Celebrating 107 Years of Oliver Tambo by Placing Foreign Policy Under the Spotlight

BY: .

‘Oliver Tambo’s 30 years of protracted struggle in the international community ultimately lead to the United Nation’s decision to formally declare apartheid as a crime against humanity.’

These were the words of Mr Alvin Botes, the Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, who delivered the keynote address at a public lecture titled: “30 years of South Africa’s foreign policy and OR Tambo’s influence on the foreign policy”. Speaking at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College campus in October, Botes said Oliver Tambo (who was born in October 1917) ‘was probably one of our most seasoned diplomats during apartheid.’

Botes, who is an alumnus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, said the four concentric circles of South Africa’s foreign policy include our Pan-Africanism as a country; championing global solidarity; the need to deepen co-operation with the more industrialised North; and the transformation of global governance.

Referring to the transformation of global governance institutions, Botes underscored the need to deepen multilateralism. ‘This should result in a changed world, a world that is based on social justice - a world where global governance institutions become the voice of the voiceless,’ he said.

He highlighted the role that the G7 nations have played in contributing to South Africa’s industrialisation. ‘We need to deepen our relationship with the G7 nations - but it must be according to our national interests. They must understand that we have the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality,’ he said.

Looking at global solidarity, he emphasised that freedom in South Africa is due to the liberation movement. ‘We managed to get our freedom because of the constellation of forces that were mobilised against apartheid.’ He related this to South Africa’s support of the ongoing struggle for self-determination in Palestine.

Turning his focus to Pan-Africanism, he said: ‘South Africa is fortunate. Today, we are the most industrialised economy on the African continent,’ said Botes. Referring to the country’s 32.9 percent unemployment, he underscored that we must grow our GDP by 6 percent to be prosperous. ‘The biggest problem is that our economy is monopoly-based. In SA, we have basically five major banks - while in Europe, you have a plethora of major banks.’ He added, ‘One of the key mechanisms for our industrialisation is the African Continental Free Trade agreement.’

Botes invited students to apply for DIRCO’s cadet programme (when they graduate) which will allow them to train to be foreign service officers.

Ms Normah Zondo, the Executive Director of Corporate Relations at the University, said this event gives us the chance to evaluate how our foreign policy has evolved since the dawn of democracy.

‘At a time when South Africa’s foreign policy is gaining more and more attention, it is fitting that we take a moment to assess where we stand. In recent months, our bold stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has garnered much public discourse. This is a prime example of how South Africa continues to exercise its voice on the international stage - rooted in ethics, human rights, and a deep commitment to justice,’ said Zondo.

She emphasised that at UKZN, the implications of South Africa’s foreign policy are felt deeply. ‘As a university striving to be a beacon of African scholarship, our international collaborations and efforts toward targeted internationalisation are inextricably linked to the country’s diplomatic relationships. South Africa’s leadership roles in global and continental institutions present us with opportunities to foster academic partnerships, attract scholars and students from around the globe, and enhance our research footprint,’ she said.

To view the public lecture which sparked engaging debate, visit the University’s YouTube channel.

Watch: SABC: DIRCO’s Alvin Botes speaks on 30 years of SA’s foreign policy

Words: Raylene Captain Hasthibeer

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini