By Reneva Fourie
The June 30 announcement of the seventh administrations executive brought relief to many of us as the Ministry of International Relations remains under ANC control.
Alvin Botes, known for his dedication and astute intellect, has been reinstated as deputy minister. The vibrant and bold Thandi Moraka is the second deputy minister. Additionally, Ronald Lamola, the former minister of justice and a key contributor to South Africas engagements with the International Court of Justice on Palestine, is now serving as minister.
With the support of the highly accomplished director-general, Zane Dangor, the line-up suggests promising stewardship of South Africas foreign policy, instilling confidence as the department champions critical projects related to, among others, the AUs Agenda 2063, the UNs Millennium Development Goals and the ambitious BRICS programme, and prepares to host the G20.
Contentment with the ANCs continued control of the portfolio presumes that including anti-progressive forces in South Africas Government of National Unity GNU would have minimal impact on foreign policy positions. The assumption is probably based on the belief that the Department of International Relations and Co-operation Dirco solely manages foreign affairs. However, this is inaccurate.
