Mandela 24 Saluting strong women: A profile of Minister Naledi Pandor 28 Ambassador John Nkadimeng: Champion for a just and humane society 32 A tribute to Ambassador Zindziswa Mandela 34 The elimination of nuclear weapons: All of us must play our part 36 Middle East peace plan must guarantee sovereign equality between Palestine and Israel 38 Charter of South African Peer Review Mechanism National Governing Council adopted 40 Can diplomacy survive the digital disruption? 44 Fitting Artificial Intelligence into South Africa’s international priorities 46 South Africa would gain from cooperation among BRICS countries on beneficiation 48 Can we stop the rise of para-diplomacy? Feature 78 Africa’s research 52 George Bizos: Heroic South African human rights lawyer with a capacity is growing. That’s macabre duty to represent the dead good news for pandemic 54 Liberation heritage: Andrew Mlangeni response efforts 58 South Africa’s Freedom Charter campaign holds lessons for the pursuit of a fairer society 60 We must continue to develop our own solutions to inspire and energise Africans 62 Journalism of Drum’s heyday remains cause for celebration – 70 years later

Lifestyle 66 Why the African free trade area could be the game-changer for the 112 continent’s economies Pitika Ntuli’s online exhibition 70 How the Grand Renaissance Dam might spark basin-wide water drew praise from the highest cooperation echelons 72 A comprehensive and meaningful implementation of the YPS and South African restaurant recognised in the world’s WPS agendas in Africa: An international perspective top 100 74 Pan-African solidarity required in the fight against COVID-19 76 Africa’s scientists set out their COVID-19 research priorities 116 78 Africa’s research capacity is growing. That’s good news for pandemic response efforts 80 Unite human, animal and environmental health to prevent the next pandemic – UN Report 82 The AU’s Peace and Security Architecture: Filling the gaps 84 The importance of leading communication during epidemics 86 Jürgen Schadeberg: Chronicler of life across apartheid’s divides 90 Groundbreaking study maps and values South Africa’s wild spaces 92 Meet the women on the frontlines of the conservation battle 96 Africa's 2020 Rhino Conservation Awards acknowledge courageous game rangers 98 Where the Pangolin has not roamed for over 70 years 100 Gigantic wolverines, otters the size of wolves: Fossils offer fresh insights into the past 102 Flying the flag LIFESTYLE 112 Pitika Ntuli’s online exhibition drew praise from the highest echelons 116 South African restaurant recognised in the world’s top 100 118 Despite the paused tourism industry, SA ranks in top spots for 2020 120 Brad Binder – The first South African to win at MotoGP 122 Towards Wakanda – Chadwick Boseman’s passing and the power and limits of Afrofuturism

LETTER FROM THE MINISTER of the WPS programmes. The Gertrude Shope Annual Forum has boldly stressed T his year marks numerous legendary contribution to the fight against the the role of women in the intersection of milestones in the struggles for denial of women's rights has bequeathed to these two themes, in addition to inserting the gender equality. These include us a rich and illuminating legacy, continues to contemporaneous context of the COVID-19 the end of the Decade of African inspire gender struggles in South Africa more pandemic and its effects. Women; the 25th anniversary than 66 years after her tenacious struggle of the Adoption of the Beijing to expand the contours of the meaning Crises have a negative effect on women. Declaration and Platform for Action; the fifth of freedom. Civil conflict, political conflict and natural anniversary of the Sustainable Development disasters result in the disruption of communities Goals; and significantly, the 20th anniversary Our dialogue this year took place under and women disproportionately bear their of the United Nations Security Council the unusual circumstances of a virtual portal brunt at multiple levels. Foregrounding the Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and platform because of the COVID-19 global connections between women and peace Security (WPS). pandemic, which has redefined the normal through emphasising the active role of women way of doing business for much of the as mediators and peacebuilders is an antidote All these milestones provide an ideal world. This was also reflected in the theme: to the false narrative that depicts women as historical background that should further “The Role of Women in Silencing the Guns: helpless or passive recipients. As this forum strengthen our determination and give impetus Building Architectures for Peace during the showed, women at all levels of society to our efforts to put the gender agenda at the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond”. are very capable of taking the initiative to centre of international awareness. contribute to an elevated human agenda. The theme echoes the confluence of The African Union (AU) has declared the current conditions shaping the experience As the outbreak of COVID-19 has year 2020 theme as: “Silencing the Guns: faced by women all over the world. It is reconfigured the conventional modes of social Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s now common knowledge that both on the engagement, including the ongoing efforts to Development”. This theme highlights the continent of Africa and the world over, correct and improve gender relations as well challenge of peace in Africa and serves as a women and children are disproportionately as put an end to violent conditions faced call to action. It also links Africa’s development affected by violent conflict both in terms of by women, there is a need to take stock of to sustainable peace, since there can be no social violence, civil wars and terrorism. the impact of the global emergency with the development without durable conditions of Our intention is to devise ways for women to aim of rethinking our traditional approach peace and stability. lead in securing peace and security. to the challenge of violence against women to ensure that our efforts are adaptive and It is against this background that the Under the current socially restrictive thereby fit for purpose. Department of International Relations and circumstances of COVID-19, which include Cooperation, in partnership with the Special safety measures such as stay-at-home With this imperative in mind, our focus Envoy at the AU and the Government of and lockdowns, violence against women should engender reflection on three key the Kingdom of Norway, virtually hosted the has notably increased, not least in our areas. The first should be to ensure that the Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum from own country, South Africa. The increasing continent does not suffer reversal of fortunes 27 – 28 August 2020. violence against women due to the COVID-19 on progress made so far on WPS because conditions tests our resilience to the limit, and of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under these This forum is named after a stalwart, calls for urgent action. abnormal conditions, history calls on us to find a revolutionary and one of the pioneering different ways of doing things better. gender activists of South Africa, Gertrude The overlaps between the AU theme and Shope. This compelling figure, who turned the theme of the Gertrude Shope Annual The second aim revolves on how we 95 a week before the conference, whose Dialogue Forum is of significance in terms silence the guns in Africa, given the continued violence in different flashpoints across our continent. Lastly, we should be able to both acknowledge, support and build on the difference women are making in local communities at their own initiative. There are many women peacebuilders on the ground working extremely hard for peace, with or without the presence of the State. The remarkable resilience women are demonstrating in local communities deserves recognition so that we can keep building on it. South Africa is a good example of this resilience of women, especially with regard to peacebuilding. All of us should persist in advocating for the implementation of the WPS Agenda with the aim of expanding the avenues for women to continue to contribute to a conflict- free Africa. 6 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 7

Publisher’s Note | Let’s talk foreign policy... T his year, the world marks The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the In his address to the recent UN General 75 years since the need for closer international cooperation at Assembly, President Cyril Ramaphosa establishment of the United a time when multilateralism is under strain. repeated the call made by the African Union Nations (UN). Like in 1945, Disturbing patterns have emerged in recent (AU) that the UNSC be reformed when he when the UN was formed years, resulting in some countries taking said: “It is only through a reformed and following the devastation unilateral decisions, pointing to some worrying inclusive UN Security Council that we will disregard of international legal instruments be able to collectively resolve some of the caused by the Second World War, the world and agreements. world’s most protracted conflicts.” is again in a crisis – albeit of a different nature. As a country that has had a long and Some of those “protracted conflicts”, complicated relationship with the UN, South said President Ramaphosa, included Africa has since 1994 remained steadfast in the occupation of Palestine and Western its defence of the UN institution, at all times Sahara. “We repeat our call for an end to calling for adherence to the UN Charter the illegal occupation of Western Sahara and other supplementary international and for the Palestinian people’s right to self- legal instruments. determination”, he added. The UN has gone through both noble and As an elected member of the UNSC, South turbulent moments since its establishment. Africa has remained steadfast in calling for the It has witnessed phenomenal growth in implementation of numerous UN decisions its membership and fewer violent inter- relating to Palestine and Western Sahara. state conflicts and has established several subsidiary institutions that support its work. South Africa will also hold the Presidency of the UNSC in December 2020, the last month South Africa remains an active participant of its two-year non-permanent membership. in the UN system, for example in the UN Human Rights Council and the World With more than 50 member states, the AU Health Organisation. remains one of the UN’s largest regional blocs. It would be a travesty if a fair representation of The UN has demonstrated an ability the AU in key decision-making bodies of the to adapt to new trends while remaining UN was to remain an unfulfilled dream in the stubbornly rigid in some areas, especially in next 75 years of the existence of the UN. relation to the demands for the reform of the UN Security Council (SC). @ClaysonMonyela 8 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

SOUTH AFRICA’S RADIO PUBLIC DIPLOMACY Since its launch in 2013, South Africa’s first, IN ACTION 24-hour online radio station has been setting in motion dialogue on South Africa’s foreign policy. In celebration of its first anniversary in 2014, UbuntuRadio launched on DSTV’s audio bouquet, increasing its reach to over 45 African countries and over 10 million potential listeners. In addition to the mobile application accessible globally, the UbuntuRadio Mxit Application is also available to a potential 80 million users. Follow the award winning station on Twitter and listen live on www.ubunturadio.com. APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE ON SMARTPHONES UbuntuRadioZA @UbuntuRadioZA Ubuntu Radio Android App Ubuntu Radio BlackBerry App Ubuntu Radio Iphone/Ipad App Ubuntu Radio mxit App UbuntuRadioZA Listen Live STUDIO NUMBER +27 (0) 12 329 2239 www.ubunturadio.com Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 9

DIPLOMACY | TOGETHER CONFRONTING A WORLD IN CRISIS Together confronting a world in crisis South Africa reaffirms its commitment to the ideals and the spirit of the UN Charter, and to sparing no effort to bring about a more just, peaceful and equitable world. By President Cyril Ramaphosa In 1945, the world was in crisis. It was counting But just as the founders of the UN once stood the devastation wrought by war, devastation united for the greater good, so too do we S eventy-five years ago, the and plunder. stand together to confront this grave threat. United Nations (UN) was established to introduce a Today, we are in the throes of another In this crisis, people across the world have new world order to achieve crisis – the Coronavirus pandemic. extended the hand of solidarity to people in peace in the world. It was other nations. From the North to the South, the dawn of a new era of The pandemic has cost nearly a million humanity has been galvanised into action. global cooperation, forged in the aftermath lives. It has deepened human suffering and of one of the darkest periods in the history of uprooted communities, destroyed livelihoods We have formed international partnerships humankind. and plunged economies into turmoil. to ensure there is equitable access to medical 10 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYTOGETHER CONFRONTING A WORLD IN CRISIS equipment and supplies. Many nations have Nonetheless, the pandemic will inevitably It is a future free of hunger, disease, insecurity set up extensive social support systems to set back our developmental aspirations. and war. It is a world that affirms the dignity protect citizens whose jobs, businesses and The resources we have had to redirect to and worth of all, regardless of race, ethnicity, livelihoods have been threatened. fighting the pandemic has set back our efforts gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation to provide housing, healthcare, water and or social circumstances. Our response to the COVID pandemic has sanitation and education to our people. demonstrated the heights that can be attained The year 2020 will be remembered for when we work in the spirit of friendship and When Secretary-General António Guterres the massive groundswell to push back the solidarity. If we are to build a common and delivered the 18th Nelson Mandela Annual frontiers of racism under the umbrella of the inclusive future in the aftermath of COVID-19, Lecture in July 2020, he called on the nations #BlackLivesMatter movement. it is this solidarity that must endure. of the world to forge a New Social Contract and a New Global Deal. As a country that has known too well the In the words of Nelson Mandela: anguish of institutionalised racism, South “It is human solidarity, the concern for the He said we must create equal opportunities Africa supports the demands for swift action other, that must be at the centre of the values for all, that we must advance a more inclusive against racism, whether committed by by which we all live.” and balanced multilateral trading system, that individuals, companies, officials or a state. As the African continent, our response to debt architecture must be reformed, and that the Coronavirus has been swift and effective. there should be greater access to affordable South Africa calls on the UN to spare no We have a continental strategy to fight credit for developing countries. effort to end prejudice and intolerance in all its the pandemic being driven by the regional forms and wherever it may be found. economic communities. It is a call we as South Africa wholly The African Union (AU) has established endorse. In the words of Dr Martin Luther King a COVID-19 Response Fund and launched Jnr: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice a groundbreaking African Medical Supplies It is in the spirit of this New Global Deal, everywhere.” Platform to ensure all countries have access that we call on the international community to the necessary equipment and supplies. and our international partners to support the As we mark the 25th anniversary of the roll-out of a comprehensive stimulus package adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, we for African countries. must intensify our efforts to empower women and girls. This will enable African countries to not only mitigate the health impacts of COVID-19 It is the right of women and girls to be but to aid us in the immense task of rebuilding full and equal participants in the workplace, our shattered economies. in political life and decision-making, in the economy, in obtaining an education and in To ensure that no country is left behind, society as a whole. we reiterate our position as the AU that economic sanctions against Zimbabwe South Africa is proud to be a member of and Sudan should be lifted to allow the UN’s Generation Equality Campaign and their governments to respond adequately to has prioritised the eradication of gender- the pandemic. based violence and femicide. We also call for the suspension of interest At a continental level, we are working payments on Africa’s external and public debt. to finalise and adopt an AU Convention on Violence against Women during the course of As the AU, we are encouraged by the this year. collaboration of the G20, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the UN AU member states are engaging on towards finding solutions to debt sustainability measures to promote financial inclusion, in developing countries. preferential procurement and preferential trade agreements for women. This pandemic has highlighted the urgency with which we must strive to meet all the When history faithfully Sustainable Development Goals, but more records the global importantly Goal One – to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. For until we eradicate response to the worst global poverty, we will always fall short of health emergency of realising the vision of the founders of the UN. this century, let it be said that we stood We must expand economic opportunities and acted as one, to all people around the world, but most that we provided especially to the young, women and the leadership, and that vulnerable people in the world. we gave the peoples of all nations hope We must boldly pursue avenues of and courage. redistribution and redress as a means of advancing shared prosperity. We must deal decisively with the rot of corruption that is robbing our people of the opportunities and services that are their right. Together, we must raise our level of ambition to ensure that every man, every woman and every child has an equal chance at a better future. Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 11

