Lamola confident South Africa delivered strong, clear message at Davos

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola reaffirms that South Africa delivered a strong message about its progress and commitment to global cooperation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana led the South African delegation in the absence of President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

Lamola said his elevated pitch to the forum highlighted the country’s achievements in energy security, logistics, trade, as well as its removal from the grey list and the successful hosting of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.

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“South Africa had a number of platforms that show that the country is on a good trajectory.”

He noted that the President's absence did not hamper the delegation’s objectives.

Lamola emphasised that South Africa’s message was clear and consistent with long-standing positions on issues like the UN Charter, global conflict resolution, and the need for a rules-based international order.

This also includes the reforming of the UN Security Council and global financial architecture to make them more inclusive and representative of the changing global landscape.

“When the UN was formed, almost 70% of the African countries were still under colonialism; hence, now it needs reform to reflect the current realities of the African continent, the Global South, and countries in the BRICS platforms.

“There was a message from South Africa that we delivered. Leaders in Davos, particularly Canada, the European Union, and some of the BRICS countries, reaffirmed what South Africa has always reaffirmed,” he said.

To listen to Lamola in conversation with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: