South Africa’s Foreign Policy: Lessons from the ‘Lady R’ and the ICC Sagas

South Africa's Foreign Policy: Lessons from the ‘Lady R’ and the ICC Sagas
Image: Getty, Per-Anders Pettersson

SAIIA has partnered with Rivonia Circle to host a public lecture at a time when there's a need for South Africa to pause and evaluate its national interests and how the country pursues them while securing its sovereignty.

The trigger for both the ‘Lady R’ and the International Criminal Court (ICC) controversies was the Russian-Ukraine War which has caused so much outrage and divisions among South Africans. Among the common causes of war is the desire to have control over territories and natural resources. Modern wars, once they start, have multiple devastating results: loss of life, destroyed economies and industries, changed borders, diseases, and mental and physical impairments. South Africans know the consequences of wars from their history.

South Africa recently hosted the fifteenth BRICS Summit. There were a number of decisions taken, including to expand the BRICS bloc from five to 11 member states. The Summit happened against the backdrop of multiple discussions around the globe about South Africa’s position regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The lecture will be delivered by Dr Khulu Mbatha, an experienced diplomat and practitioner in the field of foreign policy, having advised a number of presidents in South Africa.

Join us to exchange views and map a path for the country’s foreign policy towards the 2024 national elections.

We look forward to your attendance and participation. 

5 Sep 2023