Yasmin Bilal
Regional cooperation and migration will dominate discussions when Southern African leaders gather in Durban for the 46th SADC Summit later this month.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola outlined South Africa’s foreign policy priorities during a media briefing today.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to assume the SADC chairpersonship for the 2026/27 term when the summit concludes on 17 August.
Lamola said the gathering comes at an important time for the region. He said it would provide an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate economic development.
Industrialisation, infrastructure development and food security will be among the key issues before leaders. Discussions will also focus on agriculture, regional trade, peace and security, and the beneficiation of critical minerals.
“The Summit platform will provide South Africa with an opportunity to articulate its approach to migration management and regional cooperation on migration-related challenges,” Lamola said.
He said government remained committed to managing migration in a lawful, orderly and humane manner. Border security and the fight against irregular migration would remain priorities. He added that migration challenges require regional cooperation. No country can tackle them on its own.
Lamola said the summit would also focus on improving the implementation of SADC decisions. Member states are expected to discuss transport corridors, infrastructure projects and measures to boost regional economic growth.
They will also consider ways to strengthen food security and improve the bloc’s long-term development strategy.
The minister also looked ahead to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in September. He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to multilateralism and international law.
“We believe that the answer to the current crisis of multilateralism is not less multilateralism, but better and more inclusive multilateralism,” Lamola said.
He said international law must apply equally to all countries. Respect for the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law remains essential. It protects civilians and helps preserve international peace and security, he said.
Lamola also backed calls for a continent-wide African Union conference on migration. He said the meeting would help member states address the root causes of migration. It would also tackle xenophobia and other forms of intolerance across the continent.
South Africa will participate in the 18th BRICS Summit in India next month. The meeting will focus on trade, investment, global governance reforms and stronger cooperation among member states.
“Every effort must be made to de-escalate and end these conflicts,” Lamola said, referring to the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East and other regions.
He said South Africa would continue supporting dialogue and negotiated settlements. The country would also continue advocating for reform of the United Nations, including permanent representation for Africa on the Security Council.
Lamola further confirmed that High Commissioner Anil Sooklal had been recalled to Pretoria for consultations. Government is also considering a new framework to regulate diplomatic and protocol support for former presidents and former deputy presidents travelling abroad.