DIPLOMACY | TOGETHER CONFRONTING A WORLD IN CRISIS As African countries, we continue with our Climate change When history faithfully records the global effort to “silence the guns” once and for all We have no choice but to work together to response to the worst health emergency of through conflict resolution and peace-building. address the climate change crisis. As we this century, let it be said that we stood and rebuild in the aftermath of this pandemic, acted as one, that we provided leadership, Cooperation between the UN Security we have an opportunity to place the global and that we gave the peoples of all nations Council (SC) and the AU Peace and Security economy on a low-carbon, climate-resilient hope and courage. Council has contributed to improved peace developmental path. and security in the Darfur region of Sudan, The best, and most fitting, legacy of South Sudan, Somalia, Mali and the Central We must advance the principles of the this 75th Session will be that through our African Republic. green and circular economies, not just for actions we gave true meaning to the term the sake of environmental sustainability but “United Nations”. It is imperative that this collaboration is because of the opportunities for job creation institutionalised and that the financing of AU and economic growth. South Africa reaffirms its commitment to peacekeeping operations is addressed and the ideals and the spirit of the UN Charter, and resolved. The global recovery effort must place to sparing no effort to bring about a more just, climate change adaptation, mitigation peaceful and equitable world. South Africa is currently serving its second and support at its centre – in line with the year as an elected non-permanent member of Paris Agreement and other multilateral May our cooperation deepen and may our the UNSC. environmental commitments. solidarity endure. Let us make sure that all our efforts leave no woman, no child and no man We have used our tenure to promote As the founders of the UN stood at a behind, and that no nation is left behind. international peace and security by advocating crossroads in 1945, so do we 75 years later. for the peaceful settlement of disputes and They answered history’s call to craft a new On the 75th inclusive dialogue. order for a world in crisis. anniversary of the UN, The current composition of the UNSC does Today, we battle the fires of a deadly not reflect the world in which we live. On the pandemic, of racism and prejudice, of we repeat our call for 75th anniversary of the UN, we repeat our call violence, war and extremism and, above all, for greater representation of African countries of poverty and inequality. The order we seek greater representation on the Security Council, and that this be taken to build must be rooted in solidarity, equality up with urgency at the intergovernmental and unity of purpose. of African countries on negotiations. The Coronavirus pandemic has presented the Security Council, It is only through a reformed and inclusive us with a choice. It is a choice between the UNSC that we will be able to collectively global cooperation envisaged in the UN and that this be taken resolve some of the world’s most protracted Charter or the pursuit of narrow self-interest conflicts. and unilateralism. up with urgency at As we celebrate the founding of an It is a choice between tolerance or the intergovernmental organisation dedicated to freedom and prejudice. It is also a choice between equality, the people of Palestine and economic justice or growing inequality. The negotiations. Western Sahara continue to live under path we choose now will determine our occupation. We repeat our call for an end collective destiny. to the illegal occupation of Western Sahara and for the Palestinian people’s right to self- Though we face the most daunting of determination. prospects, we have at our disposal the most potent force. It is the solidarity and friendship We further call for the lifting of the upon which the UN was founded. economic embargo and blockade of Cuba. 12 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYTOGETHER CONFRONTING A WORLD IN CRISIS i South Africa commemorates the signing of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) South Africa joined the international community on 26 June 2020 in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of the UN. In a statement, South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Charter and its support for the primacy of the UN as a system of global governance through which current challenges facing the international community, including in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development and human rights, could be resolved. In recognising this historical milestone, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, stated: \"The United Nations, as a system of global governance, has made an immense contribution in maintaining international peace and security, fostering cooperation among states, promoting development, the adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights. It has also played a pivotal role in educating and informing the global community about challenges the world currently faces. The contribution that the UN has made to the people of South Africa, through its role in the dismantling of the inhumane and oppressive system of apartheid, will always be hailed and appreciated. The signing of the UN Charter in San Francisco on 26 June 1945 was a seminal moment in the relations between states and invoked a sense of unity for a common cause for humanity. The UN Charter remains the basis for the creation of a rules-based international system with multilateralism at its core. Today, the world faces new global challenges, which warrant a renewed commitment by the international community to uphold and defend the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the principles of international law with a view to establishing a peaceful and prosperous world, as well as a just and equitable world order. South Africa remains concerned at the growing resort to unilateralism and unilaterally imposed coercive measures that undermine the UN Charter and international law and threaten cooperation, peace and stability. The commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the UN Charter comes at a time when the world is faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic reminds us once more of the vital importance of collective action through the multilateral system with the UN and its agencies at the core. Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 13

DIPLOMACY | REINFORCING GLOBAL SOLIDARITY THROUGH SCIENCE DIPLOMACY Reinforcing global solidarity through science diplomacy South Africa continues to benefit from various international partnerships in the fight against COVID-19, including the BRICS alliance, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership. By President Cyril Ramaphosa tion (STI) to respond to the COVID-19 were experiencing significant surges in new pandemic. infections. O n 31 July 2020, I had the honour of addressing It was just over six months since the first South Africa has stepped up collaboration the Inaugural National case of the Coronavirus was reported and the and solidarity. In the global race for solutions, COVID-19 Conference death toll continued to climb across the world. we are pushing the frontiers of scientific on harnessing science, A number of countries, including South Africa, research and health innovation. technology and innova- 14 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYREINFORCING GLOBAL SOLIDARITY THROUGH SCIENCE DIPLOMACY This is not limited to product and technology assembly line at a factory in Cape Town. The SAMRC has also brought together development. It also extends to the These locally produced ventilators will a number of government, academic and development and improvement of policies, complement existing stock in the public and industry partners to support the development systems, services and delivery methods. private health system and those purchased and local production of diagnostic kits and from or donated by other countries. reagents for COVID-19. The work of the African Union (AU) Commission in response to COVID-19 has A number of South African innovators have Harnessing the potential of STI for vaccine been impressive, especially its support for taken up the challenge of addressing the need and other manufacturing is not just about the African Centres for Disease Control and for COVID-19 solutions – bulk-producing security of supply. It is also about boosting Prevention. hand sanitisers, developing self-screening local capabilities, supporting local industries assessment tools in local languages and and creating jobs. South Africa continues to benefit from pioneering contact-tracing applications. various international partnerships in the fight Strategic partnerships in STI will play an against COVID-19, including the BRICS This pandemic must be a clarion call for important role in our economic recovery. alliance, the International Centre for Genetic African nations to invest in what is already a Engineering and Biotechnology and the vibrant pan-African science and innovation As we strive to rebuild and repurpose European and Developing Countries Clinical ecosystem. our economies, we will need to explore Trials Partnership. opportunities in sectors such as low-carbon Investment in research and innovation has energy, the circular and green economies, In May 2020, South Africa, as Chair of enabled South Africa to respond effectively to smart manufacturing and big data. the AU, participated in the European Union the pandemic. Commission’s global Coronavirus pledging There is immense potential for kick-starting event. We have been able to support the national economic growth in the uptake of innovation COVID-19 response in critical areas, including and in driving technological solutions for the We made a commitment to co-invest in the the development and provision of diagnostic delivery of services. development of diagnostics and therapeutics tools, ventilators and personal protective and in the search for a COVID-19 vaccine. equipment, and in epidemiological modelling It is crucial that we maintain the momentum and data analytics. of international cooperation and solidarity to We are finalising a R25-million investment ensure inclusivity not just in the provision of to boost pan-African vaccine manufacturing Since the outbreak of the pandemic, life-saving therapeutics for COVID-19 but also capabilities through the African Renaissance we have been able to harness innovations in sustainable economic recovery. Fund. like telemedicine to protect patients and healthcare workers from exposure. STI is key to healthier populations, This pandemic has put countries to the productivity and progress. It is of the utmost test and severely challenged the capabilities The introduction of COVID Connect importance that they remain a public good. of our healthcare systems. has enabled over six million citizens and healthcare workers to access information As we collectively strive to overcome this As the international community, we have on the pandemic through mobile messaging pandemic, we must share experience and been unanimous that services, supplies, platforms. expertise. products and technologies for prevention, treatment and care of COVID-19 must be South African researchers are working We must pool resources through joint available to all. No country must be left in collaboration with international vaccine investments, data-sharing and reciprocal behind. developers around a potential COVID-19 access to research infrastructure. vaccine. Resource constraints pose a very real We must reinforce global solidarity through barrier to the ability of vulnerable countries to The South African Medical Research science diplomacy. effectively manage the pandemic. Council (SAMRC) and the Department of Science and Innovation have provided The conference provided a valuable And it is here that scientific innovation will R10 million in funding for the first South platform to advance these efforts and to affirm play an increasingly prominent role. African COVID-19 vaccine trial. the absolute necessity of health innovation as a vital resource for the common good. STI has proven to be an important tool Our researchers and scientists have the for generating valuable insights and for the expertise to develop human vaccines, having Harnessing the delivery of effective solutions. been involved in the development of several potential of STI for other vaccines. vaccine and other A platform such as this one enables manufacturing is not scientists, governments, business and civil But it isn’t just in the research space that just about security society to engage in open discussion, to we have demonstrated capability. of supply. It is also share experiences and best practice, and to chart the way ahead. We also have important laboratory about boosting infrastructure. The National Health Laboratory local capabilities, We know that every strategy to manage Service has contracted with a number of supporting local COVID-19 must focus on behavioural change, universities and government-funded platforms and that social distancing and proper hygiene to assist with additional capacity to conduct industries and are our safest and best bets at this time. COVID-19 testing. creating jobs. By equal measure, we must continue We have also developed a pathway for the to work tirelessly to develop technological potential production of COVID-19 vaccines solutions that meet our most pressing locally. challenge, and that is resource scarcity. South Africa is part of a traditional medicine One looks, for instance, at the advances panel set up in partnership with the World in ventilator development and production in Health Organisation to assist in developing developing countries. protocols for various aspects of traditional medicine usage. Soon, we will witness the very first ventilators produced by the South African National Ventilator Project coming off the Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 15

