Latest news with #DIRCO
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
G20 faces a generational test amid geopolitical challenges
Delegates to the U20 African Mayors Assembly at the Union Buildings, Pretoria on June 17, 2025. Image: DIRCO Alvin Botes Since December 1 last year until the Leaders' Summit in November 2025, South Africa chairs the world's most influential economic forum, that is the G20, under the theme: 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'. The theme signals our determination to put people — not profits — at the centre of global decision-making. Our high-level priorities are clear and interlinked. Firstly, inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment and the reduction of inequality. Secondly, food security in an era of climate disruption. Thirdly, harnessing artificial intelligence and broader technological innovation for sustainable development. Complementing these three priorities is our drive for disaster-risk resilience and fair debt-relief architecture so that climate-vulnerable and heavily indebted countries are not forced to choose between servicing loans and saving lives. The stakes could not be higher. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) reports that global unemployment is hovering near a historic low of five per cent, yet globally the average for young people remains stubbornly high — about 13 per cent worldwide, and more than double that in many developing economies. Here at home, 4.8 million South Africans aged 15–34 are unemployed; 58 per cent of them have never had a single day of paid work, and our youth unemployment rate climbed to 46.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year. Beyond the headline numbers lurk deeper structural hazards: one in five young Africans is classified as NEET—'not in employment, education or training'—and those already in work face a future in which artificial intelligence-driven automation could render up to 40 per cent of entry-level jobs obsolete by 2035, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report. Compounding that uncertainty are intersecting crises of mental-health fragility, climate anxiety, escalating conflict-driven displacement, and the rising cost of living that now consumes, on average, 38 per cent of a young person's monthly income across the G20. Add to that what the economist Adam Tooze calls a global 'poly-crisis' which includes, amongst others, geopolitical polarisation, climate-related disasters, food-price shocks and widening digital divides. And it becomes clear why the South African presidency has framed 2025 as a make-or-break moment for multilateral cooperation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Geopolitically, the world is also experiencing what some economists such as Mark Blyth, Mohamed El-Erian and Michael Spence call a 'perma-crisis': the United States and China are locked in an uneasy dance of de-risking, Russia-Ukraine war continues to reshape energy and grain markets, and simmering conflicts from the Red Sea to the Sahel threaten already fragile supply chains. At the same time, global public debt has surpassed US $100 trillion, forcing developing nations to divert scarce resources away from youth programmes toward interest payments. In the Employment Working Group of the Sherpa Track, we are negotiating a compact on youth employment and skills, building on the Antalya Goals (which were agreed to during Türkiye's presidency of the G20) but adding targets for digital-economy apprenticeships, recognition of micro-credentials and mutual portability of qualifications across G20 members. If endorsed by leaders, the compact will potentially translate into an estimated 10 million paid internship placements over five years, with a gender-parity clause and an annual public scorecard so you can hold the G20 accountable. In the Finance Track, we are advancing an 'Innovation & Inclusion Facility' financed through blended public-private instruments to support start-ups led by women and young people in frontier technologies and green manufacturing. Its first-phase endowment of US $3 billion will be disbursed via challenge funds that prioritise township and rural enterprises, with a target of 150,000 sustainable jobs by 2027. In the Agriculture Working Group and the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group, we are championing a Just Agri-Transition Facility that links smallholder farmers, including youth, to climate-smart finance and regional value chains. Beyond financing climate-resilient seed and drip-irrigation systems, the facility will underwrite a Pan-African farmers marketplace app that is targeted at youth and guarantees offtake agreements with regional supermarket chains. Finally, our AI priority aims to deliver a 'Pan-G20 Youth Digital Corps,' a volunteer-to-employment pipeline that pairs South African coders with continental and global partners to solve public-sector data challenges. The G20 was born out of the 1997 Asian financial meltdown and re-energised amid the 2008 crash. It now faces a generation-defining test: can it propel the global economy so that young people inherit not debts and droughts but opportunity and hope? South Africa believes it can—if the world finally listens to its largest demographic - the youth. * Alvin Botes is Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
SA engineers released from Equatorial Guinea jail after diplomatic push and presidential clemency
