UN tenure to be dedicated to Mandela legacy
SA assumes seat on the security council
SOUTH Africa officially assumed its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council yesterday.
The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) said the country would serve its term from this year until next year.
“South Africa was overwhelmingly elected to serve on the council by the UN General Assembly on June 8,” the department said.
“As President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected at the time: ‘this will be the third time that South Africa will be serving on the security council since the dawn of democracy in 1994’.
“‘We are humbled and honoured by the confidence the international community has demonstrated in our capability to contribute to the resolution of global challenges’.”
In June last year, the UN General Assembly also elected Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Germany and Indonesia to serve as non-permanent members of the council.
Dirco said it would dedicate South Africa’s tenure to the legacy of late President Nelson Mandela, “whose values and commitment to peace were commemorated last year during the centenary of his birth”.
Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Lindiwe Sisulu, said: “The world is facing huge challenges, including rising unilateralism and widening geo-political divisions.
“These challenges threaten our collective resolve to address global challenges of peace, security and development.
“South Africa will thus utilise its tenure on the security council to promote the maintenance of international peace and security through advocating for the peaceful settlement of disputes and inclusive dialogue,” Sisulu said.
She said the role of women in conflict resolution would also be emphasised.
“South Africa looks forward to collaborating with all other members of the security council in promoting the maintenance of international peace and security and the social well-being and advancement of all the people of the world,” Sisulu said