DIPLOMACY | 40TH ORDINARY SUMMIT OF SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT HELD VIRTUALLY – A FIRST IN HISTORY 40th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held virtually – a first in history The 40th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government was held virtually for the first time in the history of SADC. A face-to-face summit will take place in Maputo, Mozambique, in March 2021, if the COVID-19 pandemic situation is contained. T he 40th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and the Outgoing Chairperson of SADC for his The summit approved the SADC Vision 2050, principled and exemplary leadership during which was based on a firm foundation of peace, Government of the Southern his tenure, notwithstanding the challenges security and democratic governance, and posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. premised on three interrelated pillars, namely: African Development • Industrial Development and Market They also congratulated the people Community (SADC) was held Integration • Infrastructure Development in Support of virtually on 17 August 2020. and the governments of the republics of Regional Integration The summit elected Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Mozambique, Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia • Social and Human Capital Development. President of the Republic of Mozambique, and Malawi for conducting successful as Chairperson of SADC and Dr Lazarus elections, and congratulated Filipe Jacinto McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Nyusi, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, The three pillars also recognise gender, youth, Republic of Malawi, as Incoming Chairperson Hage Gottfried Geingob, Pravind Jugnauth environment and climate change, and disaster of SADC. and Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for risk management as important cross-cutting winning the elections. The summit also components. The summit also approved the The summit also elected Dr Mokgweetsi congratulated Moeketsi Majoro for his Regional Indicative Strategic Development EK Masisi, President of the Republic of appointment as the new Prime Minister of the Plan 2020 – 2030 to operationalise Botswana, as Chairperson of the Organ on Kingdom of Lesotho. Vision 2050. Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the The summit received a report on the socio- The leaders endorsed the theme of the 40th Republic South Africa, as Incoming economic impacts of COVID-19 on SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence economies, noted its effects across sectors “SADC 40 Years Building Peace and Security, and Security Cooperation. and approved the proposed measures that and Promoting Development and Resilience are to address the sectoral effects. in the Face of Global Challenges ”. The leaders received a report on SADC integration from the Outgoing Chairperson It endorsed an enhanced Macro-Economic It also approved the Mechanism in Honour of SADC, President John Pombe Joseph Convergence Surveillance Mechanism that of the Founders of SADC and urged member Magufuli, and on the implementation of includes high-frequency data to complement, states to operationalise the mechanism. the theme of the 39th Summit of Heads of but not replace, the existing Macro-Economic The leaders endorsed a Five-Year State and Government, and commended Convergence Mechanism. Sustainable Self-Financing Plan for SADC 16 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACY40TH ORDINARY SUMMIT OF SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT HELD VIRTUALLY – A FIRST IN HISTORY electoral observation missions covering the and condemned all acts of terrorism and implementation of the SADC decisions, and years 2021 to 2025. armed attacks. submit a progress report to the next summit in August 2021. They re-emphasised the need to fully The SADC leaders urged member states implement the SADC Protocol on Gender, and to take proactive measures to mitigate The summit received a report on the DRC- put in place concrete measures to improve external interference, the impact of fake news Zambia border issue, and commended the the representation of women and youth in and the abuse of social media, especially in governments of the DRC and the Republic of elected political positions. electoral processes. Zambia for their commitment to resolve the border issue amicably. The summit received a report of the The summit reiterated SADC’s position on Outgoing Chairperson of the Organ on the reconfiguration of the Force Intervention The summit approved an Agreement Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Brigade (FIB) in the Democratic Republic of amending the SADC Protocol on the Control President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, Congo (DRC), as submitted to the United of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related and commended him for his outstanding Nations Secretary-General, which, among Materials. leadership during his tenure. others, emphasises that the FIB should not be tampered with. It also expressed its gratitude It also approved an Agreement between It also received an Assessment Report to the FIB troop-contributing countries for the Governments of the Member States of on Emerging Security Threats in the Region, the continued support to peace and security the SADC Regarding the Status of the SADC commended the Secretariat for the detailed in the eastern DRC, and reiterated SADC’s Standby Force and its Components Deployed report, and directed the Secretariat to prepare continued support to the DRC. within the Region for Purposes of Training, an action plan for its implementation, which Peace Support Operations, Exercises and will, among others, prioritise measures The leaders received a progress report Humanitarian Assistance. to combat terrorism, violent attacks and on the political and security situation in cybercrime; and to address the adverse the Kingdom of Lesotho by the SADC The SADC leaders approved the effects of climate change. Facilitator to the Kingdom of Lesotho, development of a new Protocol on President Ramaphosa, and commended the Employment and Labour, and to this effect, The summit welcomed the decision by the Government and people of the Kingdom of approved the withdrawal of the existing Government of the Republic of Mozambique Lesotho for the smooth and peaceful transition Protocol on Employment and Labour. to bring to the attention of SADC the of power. They welcomed the commitment violent attacks situation in the country, and of the new Government of the Kingdom of The 40th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads commended the country for its continued Lesotho to ensure the full and comprehensive of State and Government was held virtually efforts towards combatting terrorism and implementation of the reforms process, and for the first time in the history of SADC. violent attacks. It expressed SADC solidarity encouraged the Government of the Kingdom A face-to-face summit will take place in and commitment to support Mozambique in of Lesotho to keep the momentum in the Maputo, Mozambique, in March 2021, if the addressing the terrorism and violent attacks, COVID-19 pandemic situation is contained. Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 17

DIPLOMACY | 10502 COLLABORATING TO ACHIEVE POSITIVE CHANGE Every conversation held at the World Eco- to go to the deadline for achieving both the nomic Forum’s annual meeting represents Sustainable Development Goals and South an opportunity for stakeholders to recommit Africa’s National Development Plan, greater to working together to solve pressing global collaboration between stakeholders to challenges. achieve actual outcomes that result in real change is critical. As we start a new decade, the imperative to align on common issues like poverty, “At Old Mutual, we’re figuring out how to inequality, inclusion and the environment is scale-up the work we are already doing with more urgent than ever. With just a decade a wide range of stakeholders, so that it creates DO GREAT THINGS EVERY DAY 18 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACY growth for our business, while at the same challenge of those considered “too rich” to time helping to solve the socio-economic receive free-government subsidised houses, challenges we face as a continent,” says Iain yet “too poor” to fall within the normal Williamson, Interim CEO. mortgage lending stream with financial institutions. Old Mutual strengthened its focus on Africa during mid-2018, a move that signalled US $ 2,4 billion has been committed to a renewed confidence in the growth clean energy projects across Africa, enough opportunities the continent holds. To unlock to sustainably power more than 800 000 its full potential, the business is committed to homes. working more closely with key stakeholders to better deliver shared value and growth. US $ 35 million committed to enterprise and supplier development projects that support The Group has already committed US $ 8,3 small, medium, youth, women and black- billion towards creating inclusive and owned business. Working in conjunction with sustainable economies on behalf of its key stakeholders in both government and clients and is working with its stakeholders business, the core focus is to create access across the continent to achieve SMART to funding, markets, as well as the technical objectives. Partnerships that are enhancing support necessary for these businesses to the lives of not only its customers, but also succeed. the communities across the 14 countries in which it operates, include: Despite persistent challenges, alignment between stakeholders around common goals US $ 92,3 million committed to providing makes it significantly easier to achieve progress. access to quality education in conjunction with National, Provincial and Local “We are as invested in driving change as all our Departments of Education. The Group’s partners are. We’re thinking about tomorrow Education Flagship Project in South Africa, by acting today and our stakeholders play an for example, forged strong partnerships integral part in this journey. We are inspired by with local education authorities across four the African proverb that says: If you want to go provinces over seven years to improve maths fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together,” and science skills among matric learners. concludes Iain. It also ran an extensive school leadership programme for teachers and principals which Over the next decade, the Old Mutual Group has further helped to improve performance will be demonstrating its strengthened in these pilot schools. resolve to activate actual outcomes to ensure our commitments bear fruit. Working with US $ 845 million committed to affordable stakeholders to achieve this remains a priority! housing projects across Africa, in conjunction with a range of partners, including More at www.oldmutual.com government. A core aspect of this approach is gap housing, which seeks to address the Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 19

DIPLOMACY | LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A JUST GLOBAL ORDER THAT RADIATES THE VALUES OF NELSON MANDELA Let’s work together to create a just global order that radiates the values of Nelson Mandela It is indeed in the hands of the international community to make a difference by building meaningful and lasting partnerships for a developmental agenda that will enable the world to stand as one against global pandemics, poverty, inequality and injustice. By Dr GNM Pandor Minister of International Relations and Cooperation T he COVID-19 pandemic has COVID-19 is creating untold economic, social President Mandela that “we can change the caused mass destruction of and psychological destruction in its wake. world and make it a better place. It is in your an already brittle global socio- and our hands to make a difference”. economic landscape. In re- Its sheer scale of rack and ruin is all too imagining President Nelson overwhelming for any one country to manage It is indeed in the hands of the international Mandela, we should be re- on its own. It is in this spirit that we decided to community to make a difference by building emboldened to create a new vision, based on initiate global dialogue around building a new meaningful and lasting partnerships for social contract between nations in order to a developmental agenda that will enable the world to stand as one against global a moral and ethical foundation of our current reduce inequality. pandemics, poverty, inequality and injustice. international system. As this pandemic continues to wreak havoc We believe that the outbreak of this pandemic has forced on to the global agenda This year, we observed Nelson Mandela across the world, it has begun to transform the imperative of re-imagining a new social contract between nations to reduce inequality International Day under the theme: “A New global consciousness by forcing large sections and poverty at a global level. Social Contract between Nations: Reducing of the international community to rethink Failure or inadequacy to withstand the effects of this pandemic by countries in Inequality at a Global Level”. traditional approaches to fighting poverty, This calls for a re-evaluation of the current global inequality and underdevelopment. Its global structures that the COVID-19 global debilitating effects are drawing the world’s pandemic has torn apart in many instances. attention, much more closely, to the vision of 20 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYLET’S WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A JUST GLOBAL ORDER THAT RADIATES THE VALUES OF NELSON MANDELA both the Global North and the Global South underscores the reality of global and national inequality as well as the need to re-evaluate current global social, economic and health structures, which have been rendered very weak by the unrelenting waves of the pandemic. In the spirit of President Mandela, partnerships within a multilateral framework are our best foot forward. While both the developed and the developing worlds have suffered COVID-19’s dreadful effects, the developing world has unequally borne the brunt due to its fragile economies, weak institutions and in particular, inadequate public health systems. With the pandemic’s destruction of this already brittle global socio-economic landscape, this moment of re-imagining President Mandela should re-embolden us to create a new vision, based on a moral and ethical foundation of our current international system. As we celebrate the legacy of President Mandela, the world needs to take seriously the core principles which define his vision. He would expect that we look to a human vision, one that revolves around the good of all as we determine responses to the pandemic. President Mandela’s legacy echoes these noble visions, which he so distinctly embodied. As part of this embodiment of Mandela’s core legacy are principles such as equality for all, both within and between nations, upholding social justice, promotion of social equity and the utilisation of solidarity as a momentum intended to eliminate communicable diseases and poverty. All of these as pre-conditions for a sustainable world conducive to human dignity. COVID-19 has shown us that while its impact is indiscriminate, resilience to withstand and mitigate its dire consequences hinges on developed public health systems, robust economic institutions as well as the state of social development which empowers citizens. Happily, we have seen humane responses to emerging needs. We wish to see more. Those who have the means must share with the less privileged. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better. In Madiba’s words: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” We should work towards the elimination of both national and global inequality, for the creation of a just global order as well as a humane world whose values Nelson Mandela radiated during his lifetime. Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 21