Two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, were released following high-level diplomatic interventions and granted presidential clemency by Equatorial Guinea's long-serving president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, have returned home after spending more than two years in prison in Equatorial Guinea on what their families and government officials have described as trumped-up drug charges. The pair were released following high-level diplomatic interventions and granted presidential clemency by Equatorial Guinea's long-serving president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Potgieter and Huxham were arrested on 9 February 2023 and sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted on drug-related charges. Both men maintained their innocence throughout the ordeal, with mounting pressure from their families, legal representatives, and the South African government to secure their release. After sustained diplomatic efforts by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the engineers finally landed back in South Africa on Saturday night to emotional scenes at the airport. Their families have since requested privacy to celebrate the long-awaited reunion in peace. The breakthrough in the case came after months of behind-the-scenes negotiations involving senior government officials, including former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor and her successor, Ronald Lamola. Both made official visits to Equatorial Guinea, where they lobbied for the release of the two men and raised concerns about the fairness of their trial. DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri on Monday expressed gratitude to Equatorial Guinea's government for granting the clemency that allowed the two engineers to return home. 'South Africa expresses its sincere gratitude to the government of Equatorial Guinea for considering – and ultimately granting – this presidential pardon,' said Phiri. 'We are pleased that Mr Potgieter and Mr Huxham are safely back with their loved ones.' A family spokesperson, Shaun Murphy, described the homecoming as a bittersweet but joyous moment following more than two years of anguish and uncertainty. 'This is a happy day – one the families have waited for with hope and heartbreak,' said Murphy. 'The past two years and four months have been unimaginably painful. We express our deepest appreciation to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes – from legal experts to diplomatic teams – to bring Frik and Peter home.' Sources close to the negotiations say the engineers' release was also part of broader discussions about improving diplomatic ties and economic cooperation between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea. President Obiang, Africa's longest-serving head of state, has previously used presidential pardons to manage international diplomatic tensions. In this case, South African officials praised his gesture as one of goodwill. While details of the engineers' detention conditions remain closely guarded, advocacy groups have raised concerns about their treatment and access to legal representation. As the men settle back into life at home, questions remain about how South Africans working abroad are protected and how future incidents can be prevented. 'This case highlights the importance of robust consular services and diplomatic channels in protecting our citizens abroad,' said a senior government official. For now, the focus is on healing and rebuilding. 'We're just thankful that this nightmare is over,' Murphy added. 'Now it's time to move forward.'
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
SA engineers released from Equatorial Guinea jail after diplomatic push and presidential clemency
Two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, were released following high-level diplomatic interventions and granted presidential clemency by Equatorial Guinea's long-serving president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, have returned home after spending more than two years in prison in Equatorial Guinea on what their families and government officials have described as trumped-up drug charges. The pair were released following high-level diplomatic interventions and granted presidential clemency by Equatorial Guinea's long-serving president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Potgieter and Huxham were arrested on 9 February 2023 and sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted on drug-related charges. Both men maintained their innocence throughout the ordeal, with mounting pressure from their families, legal representatives, and the South African government to secure their release. After sustained diplomatic efforts by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the engineers finally landed back in South Africa on Saturday night to emotional scenes at the airport. Their families have since requested privacy to celebrate the long-awaited reunion in peace. The breakthrough in the case came after months of behind-the-scenes negotiations involving senior government officials, including former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor and her successor, Ronald Lamola. Both made official visits to Equatorial Guinea, where they lobbied for the release of the two men and raised concerns about the fairness of their trial. DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri on Monday expressed gratitude to Equatorial Guinea's government for granting the clemency that allowed the two engineers to return home. 'South Africa expresses its sincere gratitude to the government of Equatorial Guinea for considering – and ultimately granting – this presidential pardon,' said Phiri. 'We are pleased that Mr Potgieter and Mr Huxham are safely back with their loved ones.' A family spokesperson, Shaun Murphy, described the homecoming as a bittersweet but joyous moment following more than two years of anguish and uncertainty. 'This is a happy day – one the families have waited for with hope and heartbreak,' said Murphy. 'The past two years and four months have been unimaginably painful. We express our deepest appreciation to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes – from legal experts to diplomatic teams – to bring Frik and Peter home.' Sources close to the negotiations say the engineers' release was also part of broader discussions about improving diplomatic ties and economic cooperation between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea. President Obiang, Africa's longest-serving head of state, has previously used presidential pardons to manage international diplomatic tensions. In this case, South African officials praised his gesture as one of goodwill. While details of the engineers' detention conditions remain closely guarded, advocacy groups have raised concerns about their treatment and access to legal representation. As the men settle back into life at home, questions remain about how South Africans working abroad are protected and how future incidents can be prevented. 'This case highlights the importance of robust consular services and diplomatic channels in protecting our citizens abroad,' said a senior government official. For now, the focus is on healing and rebuilding. 'We're just thankful that this nightmare is over,' Murphy added. 'Now it's time to move forward.'
