South Africa and the African continent are navigating a geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape defined by rising conflict, competition, technological rivalry and climate-driven restructuring, which has profound socio-economic and development implications.
The contemporary global order, once anchored by predictability, trade liberalisation and order, is undergoing a significant structural transformation, shifting towards multipolarity, great power contestation, protectionism, and the pursuit of narrow nationalistic interests. The contravention of international law has become an increasingly visible feature of modern international relations, reflecting both the erosion of compliance mechanisms and the politicisation of enforcement.
SAIIA, in partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), hosted a public symposium to examine these intersecting issues critically and to craft informed, forward-looking responses suited to Africa’s current realities.
Keynote Speakers
- Ronald Lamola, Minister, DIRCO
- Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister, DIRCO
Panel Discussion
- Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive, SAIIA
- Mutsa Mugangavari, Deputy Head of Regional Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross
- Lawrence Edwards, Professor, University of Cape Town
- Lwazi Somya, Manager of Policy, Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, and Senior Researcher, South African Liaison Office
Recordings
- Watch the full recording here.
- Read the Minister’s full speech here.
Listen
- Opening remarks by Alvin Botes
- Remarks by Elizabeth Sidiropoulos
- Remarks by Lwazi Somya
Thank you for joining us.