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DIPLOMACY | SALUTING STRONG WOMEN: A PROFILE OF MINISTER NALEDI PANDOR Saluting strong women: A profile of Minister Naledi Pandor “I hope we as South Africa will continue to give support to the AU. I believe it is the institution that will help Africa to advance its development goals.” S tern, strong women, with Her mother, she remembered, was very “But, as to going back in the classroom and an aversion to any form of determined that she got her education in having young people wonder why I’m there childhood nonsense, have whichever country the family found itself in at I’m not too sure. I remember the looks I got raised many good men and the time. when I started the PhD,” she said as she women, often in times of great paused for a hearty laugh. difficulties, with the hope that “She was very determined that we would their children will make a difference in an be educated and wherever we landed – be it Dr Pandor, who continues to have a keen ever-evolving world. Botswana, Lesotho [or] Zambia. She insisted interest in education and linguistics, believes that education was the most important thing the future of education and a “lot of life “Our parents played a very important and of course our dad, when he was there, activity” is closely associated with information role, especially our mother. Our father was would support her in that regard,” she said. technology (IT). very active in politics, in the struggle and so our mother was the one who was at home,” Minister Pandor did not disappoint her She said the use of virtual means of International Relations and Cooperation parents and went on to obtain several education and communication was going to Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, recently told qualifications, including a Master’s degree in become increasingly important. SAnews. Education from the University of London. “I think we are going to see many more While raised by both parents, activists Befittingly in April 2019, while serving as online courses, some of our universities and Joe and Fikile Matthews, Minister Pandor Minister of Higher Education and Training, colleges were not able to continue offering specifically remembers the role her mother Minister Pandor obtained her PhD in students teaching programmes because of played, in her obtaining her education despite Education from the University of Pretoria. the inadequacy of their IT capabilities. living in exile. While she has no immediate plans of “I believe that once we are all freed of this “I remember that London can be a very going back to the lecture room, she is a firm current COVID-19 crisis, you’re going to see cold place, but I remember that even in winter, advocate of continuous learning. much more attention towards online learning.” she would walk us to school to make sure we go into the school gates and go to class,” “Well I don’t know about studying again. With the world continuing to evolve and she recalled. I hope to continue being a student by reading being more inclusive of women in various and learning as much as I can. fields, South Africa has also been striving to have more women voices heard. 24 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYSALUTING STRONG WOMEN: A PROFILE OF MINISTER NALEDI PANDOR With the country recently celebrating Women’s She cautioned that while it was good to “There still continues to be many divides Day under lockdown, government has made celebrate the achievements of women, one in our world. We haven’t yet arrived at a advances in achieving gender transformation, should be weary of falling into the trap of common humane philosophy and I have been which includes legal protection, increased diminishing women’s achievements. somewhat appalled by the level of division access to basic services such as water, between the wealthy nations and the poor electricity, housing and free healthcare to “So, we should be careful when we nations. I think we need to build a stronger the poor. celebrate that we don’t diminish the basis of collaboration for development capabilities of the individuals that are because we can’t have so many people left One of the most significant has been the appointed. I think we have talent but we have behind,” she said. advancement of women representation and been denied the opportunity. It is not that we gender equality across the State machinery. did not have talented people before; it is just The Minister has also been pleased to that they were not allowed into the room. Now see that the African Union (AU) is beginning Representation of female ministers in they are, and we are beginning to see what to position itself as a significant continental Cabinet increased from 11% in April 1994 is possible.” body. to 50% following the April 2019 national elections. She also pointed out that there were still “I hope we as South Africa will continue areas of resistance that require attention. to give support to the AU. I believe it is the However, the notion of the first woman institution that will help Africa to advance its to do this or the other, continues to have a In March 2019, Cabinet adopted a Gender- development goals.” bearing on life today. Responsive Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework to ensure Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister This is despite the fact that following the the mainstreaming of gender priorities. Pandor has continued to hold virtual meetings 2019 elections, 46.1% of women held seats in with other ministers of international relations Parliament, up from the 11% seen in the first In addition to obtaining their education, around the world during which experiences democratic elections in 1994. the Minister has urged young women to forge with the pandemic are shared. healthy friendships as part of their toolbox to “There has been a great deal of progress reaching their dreams. With the world made, particularly in democratic South Africa, continuing to evolve and we should celebrate that, however, “Friends are important, the circle you build there’s still a great deal to be done. The level are important and don’t give up on education, and being more of inequality that we have, not just in our it’s absolutely the greatest empowerment that inclusive of women country but worldwide, means there’s a great you would have,” she said. deal of work to be done to ensure gender in various fields, equality,” she said. Families also formed an integral part of South Africa has one achieving their dreams, she said. also been striving to Minister Pandor was the first woman to have more women become Chairperson of the National Council “Being in international relations, I’ve voices heard. With of Provinces in 1999. learned that being in contact with other the country recently people helps to stop your prejudices and the celebrating Women’s “I think that this thing of first woman, first perspectives you have of others, which are Day under lockdown, black, almost suggests that you’re in that often uninformed perspectives. So, widen government has position because of gender or colour and your circle as that stops you from being made advances in it denies recognition of the talent that those threatened by the presence of others,” said achieving gender individuals have, the skills and the experience the Minister. that they’ve built up over a long time,” said transformation, the Minister. Minister Pandor, who first became a which includes legal Member of Parliament in democratic South protection, increased Africa in 1994, has held various ministerial positions. access to basic services such as Asked about which has been her favourite water, electricity, portfolio, Minister Pandor refers to education as the love of her life. housing and free healthcare She has, however, also discovered that science and technology is her other love. to the poor. “I believe that we as Africa should do much more than we are doing now to invest in science, research and innovation. I believe there’s a future for that. Through education, I think that we have so many talented young people and what I loved in [the Department of] Education was meeting that talent and in [the Department of] Science and Technology, I saw how education and science could help to advance a nation,” she said. Dr Pandor, who has served as Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for over a year now, reflected on her current work, which had allowed her to know the different political and developmental thinking around the world. Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 25

DIPLOMACY | SALUTING STRONG WOMEN: A PROFILE OF MINISTER NALEDI PANDOR “So, we are spending over 80% of our day in With citizens forced to move most of their lives lockdowns that governments put in place, front of a computer having virtual exchanges. onto digital platforms to get groceries or to is that women continue to be in vulnerable We remain very active internationally but it is conduct meetings with their work colleagues, economic situations. We have to attend to virtual so we’ve all learned to utilise ICT to a among others, Minister Pandor admitted to the empowerment, economically of women. very good effect.” having had to sharpen her technological skills. We have to ensure that they have access to financial support for their businesses.” With COVID-19 having disrupted daily “I’ve had to learn how to use virtual life and forcing the world to adapt to a new means. I constantly forget to unmute as I talk She said women, as the bedrock of society, normal, Minister Pandor, like many around away, and it has been a very good learning must be supported in their business ventures the country, has had to adjust to life with the experience. I’m a better user of technology so that they could run businesses that earn wearing of a cloth facemask when heading because of COVID-19,” she giggled. them and their families’ decent livelihoods. out in public. We live in a constantly changing world “We need to empower women to play their “Well, you have to be more careful. I don’t where women struggle with developing full role in society,” she said. like wearing masks but I have to because I self-confidence due to the surrounding have to protect myself and the people around environments they may find themselves in, Minister Pandor also paid homage to me. I suppose it also makes you much more such as abusive relationships, gender-based women health workers who find themselves nervous plus you don’t have much human violence (GBV) and femicide. at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. interaction and I’m a ‘hugger’ by nature,” she smiled. As the country commemorates the 64th “I must say that it has been women as anniversary of the 1956 women’s protest health workers, and as members of the family The new normal has also posed challenges march to the Union Buildings, government who have saved many lives during this crisis for the field of diplomacy. has taken steps to address the upsurge of and we salute those women, particularly our violence against women and children. health workers for the incredible role that “Diplomacy is also about friendships, so they’ve played.” we shake hands and we hug. It’s been quite Cabinet has recently approved a collection terrible because if you meet colleagues you of laws in response to President Cyril Asked about what she wishes her younger want to rush forward but then you remember Ramaphosa’s September 2019 commitment self knew today, Minister Pandor said she that oops you can’t do that! Instead of that to address the scourge of GBV and femicide. would have taken better care of her health. welcoming look, people look horrified [as if to say] don’t touch me!” These include the approval for submission “That she should not become fat, that is my to Parliament of the Domestic Violence one regret in life. I’ve not watched my weight The pandemic, she said, had made people Amendment Bill, which strengthens properly. I was a very slim young person and more nervous about interacting with others. application of the Domestic Violence Act. I think I let myself go. Not that I’m prejudiced against people my size, but I don’t think it’s a COVID-19 lockdown regulations resulted Among others, the amendments enhance good thing to allow yourself to become that in many South Africans not seeing their penalties and recognise repeat or serial and it’s my fault, not anybody else’s. I tell my loved ones. offenders with regard to sentencing. daughters all the time to keep their shape,” she said as she laughed. “Of course, we didn't see our children While the country wages war against GBV because of no family visits. But, since and femicide, Minister Pandor also spoke In her spare time, the Minister who refers we were the ones who were putting the about the importance of empowering women to herself as “just Naledi, the daughter of Joe restrictions in place, I think we had an in the economy. and Fikile Matthews, a teacher by profession” important role in ensuring that we observe all and as someone who is hard-working and the restrictions as a an example to the rest of “One of the lessons we have noted loves to learn and is a patriot, loves reading our community,” said the mother of two sons during the COVID-19 pandemic and in and listening to music. and two daughters. particular as a result of the restrictions and SAnews.gov.za 26 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

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DIPLOMACY | AMBASSADOR JOHN NKADIMENG: CHAMPION FOR A JUST AND HUMANE SOCIETY Ambassador John Nkadimeng: Champion for a just and humane society With the passing of Ntate Nkadimeng, yet another light in a glorious generation has been extinguished. By President Cyril Ramaphosa He suffered for the freedoms that we enjoy Apartheid had determined that he should live today, he sacrificed, he fought, he led, and he a life of servitude, toiling each day for the T he former Ambassador to Cuba, was led. comfort and security of a white master. John Nkadimeng, passed away on 6 August 2020 at the age Like so many of the great leaders of our Ntate Nkadimeng, however, had different of 93. country, he was witness to the poverty and plans. Over the past few months, deprivation of rural South Africa. we have lost a number of our Yes, he would endure a life of service, but veterans, most recently Ambassador Ntate Growing up in Sekhukhune, he felt not to any master other than the struggling Andrew Mlangeni, his fellow Rivonia triallist with every day the bitter pain of colonial masses of South Africa, not to any cause Denis Goldberg, Mme Martha Mmola, Mme dispossession, of livelihoods so callously other than the cause of freedom and equality. Mirriam Setshego Martin, Ms Zindzi Mandela, destroyed just so that the riches of our soil Mama Thoko Msimang, George du Plessis may be exploited for the benefit of others. At a young age, he became a shopsteward and others. and full-time organiser, certain that it was Like so many of the people he would come only through effective organisation that the With the passing of Ntate Nkadimeng, to lead, Ntate Nkadimeng left his rural home workers of this country could improve the yet another light in a glorious generation has to seek a living in the big city. conditions under which they were forced to been extinguished. work and live. He came to Johannesburg, first finding Ntate Nkadimeng was accorded a Special employment as a domestic worker and then This was a dangerous time to be a trade- Official Funeral in recognition of the incredible as a factory worker. union organiser, risking arrest, harassment contribution that he made to the freedom of and even violence. But he would not be our country. deterred. 28 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYAMBASSADOR JOHN NKADIMENG: CHAMPION FOR A JUST AND HUMANE SOCIETY He was there when the South African It was due to his work and the work of many the conditions of workers are dramatically Congress of Trade Unions was formed in others like him that we are today a country improved in all respects. 1955, and 30 years later, was an influential founded on human rights and dignity for all. figure in the formation of the Congress of John Kgoana Nkadimeng became an South African Trade Unions. His life stood as an example of how we activist with no expectation of recognition should each conduct ourselves as we seek to or reward. Ntate Nkadimeng was an unwavering build a more just and humane society. champion of the unity of workers and the He was not a person who liked the limelight. working class in general. As it has been written, when a good man or He was humble, despite his considerable woman dies, their light lies upon the paths of stature and standing in his community. To his dying day, he shared the vision of others. The example they set and the values uniting all trade unions under one federation. they lived by are a guide to those that follow. He was not one for accolades, despite being a recipient of the Order of Luthuli in He firmly believed that this would make Each time one of our veterans passes Gold and Isithwalandwe Seaparankoe, which trade unions stronger and more impactful in away, a part of history dies with them. And is the highest honour bestowed by the ANC. improving the lives of working people. as much as we mourn them, it is our solemn task to ensure that what they stood for does To him, such recognition was secondary to As a young man, he joined the liberation not die. his commitment to serving his people. movement because he believed that the struggle for national liberation was essential The role played by Ntate Nkadimeng He endured immense personal hardships, to the struggle to end class exploitation. in the conception of a free and democratic including numerous arrests, banning orders South Africa will never be forgotten. He and exile. But the difficult conditions did not As a volunteer in the Defiance Campaign lived and understood the daily struggles of discourage him and his comrades. in 1952 and as a leading organiser of the working people. Congress of the People in 1955, as a member On the contrary, they only sharpened of the Transvaal African National Congress He suffered the oppression and exploitation his resolve. (ANC) Executive and later the ANC National of apartheid capitalism and dedicated his life Executive, Ntate Nkadimeng was a vital part to ensuring that workers should enjoy the Now, more than ever, we have to stand of the generation that transformed the ANC results of their labour. united in our quest to restore our country into a militant, mass movement – and thereby to its founding values – values that Ntate changed the course of our history. He believed in the unalienable right to Nkadimeng lived by. dignity for all South Africans, but especially He paid the price for his convictions. for those who bore the brunt of economic Each time one of He was arrested on a number of marginalisation. our veterans passes occasions, detained as a suspected saboteur away, a part of history and banned. It is that commitment and determination dies with them. And He was one of the 156 Congress leaders that we need today as the workers of this arrested in pre-dawn raids in December 1956 country face perhaps their greatest challenge as much as we and tried for high treason. He remained an since the advent of democracy. mourn them, it is our accused until the end of the trial in 1961, solemn task to ensure when all remaining defendents were found The Coronavirus pandemic has had a that what they stood not guilty. devastating impact not just on public health, These brave men and women – through but on livelihoods. for does not die. the ordeals they endured, through their defiance, through their courage at one of Many people have lost their jobs and their the darkest moments in our history – endure incomes. Our already fragile economy has in our memories and continue to inspire been significantly damaged and the task of our actions. recovery will be immense. Ntate Nkadimeng was a human rights activist and worked with the Human Rights Drawing on the spirit of Ntate Nkadimeng, Welfare Committee, established to make we must unite as social partners in contact with banished people throughout government, business, labour and civil South Africa and to find those banished after society to do everything within our means to the Sekhukhune trials in the late 1950s. rebuild our economy. He did this in a country that did not know or respect human rights. More than that, we must transform our economy, so that it resembles less of where we were before the pandemic and more of where we want to be. We must ensure that the world of work, which emerges from this crisis, is one in which Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 29