IOL News
19-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Thabo Mbeki: An intellectual powerhouse far ahead of his generation
Former President Thabo Mbeki was known for crafting his own speeches, engaging in thoughtful debates, and challenging conventional wisdom. Let us remember Mbeki not as a relic of the past, but as a beacon for the future. Image: DIRCO 'You have to lead. You should be sensitive to what your followers think. But if you do exactly what they want, you are not a leader.' — Mahathir Mohamad IN an era where political leadership often prioritises popularity over principle, former president Thabo Mbeki stood out as a rare intellectual force in South African politics. Unlike his predecessors, who relied heavily on speechwriters, Mbeki was known for crafting his own speeches, engaging in thoughtful debates, and challenging conventional wisdom. Mbeki's presidency was marked by a unique blend of intellect and political acumen. He dared to question dominant narratives, most notably during the HIV/Aids crisis, when he encouraged broader scientific discourse rather than accepting prevailing assumptions uncritically. While this approach drew criticism, it also highlighted his commitment to reasoned inquiry — a hallmark of his leadership style. His ability to bridge the gap between academia and governance set him apart. Mbeki was not only a politician but also a thinker — one who could frame complex policy issues with clarity and originality. He approached governance with a philosopher's depth and a statesman's pragmatism, making him one of Africa's most respected leaders. 'What happens,' asked Mahmood Mamdani, commenting on the William Makgoba imbroglio at Wits, 'when seekers of knowledge turn around and claim to be custodians of knowledge? Knowledge seeking is a profoundly humble and a profoundly subversive activity. Its starting point, Socrates' fashion, is both the admission of ignorance in self and the questioning of truth. Knowledge-custody, on the other hand, is more of a self-appointed priestly affair, both arrogant and conservative.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Indeed, Mbeki's critical intellect and his unwillingness to be swamped by the opinion of the herd were best captured by his pronouncements on issues of national concern, more specifically concerning the HIV/Aids debate. To be president of a country does not necessarily mean that one should not have or express personal views on matters of national interest. Even though, for public figures, the line between the private and the public is often blurred, it is sometimes necessary to keep it in mind, especially in this age of the unscrupulous press and the paparazzi. Mbeki's intellectual rigour was matched by his dedication to public service. He oversaw economic reforms that stabilised South Africa's post-apartheid economy and championed Pan-Africanism through initiatives like the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad). As a diplomat, he played a key role in mediating regional conflicts and elevating South Africa's global standing. Despite his achievements, Mbeki's intellectual independence made him a polarising figure. Critics accused him of being aloof or overly theoretical, yet these very traits enabled him to govern with vision and consistency. In a political climate increasingly dominated by populism and short-term thinking, Mbeki's legacy reminds us of the value of critical thought and principled leadership. A product of ANC liberation traditions, Mbeki inherited a deep commitment to justice from his father, Govan Mbeki, and his mother, Epainette Mbeki. Educated abroad during decades of exile, he returned to help shape South Africa's democratic future. His tenure as deputy president under then-president Nelson Mandela positioned him as a natural successor, and he led the country from 1999 until his controversial recall in 2008. Since Mbeki's departure from office, political discourse in South Africa has arguably deteriorated. Parliamentary debate has become more performative than substantive, and intellectual engagement is often sidelined. This decline underscores the importance of nurturing critical thinking from an early age, encouraging young people to question, reflect, and challenge established norms. Mbeki's intellectual contributions extend beyond policy. He understood that history is not merely a record of events but a lens through which we interpret the present and imagine the future. Drawing from thinkers like Giorgio Agamben and Roger Simon, Mbeki framed the past not as a burden but as a source of insight — an untimely light illuminating the