DIPLOMACY | The Apartheid Museum, in Johannesburg, Gauteng, opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story. The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. 30 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

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DIPLOMACY | A TRIBUTE TO AMBASSADOR ZINDZISWA MANDELA A tribute to Ambassador Zindziswa Mandela Ambassador Mandela knew that South Africa could not afford to be an island of peace and development, surrounded by a sea of instability and underdevelopment. She understood very well that the future of South Africa was intrinsically linked to that of the continent. By Dr GNM Pandor ZMinister of International Relations and Cooperation Zindzi was aged 15 on the occasion of her first indziswa Mandela, who visit to Robben Island, Cape Town, where she release of political prisoners and the met her untimely demise on saw her father in person. This “first” meeting unbanning of anti-apartheid organisations 13 July 2020 aged 59, will be with a hitherto “mythical” figure was emotional were non-negotiable. remembered for her bravery for young Zindzi, who related how apartheid during the dark days of A freedom fighter in her own right, Zindzi served as deputy president of the Soweto apartheid rule and for the role prison wardens kept a close watch. Youth Congress and was a member of the Release Mandela Campaign. She was also she played as a diplomatic representative of a In a way, the success of the apartheid state recruited as an underground operative of uMkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the democratic South Africa. at tearing apart the Mandela household was a African National Congress. Born on 23 December 1960 to Nelson microcosm of the apartheid grand scheme, At the time of her demise, Zindzi had just concluded her tour of duty as our Ambassador Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, part of which was to destroy the social fabric to the Kingdom of Denmark, based in the capital Copenhagen. South Africa and Zindzi, as she was fondly known, would of black families. Denmark enjoy strong bilateral relations dating back to the time of the struggle against be raised in a highly charged environment, Perhaps her most memorable stance, apartheid. Denmark is also an important partner with regard to overseas development characterised by routine harassment by the in the eyes of the nation and the world, was assistance. security forces. on 10 February 1985 when she took to the The Danish Anti-Apartheid Movement (DAAM), founded in 1978 by a number of With her father’s arrest and imprisonment podium in a packed Jabulani Stadium in Danish political organisations and trade unions, played a key role in the fight against in 1962 and her mother’s banishment in 1977, Soweto, Johannesburg, to read out a speech apartheid. For example, DAAM organised boycotts of South African products, demanded Zindzi and her siblings endured at close range by her father in which he rejected the offer by the wrath of the apartheid state, becoming apartheid President PW Botha to release him focal points in South Africa’s violent path from jail on certain conditions. towards freedom and democracy. Defiant and unmoved, she said: “The prison When Madikizela-Mandela was banished authorities attempted to stop this statement to the Free State, she took Zindzi along with being made.” To chants of “amandla (power)”, her. She was only 18 months when her father she denounced the conditions under which was imprisoned. She would often relate how the apartheid government was prepared to she only knew him from photographs. release Mandela, saying the unconditional 32 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYA TRIBUTE TO AMBASSADOR ZINDZISWA MANDELA that the liberation movement be recognised island of peace and development, surrounded and that Mandela and other political prisoners by a sea of instability and underdevelopment. be released. Upon her arrival in Denmark, she She understood very well that the future of rekindled the fraternal bonds between South South Africa was intrinsically linked to that of Africa and anti-apartheid activists in that country, the continent. many of whom are now active in supporting our democratically elected government. Zindzi was a passionate, dedicated and patriotic diplomat who pursued South Africa’s Ambassador Mandela was due to take up national interests with vigour and at every her new assignment as our Ambassador to available opportunity. Liberia. She accepted this deployment moved by the understanding that Africa is the centre Much more was still expected from her, as piece of our country’s foreign policy. What we someone who cherished freedom and knew want for our country, we wish to see in the rest from personal experience exactly what it of the continent. Ambassador Mandela knew meant to be unfree. We are saddened by her that South Africa could not afford to be an untimely demise and we once again send our condolences to the Mandela family. A freedom fighter in her own right, Zindzi served as deputy president of the Soweto Youth Congress and was a member of the Release Mandela Campaign. She was also recruited as an underground operative of uMkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress. Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 33

DIPLOMACY | THE ELIMINATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS: ALL OF US MUST PLAY OUR PART The elimination of nuclear weapons: All of us must play our part “Disarmament is not an option for governments to take up or ignore. It is a moral duty owed by them to their own citizens, and to humanity as a whole. We must not await another Hiroshima or Nagasaki before finally mustering the political will to banish these weapons from global arsenals.” By Alvin Botes Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation D uring 2020, we are South Africa continues to view the NPT as the and seriousness with which the solemn commemorating a number cornerstone of the nuclear disarmament and undertakings, particularly in respect to nuclear of milestones, including nuclear non-proliferation regime. The treaty disarmament, continue to be approached. the 75th anniversary of the represents a historical bargain between the Still more concerning are attempts to negate United Nations (UN), the 50th nuclear-weapon states and the non-nuclear- or reinterpret the nuclear disarmament anniversary of the Treaty on weapon states, in terms of which the former undertakings made since the 1995 Review the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons has undertaken to eliminate their nuclear and Extension Conference. (NPT) and the 25th anniversary of its indefinite weapons based on the reciprocal undertaking extension. This year also marks 75 years by the latter not to pursue the nuclear While reductions are important, they since the first use of nuclear weapons when weapons option. do not substitute for concrete, transparent, we witnessed the catastrophic consequences irreversible and verifiable nuclear disarma- of these weapons. However, while non-proliferation measures ment measures. Ongoing modernisation The very first resolution adopted by the have been strengthened, similar concrete programmes, including in relation to delivery UN General Assembly in 1946 called for the progress has not yet been realised in the systems, make it clear that some states still elimination of atomic weapons from national area of nuclear disarmament. We believe that wish to indefinitely retain these instruments of armaments. Consequently, we developed efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear destruction, contrary to their legal obligations the NPT, whose preamble emphasises the weapons should be matched by a concurrent and political commitments. This undermines devastation that would be visited upon all effort to eliminate all nuclear weapons, in a the NPT bargain and also the non-proliferation mankind by a nuclear war and the consequent verifiable and irreversible manner. norms established by the treaty. need to make every effort to avert the danger. We likewise remain seriously concerned As we move towards the 2020 NPT about the apparent lack of urgency Review Conference, it is imperative that we 34 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYTHE ELIMINATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS: ALL OF US MUST PLAY OUR PART take stock of the progress made towards we have a body that is mandated to negotiate nuclear-weapon states, all of us must play our the implementation of all treaty provisions multilateral disarmament instruments, it has and the solemn commitments made in this not discharged its basic mandate for 24 years. part to achieve our common goal. It is therefore regard. In South Africa’s view, a starting point of the Review Conference needs to be a In South Africa’s view, there are several incumbent upon all states to engage, without reaffirmation of the unequivocal undertaking items on the CD’s agenda that are ready towards nuclear disarmament and the for negotiations, including a fissile material further delay, in an accelerated process of principles emanating from previous review treaty, a treaty on the prevention of an arms conferences, including that the principles of race in outer space as well as other effective negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament transparency, irreversibility and verifiability measures towards nuclear disarmament. should apply to all nuclear disarmament, The discussions in and reports of Groups in all its aspects under strict and effective nuclear arms reduction and arms control of Governmental Experts on these issues measures. Any future outcome should not roll have displayed a positive inclination to international control. back or reinterpret the agreements reached negotiations. There is therefore no reason during the 1995, 2000 and 2010 review why any or all of these issues cannot South Africa continues conferences, which remain valid until fully be subjected to negotiations in the CD, to view the NPT as implemented. Concrete progress on these especially given the complexities of each of agreements will be essential to the success of these areas, which may take time to resolve. the cornerstone of the the 2020 review cycle. We should not become We do not believe that the conclusion of such nuclear disarmament complacent about the threat posed by nuclear instruments could in any way jeopardise the and nuclear non- weapons and the lack of full implementation national security interests of any state. To the proliferation regime. of the disarmament obligations flowing from contrary, new norms in these areas can only The treaty represents Article VI. The provisions of the NPT and the serve to strengthen international and regional a historical bargain outcomes of its review conferences must be peace and security. In addition, the mere between the nuclear- respected to maintain the continued vitality of act of negotiation can also help to rebuild this important legal instrument. trust among states, something that is weapon states and the desperately needed. non-nuclear-weapon The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear states, in terms of Weapons (TPNW) was but one piece of While we regret that the CD has not which the former has work to lead us towards a nuclear-weapon- been able to fulfil its mandate for the last free world. The TPNW complements other 24 years, it is our hope that the efforts on undertaken to eliminate international instruments by contributing reaching consensus on a Programme of their nuclear weapons towards fulfilling the nuclear disarmament Work and starting negotiations continue. We based on the reciprocal obligations under the NPT, the objectives of have no doubt that this will require increased the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty flexibility by all CD members and a willingness undertaking by the (CTBT) and the various nuclear-weapon-free to move beyond narrow interests. Though latter not to pursue zone treaties, such as the Pelindaba Treaty at the same time, we must guard against that already banned nuclear weapons in Africa. conferring on the CD a “deliberative mandate” the nuclear The TPNW includes different pathways as opposed to a “negotiating mandate”, noting weapons option. for states possessing or hosting nuclear that SSOD-I made a clear distinction between weapons to join when they are ready through the machinery for deliberation and the a time-bound, verifiable and irreversible machinery for negotiation. Reinterpretation process of nuclear disarmament. The of past agreements such as SSOD-I is TPNW does not spell out all the details of contributing to the impasse in the CD, due such a process, but rather allows for further to the inflexibility of members to reflect the negotiations on these arrangements to be mandate in line with the outcome of SSOD-I. agreed upon when states possessing or hosting nuclear weapons are ready to accede As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said: to it. While the doors into this treaty have “Disarmament is not an option for governments always been open, some chose to abdicate to take up or ignore. It is a moral duty owed by leadership and not participate in it. However, them to their own citizens, and to humanity as it must be noted that the manner in which a whole. We must not await another Hiroshima the TPNW was drafted was sensitive to or Nagasaki before finally mustering the their needs and anticipated what they would political will to banish these weapons require when they join. from global arsenals”. The catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use of The First Special Session on Disarmament nuclear weapons must spur disarmament (SSOD-I) considered the significant role that efforts and make any use of nuclear weapons can be played by appropriate international unthinkable. The credibility of multilateral machinery designed to deal with the bodies and the sanctity of agreements and problems of disarmament. In this regard, commitments from multilateral processes we participated in the Conference on have to be respected and protected to Disarmament (CD), which was established preserve the nuclear disarmament and non- as the “single multilateral disarmament proliferation architecture. negotiating forum” of the international community. It is regrettable that even though While the primary responsibility for undertaking the necessary steps for the elimination of nuclear weapons lies with the Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 35

DIPLOMACY | MIDDLE EAST PEACE PLAN MUST GUARANTEE SOVEREIGN EQUALITY BETWEEN PALESTINE AND ISRAEL Middle East peace plan must guarantee sovereign equality between Palestine and Israel We have to ask ourselves, what is the raison d’être of the UNSC, if it continues to look the other way, adopt hollow resolutions, ignore current resolutions and fail to act against those that so arrogantly defy the very principles upon which the Security Council has been founded? By Alvin Botes Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation S outh Africa, as a member of abandon their homeland and seek refuge and 2334 (2016) – agreed-upon parameters the United Nations Security in neighbouring countries and abroad as for peace – and further undermine any Council (UNSC), will continue a Jewish state came into being on prospect of peace between the parties. to support all efforts aimed at Palestinian soil. the establishment of a viable, For more than half a century, the world contiguous Palestinian state, Today, it would appear Palestinians are has stood by and watched as Palestinian existing side-by-side and in peace with Israel, facing another imminent “catastrophe”, with land, olive grove by olive grove, village by within internationally recognised borders. Israel seemingly determined to annex parts of village and town by town have been lost. the West Bank and Jordan Valley. The threats We have witnessed the daily suffering of Seventy-two-years ago, we spoke of a and pronouncements of annexation are in Palestinians as they are being subjected to “catastrophe”, a period in Palestinian history stark violation of international law, disregard the continued construction and expansion known as the “Al-Naqba”, when more than international humanitarian law and UNSC of illegal Israeli settlements on their rightful 700 000 Palestinians were forced to resolutions, including resolutions 446 (1979) land. We have watched as Palestinians 1947 36 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYMIDDLE EAST PEACE PLAN MUST GUARANTEE SOVEREIGN EQUALITY BETWEEN PALESTINE AND ISRAEL have endured systematic discrimination as our present. South Africa has in its past not South Africa, as a current member of the opposed to settlers who are provided services been spared these injustices, where one Security Council, will continue to support and allowed civil liberties such as freedom people are assigned a higher value above all efforts aimed at the establishment of a of movement and the issuance of building another. This, unfortunately, runs at the core viable, contiguous Palestinian state, existing permits – a right denied to Palestinians living of the occupation of Palestine. It threatens side-by-side and in peace with Israel, in the occupied territories. peace, stability and security, a collective value within internationally recognised borders, that is at the very core of the UN, which is based on those of 4 June 1967, with East Moreover, we have observed as Palestinian commemorating its 75th anniversary this year. Jerusalem as its capital, in line with all land and property were seized and livelihoods relevant UN resolutions, international law and snatched away and destroyed, despite being We have to ask ourselves, what is the internationally agreed parameters. on the right side of the law, as determined by raison d’être of the UNSC, if it continues to international law and numerous UN General look the other way, adopt hollow resolutions, In this regard, peace can only prevail Assembly and UNSC resolutions. ignore current resolutions and fail to act once both parties engage in inclusive against those that so arrogantly defy the very dialogue and constructive negotiations We have borne witness as violence, riots principles upon which the Security Council without preconditions as this is the only and civil disobedience campaigns have swept has been founded ? means to ensure lasting peace, security across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as and stability. Additionally, there must be an Palestinians have engaged in the struggle Israel, the occupying power in Palestine, accountability mechanism in place to ensure for their inalienable right to freedom and self- has consistently illustrated through its that commitments are implemented. To this determination. We have looked on as men, actions a disrespect for legality and justice. end, a viable and sustainable peace plan for women, the elderly and children have been This is, once again, evident in the UN the Middle East must ensure that Palestine’s victimised, assaulted and detained. Secretary-General’s 14th quarterly report on sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic the implementation of Resolution 2334 of viability are guaranteed, with sovereign We have looked on as the humanitarian 2016, in which there are detailed accounts equality between Palestine and Israel. situation has continued to deteriorate in the of continuous settlement activity by the Gaza Strip with Palestinians continuing to live occupying power, despite the intentions set To date, the UNSC in unacceptable, precarious circumstances, out by adopted Security Council resolutions, has taken no action where their movement has been restricted, such as Resolution 2334. In this regard, to stop the building of where they have been given limited access to South Africa concurs with the observation by settlements on illegally water and electricity, and deprived of the basic the Secretary-General that “the establishment occupied land; to stop human rights we take for granted on a daily and expansion of settlements fuel resentment, the confiscation and basis. We have also witnessed the occupying hopelessness and disillusionment among destruction of Palestinian power restricting access to educational and Palestinians and are key drivers of human economic opportunities. rights violations, and significantly heighten land and property; Israeli-Palestinian tensions”. and to stop the illegal Additionally, at a time when the world is facing a global pandemic with the spread Therefore, the intention to annex more blockade of Gaza. of COVID-19, the Palestinians have to Palestinian land should be regarded as the The Security Council’s contend with a severely overburdened proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. inaction has failed the and fragile healthcare system. We have It is time that Israel, as the occupying power, also unfortunately seen the reduction of be held accountable for its illegal actions and people of Palestine. contributions to the UN Relief and Works consistent violations of international law and Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near resolutions of the Security Council. East, which for decades has been providing basic social and humanitarian services to To date, the UNSC has taken no action to Palestinians. stop the building of settlements on illegally occupied land; to stop the confiscation and It is said that history has a way of repeating destruction of Palestinian land and property; itself, yet it would appear that we do not learn and to stop the illegal blockade of Gaza. The from these turbulent and painfully unjust Security Council’s inaction has failed the historical events, which continue to shape people of Palestine. 2020 Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 37

DIPLOMACY | CHARTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM NATIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL ADOPTED Charter of South African Peer Review Mechanism National Governing Council adopted South Africa is committed to the ideals of the APRM of promoting good governance and economic development. Poor governance can critically undermine national development and therefore, good governance is critical in ensuring that both the citizens and the country benefit from what may ultimately be realised. By Senzo Mchunu African Peer Review Mechanism Focal Point for South Africa and the Minister for Public Service and Administration 38 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYCHARTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM NATIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL ADOPTED he African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), which The following ministers form part of the NGC: Africa’s involvement and participation in the was mutually and voluntarily • Minister for Cooperative Governance and APRM is of great benefit to the country as a whole. The activities conducted within the T acceded to by member states Traditional Affairs APRM and the investigations, which will be of the African Union (AU), • Minister in The Presidency carried out, will assist South Africa in attaining • Minister of International Relations and was initiated in 2002 and Cooperation the goals as per the National Development established in 2003. • Minister of Finance Plan 2030 (NDP) in the elimination of poverty, South Africa was one of the first countries • Minister for Public Service and the creation of employment opportunities to accede to the APRM in March 2003 in Administration. through faster economic growth as well as Abuja, Nigeria. Out of the total 55 AU member the building of a capable and ethical state, to states, by the end of July 2020, 40 member Since its appointment, the NGC has convened name a few. states participated in the APRM; with the meetings in order to formulate its charter, In repositioning the APRM in South Africa, Republic of the Seychelles and Zimbabwe which is in accordance with the Statute of an alignment between the APRM National having acceded at the 32nd APR Forum, the APRM and further provides insight as to, Action Plan, NDP and the performance which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, among others, the objectives of the NGC, the management and planning instruments, in January 2020. The APRM is aiming structure of the various national structures to including annual performance plans of for universal accession by all African states be appointed as well as the functions of the departments, will be effected. The APRM, by 2023. various structures. via the NGC, is essentially a vibrant and dynamic platform through which civil society President Cyril Ramaphosa assumed the Through a virtual meeting, which was can ensure accountability, integrity, ethical Chairship of the APR Forum early in 2020, held on Wednesday, 22 July 2020, the NGC conduct and delivery of services on the part taking over from the Republic of Chad. South adopted the Charter of the South African of all three spheres of government and its Africa is also currently the Chairperson of APRM NGC, which essentially governs its departments, including state-owned entities. the Committee of Focal Points of the APRM constitution. Programme, a continental ministerial platform The APRM is therefore a platform, which for all 40 APRM participating member states. Following the adoption of its charter, the will champion the interests of the people of NGC will be inducted on the processes of the South Africa as a whole. The APRM is a mechanism envisaged APRM, which are technical in nature. This is to promote good governance and socio- to ensure that all representatives understand South Africa is committed to the ideals of economic development through the adoption what is required of them as a structure in the APRM of promoting good governance, of policies, standards and good practices that respect of the country’s Second Generation and economic development. Poor governance will lead to political stability, economic growth Review process. Furthermore, the NGC will can critically undermine national development and sustainable development on the African engage on the National Road Map, which and therefore, good governance is critical in continent. The APRM uses a holistic review is currently in draft form. The National Road ensuring that both the citizens and the country process that distinguishes the mechanism Map details the activities to be undertaken benefit from what may ultimately be realised. from other institutions through inclusive in the NGC’s 2020/21 financial year with the As such, transparency, accountability and an dialogue, independent and objective reviews, aim of producing the first draft of the National effective and efficient government are some peer-learning and compliance monitoring. Country Review Report. of the principles that South Africa should strive to maintain at all times. The APRM’s focus areas are: Following the adoption of its charter, the • Corporate Governance NGC proceeded to appoint its Chairperson The formation of the • Socio-Economic Development as well as its Deputy Chairperson to lead the NGC will pave the • Democracy and Political Governance structure of 32 representatives plus the nine • Economic Governance and Management. provinces. way in the preparation Thulani Tshefuta was elected and At the meeting held on 1 February 2020, appointed as the NGC Chairperson. Tshefuta of South Africa’s the structure of the South African National holds a number of postgraduate qualifications Second Generation Governing Council (NGC) was unveiled, which from Wits University, GIBS and Crammer Review that is about would see to the realisation of the APRM Graduate School of Business at Rollins to be undertaken. The goals. The formation of the NGC will pave University, United States of America. He structure is expected the way in the preparation of South Africa’s is currently studying towards a Master’s to lead this process Second Generation Review that is about to Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation at Wits be undertaken. The structure is expected to University. of country self- lead this process of country self-assessment, assessment, ensure ensure its credibility and ultimately produce Magdalene Moonsamy, an admitted the Country Self-Assessment Report. attorney, the founder of the Women’s Justice Foundation and an activist for human, The NGC structure is at the core of the women’s as well as LBGTI rights, was functioning and success of the country’s appointed as the Deputy Chairperson. APRM, as its key role is to mobilise and With the adoption of the NGC Charter as ensure participation of all stakeholders and well as the election of the Chairperson and its credibility and citizens in general in the APRM processes. Deputy Chairperson, the NGC now has a Cabinet approved the formation of the vital role to play in achieving the aspirations ultimately produce NGC, which comprises the three spheres of captured in its Road Map. the Country Self- government, civil-society groups, the private Assessment Report. sector and labour, in line with the APRM The vision of the APRM is the full principle of broad-based participation. actualisation of transformative leadership and practice for the Africa we all want. South Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 39