complexities of our time. As Isaiah Berlin once noted, understanding a thinker requires identifying the central idea that animates their work. For Mbeki, that idea was the transformative power of knowledge, both as a tool for development and as a moral compass guiding political action. He believed in Africa's potential to chart its own course and advocated for African solutions to African problems. The modern world demands leaders who can marry intellect with governance. As Robert Taylor argued, instinct alone cannot navigate the complexities of contemporary challenges. A nation's survival depends on leaders who apply rigorous thought to practical affairs. Mbeki exemplified this ideal, combining scholarly reflection with decisive leadership. Edward Said warned against intellectuals who shy away from difficult truths out of fear of controversy. Mbeki never shied away. He remained steadfast in his convictions, even when they placed him at odds with popular opinion. That courage, coupled with his eloquence and integrity, defined his legacy. As Said put it: 'Nothing in my mind is more reprehensible than those habits of mind in the intellectual that induce avoidance, that characteristic turning away from a difficult and principled position which you know to be the right one.' Ever since Mbeki left Parliament, there has been a 'dumbing down' of political discourse in the National Assembly. Politicians seem almost frightened, if not apathetic, about showing intellect. Politicians have become intellectually moribund. Cacophony in the form of heckling has replaced robust political discourse. Sadly, this is characteristic of our society at large. It starts right early in school classes. Children need to be taught to have independent thoughts, to question what they are given, and to challenge myths. Mbeki is the nation's best thinker among politicians, and the best politician among thinkers. Mbeki is the most widely respected politician on the entire African continent, if not the world. A consistent theme throughout Mbeki's political career has been his inimitable ability to frame and reframe a debate on a given public policy problem by relying on data and originality, not ideology, and to do it with wry and perceptive wit and eloquent wisdom that cannot escape one's attention. Mbeki is the epitome and embodiment of exceptional and illuminating lifelong virtues. For anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him, it is not hard to remember his awesome personality. Throughout his political life, he has won wide respect as a voice of reason and a source of wisdom. He is the resolute voice for wisdom and decency. Armed with colossal energy and astute judgment, he has helped settle some of the most complex international disputes. Today, Mbeki's ideas are resurging in relevance. As South Africa grapples with economic stagnation and political uncertainty, there is renewed interest in his vision of rational governance, Pan-African solidarity, and intellectual courage. His absence from active politics left a void — one that few have been able to fill. Let us remember Thabo Mbeki not as a relic of the past, but as a beacon for the future. * Dr Vusi Shongwe works in the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal and writes in his personal capacity. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
The South African
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The South African
South Africans in Iran urged to register with the embassy
The South African government has encouraged all citizens currently in Iran to contact the embassy in Tehran to ensure that they are registered with, and that their whereabouts are known. Hostilities between the State of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran have escalated in recent days as the two countries have launched attacks against each other, leading to the loss of lives, casualties and the destruction to property. 'It is important to note that South Africa's support in the country is limited and that it could be assumed that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency and the South African Government may not be able to help you if you get into difficulty, depending on your location. 'Therefore, citizens are further encouraged to assess their own safety and security and act accordingly,' the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement on Sunday. The following contacts may be used:• In Tehran, one can phone +98-912-230-8968 or +98-930-495-8965.• The department's helpline in Pretoria, South Africa is +27 12 351 1000. • DIRCO may be consulted for further contact information at