DIPLOMACY | CAN DIPLOMACY SURVIVE THE DIGITAL DISRUPTION? Can diplomacy survive the digital disruption? As for diplomacy, it is hard enough in a dynamic world but it will become more challenging in a state of constant flux. The cutting-edge technology leap of the last two decades has made the system a cauldron of persistent insecurity and incessant life-altering change. By Anesh Maistry South Africa's Ambassador to the Union of the Comoros 40 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYCAN DIPLOMACY SURVIVE THE DIGITAL DISRUPTION? T he world is a very volatile, where the impact on traditional notions of challenges through the convergence of the uncertain, complex and geopolitical, geostrategic and geo-economic physical, digital, and biological dimensions.” ambiguous (VUCA) environment; levels of engagement are being challenged to borrow the conceptualisation in the international system through the impact He notes that state-state negotiations of the United States Army, which of technology and the need for science will be most influenced by the way decision- views its operational mode in and innovation. A search for a vaccine has makers understand, believe, and can this dynamic state. Recently, an Australian become a global imperative and the continual manipulate technology to negotiate their consultant, Janine Daniels, submitted that this spread of this virus is rapidly becoming an interests. VUCA world should be expanded to recognise existential threat to the key foundations of the the digital age upon us. She elaborates on the nation state. He goes on to argue that the professional VUCA world as including Artificial Intelligence key-stakeholder level allows for more and Disruption; thus expanding the acronym As for diplomacy, it is hard enough in flexibility, as non-state actors can take to VUCA-AID. The impact of technology and a dynamic world but it will become more advantage of technology as a platform to innovation has become key drivers of global challenging in a state of constant flux. The perform the process, use other technologies business and development but significantly cutting-edge technology leap of the last two to help in technical problem-solving and also they have become also disruptors of the decades has made the system a cauldron create new products. An example would be traditional socio-economic life as we knew it. of persistent insecurity and incessant life- applications such as Skype, Slack, Teams and altering change. Zoom, which are optimal for the conducting of None more so, than during this challenging task-oriented processes that can complement and tragic battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), face-to-face meetings. the giant leap to machine learning, AI and big data, has become a defining moment in the Similarly, technology holds many history of mankind; the use of revolutionary opportunities that can revolutionise people- technology and the frontiers opened up by to-people dialogue. Online dialogue on a innovation have an impact never before social media platform can assist in managing witnessed globally. As with previous common challenges such as power revolutions, the 4IR and its technologies will imbalance, continuity, scalable impact and come with unprecedented forces of disruption evaluation. that will have momentous economic, political and social implications. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has reported that in the context of the 4IR and its Ambassador Tom Fletcher in his trailblazing disruptive effect on all economies, there are book, The Naked Diplomat: Power and three things for Africa to consider within the Politics in the Digital Age, provides unique “Africa rising” narrative: insight into diplomacy in the digital age. • the development of digital skills is He observes that the digital age will put many industries, ideas and states out of business, paramount and shift power away from governments. • all industries are being digitally disrupted, It will make it harder to marshal the coalitions needed to confront growing global challenges, which presents an opportunity for a from migration to poverty to terrorism. There growing digital economy will be winners and losers. How can diplomacy • public-private partnerships are powerful regain its mojo, and play its part in helping levers for change. citizens use the superpower at their disposal? For a continent with an increasingly young This mojo, as Fletcher puts it, which population, productivity growth matters has stood the test of centuries, needs to be because it drives innovation, it can increase renewed to render diplomats relevant. No real wages and it can enable the economy more apt in the phrase “Science for Diplomacy to grow. The WEF argues that the 4IR and Diplomacy for Science”. is synonymous with uncharted growth in digitisation and Internet connectivity for the As part of the work of diplomats in this dynamic technology-driven world, science, As part of the work technology and innovation diplomacy of diplomats in this becomes an integral diplomatic tool to build dynamic technology- bilateral and expand multilateral relations. driven world, science, Understanding the place of African states technology and and the various opportunities and challenges innovation diplomacy that will arise in this endeavour needs critical becomes an integral reflection. It is an important element of diplomatic tool to build operating effectively in the 4IR context. bilateral and expand multilateral relations. According to Erik Segal, a conflict- management expert, “the Fourth Industrial Revolution will have an immense impact on how humans communicate with each other – for better and for worse. Conflict resolution professionals should re-evaluate their theories and practices to address new Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 41

DIPLOMACY | CAN DIPLOMACY SURVIVE THE DIGITAL DISRUPTION? continent. It has the potential to drive Africa within the African context” (Department of of prosperity. forward like never before, enabling innovation, Science and Technology). So what is it that we, diplomats, must spurring new business models and improving the delivery of public service. Closer to our current global reality, the realise and make sure of? COVID-19 global pandemic has illustrated It must from the outset be understood, that Building a digital society that has the dire need for expertise and innovation in evolved out of the information society, biotechnology but also a critical need for bio- science diplomacy is a competency of foreign requires the economic inclusion of all of security in nation states. Instead of shunning service. Like many new areas of diplomacy, it society; a critical challenge facing Africa existing global structures with global reach, needs to be embraced quickly and a strategy today. Economic inclusion is fundamentally states need to fund and capacitate agencies to pursue effective engagement needs to form predicated on improving digital fluency to such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) part of our core foreign-service mandate. My bring jobs to Africa’s youth. We need to teach to be on the cutting edge of health innovation personal shopping list of key activities for young Africans coding like we teach other rather than alienate them. They have global science diplomacy is listed below: languages. We need to have a deep focus reach, they work with contexts that are both • It is more than apparent that all ministries on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering grim but information dense, which can support and Mathematics) as key to African success. innovation and ensure biosecurity, however, of foreign affairs need chief science Education needs to be recalibrated in this it must be global remedies not national self- advisers or science officers. Their period of global uncertainty to build the interest. expertise is vital to guide effective science generation of the future. The rise of big data diplomacy and such critical appointments has made it more than apparent that success The frontiers of human scientific innovation have been made by many nations within will hinge on how a nation harnesses and can be redefined through strict moral values their foreign-service structures, including processes data; and will impact all facets of that appreciate advances in synthetic biology, a few Africa counterpart states. their well-being. genetic engineering and epidemiological • Create an interface for science cooperation surveillance support, all of which have the as a key element of our political and The future of work is evolving every day potential to save lives and secure the well- economic bilateral cooperation in a cross- and we need to adapt our productivity factors being of all global citizens. cutting sectoral approach. into this mindset. The future is a labour-light • Link science diplomacy to both economic economy and this needs to be integrated into That said, Africa will not only struggle with and development priorities. a broader African context in order to develop access to these technologies but also face the • Protect and nurture our intellectual a strategy that accounts for adaptation but challenge of integrating its political, economic property on both a multilateral and recognition that unemployment remains a and social lives into the digital age. We as bilateral level. perilous challenge for most African states. diplomats need to step up and build these • Commercialise and market indigenous It is forward-thinking that will recognise that relationships, look for access to technology knowledge as part of value-addition in our Industry 4.0 requires a unique skill-set as a transfer but more so, bring technology economic diplomacy. factor of production. infrastructure and investments to our shores. • Create a global environment and In this digital age, a country cannot fail in its develop norms and the legal framework In South Africa, the Council for Scientific quest to develop intimate partnerships with for cybersecurity that protect the most and Industrial Research has identified the the private sector; they have become key vulnerable states and citizens. following six key enabling technologies to drivers and financial partners in innovation to • Encourage the democratisation on all drive African economic development and grow innovation and technology hubs to make information platforms, which respects have a significant influence on societal the nation more competitive. knowledge and intellectual integrity but advancement on the continent: also recognises the need for expertise With all the above developments have and truth in the global interface. i. Photonics come pushback. Tom Nichols in an incredible • Utilise new media and technologies to ii. Industrial biotechnology book, The Death of Expertise, outlines the create brand awareness and global public iii. Nanotechnology campaign against established knowledge. advocacy for the country’s image and iv. Advanced materials He argues that the information flow is more international positions as a key element v. Micro-nano electronics than an overload; much of it is disinformation of a country’s public diplomacy. vi. Advanced manufacturing systems. that is not creating a more educated public but online mobs of ill-informed people, which In the final analysis, the question is, will the On the economic front, traditional financing is threatening the core system of democracy, 4IR be a disruptor or an enabler to African and lending through the banking systems something which the famous futurist Isaac states and their diplomats? How ready are have gone virtual. Platform Capitalism is a Asimov called the “cult of ignorance”. This African diplomats to integrate the culture, reality! Algorithms are decision-making tools world will not wait for nations to play catch- these systems and technologies into their and economic predictions are based on up; it will not be deferred by theories of societies? coded functions created to augment human development and traditional economic notions thinking and intuition. The currency market is driven by BlockChain and African economic diplomacy will have to understand this system and how it will influence future transacting globally. Experts rightfully contend that “BlockChain is not just one thing, but rather a collaboration of a multitude of systems working together to create a cryptocurrency platform, which can ensure the financial inclusion of everyone 42 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACY Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 43

DIPLOMACY | FITTING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO SOUTH AFRICA’S INTERNATIONAL PRIORITIES Fitting Artificial Intelligence into South Africa’s international priorities Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialists can play a crucial role in advancing the country’s science diplomacy. In the same vein, the definition of diplomacy needs to expand and include, for example, representation of South Africa to leading technology companies and globally leading research centres. By Dr Bhaso Ndzendze, Research Director, Centre for Africa-China Studies and Lecturer on Tech Dynamics in International Relations at the University of Johannesburg (UJ); and Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal and Deputy Chairperson of the South African Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution Given rapid developments in game Go, the then 19-year old Ke Jie. Based foundation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution AI, South Africa’s foreign on AI, the program is renowned for its use (4IR), which is the age of ubiquity of new policy should have its of machine learning (ML). The program is forms of technology and the convergence strategic and equitable able to continuously learn, like a human of the physical and the digital spheres. The attainment as one of the brain, through trial and error and can thus World Intellectual Property Organisation guiding pillars. accumulate more capabilities than initially (WIPO) observes that AI has been among programmed into it. Soon after Ke Jie’s the fastest-growing technology sectors in the A global game changer defeat, the Chinese Government set in motion past five years in terms of new patents and investment, with massive inflows of funding In his 2018 bestselling book, AI Superpowers, the formulation of an AI strategy. This was in Kai-fu Lee describes a 2017 incident that recognition of the critical role the technology is coming from governments and (even more) has since come to be referred to as “China’s to play in the future and the global competition from the private sector. Sputnik moment”. In May of that year, in a among countries and their respective private Many recognise that AI will be a game- moment seen as emblematic of Western sectors for early development and therefore, changer. Already, developments in today’s innovation outplaying China at its own game, ownership of AI applications. international relations are increasingly impacted by AI. By PricewaterhouseCoopers’ the computer program AlphaGo, developed Because of its applications to robotics and by Google’s DeepMind Technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as its use recent estimates, AI contributes about defeated the world’s top player of the Chinese of big data, AI has been seen as a central US$2 trillion to today’s global economy and 44 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYFITTING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO SOUTH AFRICA’S INTERNATIONAL PRIORITIES is predicted to reach some US$16 trillion by the preceding list of leaders in data centres Commission and the German group VZBV, 2030 (roughly 10% of current world gross is encouraging as they are countries, which which brought the matter to their local courts. domestic product). Trade and security, the were on the backfoot in the inception of the Thus, a regional body, state and non-state two main facets of international interaction, first three industrial revolutions but have actors, as well as domestic institutions all have respectively seen transformations in become technology leaders in time for the cooperated in ensuring a fair and regulated advanced manufacturing in smart factories fourth. Indeed, the present-day Asia-Pacific ecosystem that curtails exploitation. and the growing deployment of drones along region represents some 34.4% of the world’s with investments in AI-based robotic surgical software developers. Distressingly, in Africa, there is a growing systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and gap in access to the Internet. According to target-recognition programs. For a country that has as its foreign policy United Nations data from the International tenets the boosting of its domestic economy Telecommunications Union, men were on Responding to AI as well as achieving prosperity and stability the advantageous end of a 20.7% disparity In recognition of the centrality of AI, many on the African continent and helping realise in 2013. By 2017, the number was at 25.3%. countries have proactively formed bilateral an equitable global order, South Africa Regional and continental commitments to and multi-party memoranda of understanding cannot escape the global developmental gender equality such as the Southern African on AI cooperation and mutual development. implications of AI, and the new scenarios they Development Community Protocol on Gender A private-sector-led “Digital Geneva bring about. and Development, signed in 2008, need to Convention” has sought to establish guiding live up to the Internet and AI age. ethical frameworks for applying AI and AI specialists can play a crucial role in averting cyber attacks on civilians. Observes advancing the country’s science diplomacy. Given the multi-stakeholder nature of a 2019 report by the Carnegie Endowment In the same vein, the definition of diplomacy regulating technologies and rolling it out for International Peace: “Given AI’s economic needs to expand and include, for example, as efficiently and equitably as possible (as and geopolitical significance, they’re also representation of South Africa to leading the EU, Canadian and Singaporean cases increasingly being considered strategic assets”. technology companies and globally leading demonstrate), South Africa will need to research centres. The domestic and the involve actors from different sectors in order This requires a new foreign policy outlook foreign contexts are very thinly divided, and as to inform its domestic setting as well as shape for South Africa. Today’s global AI landscape such, the South African Government should its foreign policy on AI. The recommendation is dominated by the traditional players, see to the attraction of leading AI talent from of the Presidential Commission on the Fourth perpetuating the present patterns of inequality the world and within the continent, while also Industrial Revolution to establish the National in the 4IR. Indeed, China’s 2017 plan came avoiding a brain drain. Incentives can include AI Institute as well as the newly launched in the wake of an earlier published Canadian optimisation of the electric infrastructure, AI Dialogue will be an important base for AI Strategy and was soon followed by the research support for AI-related patents, us to position South Africa as an important publication of AI strategies by other countries fostering of collaboration and introducing a centre of AI. These initiatives will make South in rapid succession: Denmark, the European new class of scarce skills visas. South Africa’s Africa use AI to drive economic growth, Union (EU), Finland, France, India, Italy, energy issues are a potential deterrent in social development and safety. This is an Japan (the second country to do so), Mexico the development of AI as hyperscale data important step in positioning South Africa (interestingly commissioned by the British centres require significant amounts of energy as a contributing member of the global AI Embassy in Mexico, and funded by the United to operate. Brazil, a budding AI development community. Without a strategy that informs Kingdom’s [UK] Prosperity Fund), countries hub, has particularly used its energy self- policy and dialogues in place, we risk falling in the Nordic-Baltic region, Singapore, South sustainability and low electricity costs to its behind once again. Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Arab comparative advantage. On the other hand, Emirates and the UK. These countries also the influx of foreign technologies into the For a country that has account for most of the world’s hyperscale country should be within a framework that as its foreign policy data centres and likely have more such centres gives due consideration to infant AI industries, between them than the rest of the developing avoids bias and preserves South African tenets the boosting of world combined. Indeed, about 40% of these data. The regulatory stance taken towards its domestic economy centres are located in the United States Facebook and Google by the EU is exemplary. (US) or owned by US companies, whereas The supranational body has moved to fine the as well as achieving China, Japan and the UK together account for former some US$1.63 billion for data-privacy prosperity and stability 20%. Australia, Germany, Singapore, violations and had already successfully fined on the African continent Canada, India and Brazil form between the latter US$9.5 billion for breaking antitrust 3% and 5% per country. laws in 2017. and helping realise an equitable global In other words, the majority of the These cases indicate that governments can order, South Africa countries that were at the forefront of the play a role in protecting their constituencies cannot escape the development of the steam engine, the and that multinational corporations working global developmental telegraph, semiconductors, the telephone, in technology ought to be subject to special implications of AI, and aerial satellites and the Internet, or the regimes determined by local circumstances the new scenarios previous three industrial revolutions, now to achieve optimal and mutually beneficial look set to define the global AI landscape results. Similar steps have been taken by they bring about. once again. Despite being 17% of the planet’s the governments of Canada, Singapore and population and having the fastest-growing Canada against the use of these platforms rate of mobile subscriptions, Africa represents for spreading false news with the introduction only 3% of the world’s mobile app developers of fines varying from US$1 to US$6.6 million (compared to 29.7% and 29.4% for Europe per incident. Such regulatory mechanisms and North America). Nevertheless, the have been made possible by the work of presence of China, India and Singapore in watchdogs, including Italy’s Competition and Markets Authority, Ireland’s Data Protection Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 45

DIPLOMACY | SOUTH AFRICA WOULD GAIN FROM COOPERATION AMONG BRICS COUNTRIES ON BENEFICIATION South Africa would gain from cooperation among BRICS countries on beneficiation South Africa would benefit greatly from exchanging knowledge and skills with the other BRICS countries. Engagements that seek to do this could enhance cooperation among member countries. They could result in South Africa benefitting from what has worked – and what hasn’t worked – elsewhere. By Byelongo Elisée Isheloke Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Cape Town South Africa needs a sounder Africa, they make up the BRICS grouping, the BRICS member countries can collectively mineral beneficiation policy which was formed in 2010 with the purpose of drive beneficiation and how it could benefit to tackle the challenges the pursuing economic development. South Africa. country faces, particularly rising unemployment. Its China and India are resource-rich The BRICS countries have never jointly beneficiation policy is not very economies. But, they still need additional raw agreed to a beneficiation policy. But, work demanding and isn’t pursued with any vigour. materials to supplement their production amid has been done on how BRICS collaboration a faster industrialisation agenda. could be improved. These opportunities have For example, South Africa should be included skills transfer, information-sharing pursuing trade cooperation with Brazil, In addition, BRICS has a rich history of and investment in both downstream and Russia, India and China. Together with South beneficiation. Beneficiation activities in China upstream beneficiation activities. and Russia have had a positive bearing South Africa can on the economy and industrialisation. Both For my previous research, I explored the boast 90% of countries have developed strong military and effects of the BRICS partnership on mineral platinum metals ammunition capabilities. For its part, India beneficiation in South Africa by investigating produced in the world, has focussed on information technology and a partnership approach in beneficiation 80% of manganese, Brazil on the transport industry. cooperation and commodity trade. 73% of chrome, 45% of vanadium and 41% South Africa would benefit greatly from The aim of my study was to explore the of the gold extracted exchanging knowledge and skills with the effects of the BRICS partnership on mineral on earth. other BRICS countries. Engagements that beneficiation in South Africa. I concluded seek to do this could enhance cooperation by recommending a model, which called for among member countries. They could result in gradual beneficiation and experiments in South Africa benefitting from what has worked South Africa with the support of BRICS. – and what hasn’t worked – elsewhere. Findings There has been research on how China South Africa leads in mining of platinum-group has used beneficiation to drive economic metals and gold. In addition, the production development. But little has been done on how 46 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22

| DIPLOMACYSOUTH AFRICA WOULD GAIN FROM COOPERATION AMONG BRICS COUNTRIES ON BENEFICIATION of ferrous metals such as manganese and activities, South Africa could tap into the the need for South Africa to take a gradual chrome is of world-class standard. The iron knowledge of counterparts on beneficiation approach. ore exports in the country have been reported issues where success stories are visible. to be incremental. A diversification strategy is increasingly being It first needs to ensure steady economic adopted by the biggest South American growth, identify regional market opportunities South Africa can boast 90% of platinum conglomerates. and lobby the international partners in the metals produced in the world, 80% of BRICS to improve its chances of having the manganese, 73% of chrome, 45% of My research found that South Africa was WTO and other stakeholders support its vanadium and 41% of the gold extracted on outperformed by its counterparts within the national beneficiation policy. earth. I conducted a survey among mining partnership on economic grounds. However, companies as part of my research. Around it scored higher on democratic institutions and Other hurdles that need to be cleared 80% were based in Gauteng (Johannesburg performance of the banking sector. include the supply of water and power. and Pretoria). Just under 60% of the companies involved were in the business Next steps BRICS countries should encourage of mining strategic minerals such as coal, The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is not in synergies among them towards a more diamonds, gold and platinum. favour of a country forcing local beneficiation responsible beneficiation practice. The onto the market (a participant stated synergies can be used in a form of “aggregate Skills transfer emerged as a major theme, this during the interview). This points to power” exerted to change and transform the with 90% of the participants stating that global economy. skills training was needed for downstream beneficiation. This pointed to the need for skills transfer among the BRICS countries. Examples included cutting and polishing of minerals and making craft jewellery. It was also established that BRICS activities could be improved by collaborative synergies, financial resources provision and a favourable fiscal policy. The study called for a conversation among stakeholders on the current Mining Charter and the National Mineral Beneficiation Policy of South Africa. As BRICS countries are interested in commodity trade and mining BRICS countries should encourage synergies among them towards a more responsible beneficiation practice. The synergies can be used in a form of “aggregate power” exerted to change and transform the global economy. Issue 22 South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action UBUNTU 47

DIPLOMACY | CAN WE STOP THE RISE OF PARA-DIPLOMACY? Can we stop the rise of para-diplomacy? The reality is that other entities, whether sub-national our non-state, have a role to play in international relations practice. However, whether this role falls into the realm of diplomatic practice is a question we should ponder. By Anesh Maistry South Africa’s Ambassador to the Union of the Comoros W hat is para-, multilayered- or sub-national diplomacy? Sadly, the complications arise from practice, to support both local priorities and These terms have recently terminology that is floating around, which are the nation’s foreign policy objectives on the been bandied about, but being utilised interchangeably to posit some international stage. I will not touch on the many diplomats, international sort of understanding of para-diplomacy. complicated issue of international-relations These terms include constituent diplomacy, practice by non-state entities, as an intense debate on whether this is an actual traditional relations practitioners and regional diplomacy, sub-state diplomacy, form of national diplomacy or even diplomacy, is highly contested. politicians do not seem to have universal micro-diplomacy, multilayered diplomacy, As a problematic practice, many regions, understanding of what it means and if it really catalytic diplomacy, proto-diplomacy, and municipalities or cities are being represented by their leadership – governors, premiers, is an international-relations construct or an post-diplomacy. I was just as confused as you mayors and officials on the world stage; where they engage in external relationships, actual tool of statecraft. were when I first encountered the myriad of not only with their counterparts, but unfortunately with other nation states, non- Several commentators have attempted invented concepts that are sometimes difficult governmental organisations, corporate actors and more. A critical point to note to conceptualise this endeavour as a type to locate, even in a liberal interpretation of the is that globalisation and market changes have made foreign policy-making a more of diplomatic practice that is evolving, as the traditional notion of diplomacy. inclusive and multilayered process but such actions are most often not synergised to power of states diminish, and sub-national To assuage the fears of my fellow national objectives. entities become powerful stakeholders in the diplomats, let me frontload this contention. The COVID-19 crisis has shown us how cities and regions have become drivers for international system. The reality is that other entities, whether health responses to a global pandemic. The United States, for one, has exposed the Thomas Jackson opines that “para- sub-national our non-state, have a role fissures in its ideal union, as states have chosen to walk their own path. They have diplomacy must be seen as an 'alternative to play in international-relations practice. chosen to engage other nation states to procure medical equipment and essential diplomatic' practice with its own actors, However, whether this role falls into the items. It is clear that this pandemic will see the rise of more “independent” policy formulations, cultures, and sites which transcend traditional realm of diplomatic practice is a question we which are unfortunately characteristic of the American system. Is this the case in other state-centric modalities”. While Panayotis should ponder. countries? In South Africa, the response was national, and it left little room for policy Soldatos goes further and argues that we The “foreign policy” of sub-national must view para-diplomacy as “direct and, in government entities is generally built upon various instances, autonomous involvement in their domestic competencies. Most cities, external-relations activities of federated states”. provinces or states deal only with issues such As a keen scholar of diplomacy, I will as health, education, transportation, culture, contend that traditional non-state actors tourism or public safety, demanding that they involved in different tracks of diplomacy are are handled within the local-global spectrum. obscuring its traditional notions of the centrist Hence the concept of Thinking Globally & state narrative in the practice of diplomacy. Acting Locally (Being GLOCAL). This is complicated even further as local To best conceptualise this endeavour, government and federal and confederate I will use the terms, para- or multilayered- entities pursue their own international diplomacy. It seems to be the established relations. One must pause and wonder if the narrative to describe this evolving traditional mandate of foreign ministries is classification of local and regional entities’ under pressure or being usurped. engagement in international-relations 48 UBUNTU South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action Issue 22