The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) convened a high-level seminar on Democracy, Governance and Diplomacy at the OR Tambo Building in Pretoria, bringing together government leaders, diplomats, academics, young professionals and international partners to reflect on South Africa’s democratic journey and the evolving role of diplomacy in an increasingly complex global environment.

She subsequently introduced an engaging Youth Panel, which explored the theme of International Relations and the Youth, placing young South Africans at the centre of discussions on democratic participation, innovation and economic inclusion.

Youth as Drivers of Change

Panel discussions highlighted the enduring contributions of South African youth to the country’s democratic development, drawing connections between the legacy of the 1976 generation and contemporary challenges confronting young people today.

Participants reflected on structural barriers that continue to impede meaningful socio-economic participation, including issues raised through movements such as Fees Must Fall. Discussions also examined the intersection between technological advancement, artificial intelligence, digital innovation and emerging economic opportunities available to young people.

The dialogue reinforced the view that youth should not merely be regarded as beneficiaries of policy interventions, but as active architects of governance, peacebuilding and sustainable development.

Ministers Lead Strategic Conversations on Democracy and Prosperity

Deputy Minister Alvin Botes joined Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in anchoring the Ministerial Panel, which focused on critical themes shaping governance both domestically and internationally.

The panel unpacked several key issues, including:

• Sovereign Agency, Democracy and Shared Prosperity;
• The concept of Consensus Democracy, with insights shared by Ambassador Mirko Manzoni of Switzerland;
• Governance Models and Peace Diplomacy, featuring Ambassador Anne Beathe Kristiansen of Norway; and
• The importance of multilateral cooperation and international partnerships in strengthening democratic institutions.

Minister Lamola situated the seminar within a significant year for South Africa, marking both the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising and the 30th anniversary of the country’s Constitution. He emphasised that democracy requires continuous nurturing through active citizenship, accountability and intergenerational participation.

Addressing delegates, the Minister stressed that while South Africa has made considerable progress in consolidating democratic institutions over the past three decades, challenges such as inequality, unemployment, poverty and corruption continue to test the country’s democratic project.

Diplomacy in an Era of Geopolitical Transformation

The seminar further explored the changing international landscape, characterised by strategic competition, technological disruption, economic uncertainty and renewed debates on global governance reform.

Minister Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to pursuing a foreign policy grounded in peace, development, solidarity, multilateralism and a rules-based international order. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that developing countries are meaningfully represented within global decision-making structures.

The Minister also welcomed the revival of the South African Council on International Relations (SACOIR), noting that broader public participation, particularly from academia, business, civil society and youth, is essential in shaping informed and responsive foreign policy.

Investing in the Next Generation of Diplomats

Discussions on youth participation in governance and peacebuilding referenced the United Nations Youth, Peace and Security agenda, as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Participants acknowledged Africa’s demographic advantage and the need to institutionalise youth involvement in decision-making processes.

Minister Lamola highlighted several initiatives aimed at developing future diplomatic leaders, including DIRCO’s Diplomatic Academy Cadet Programme, regional mediation training undertaken in partnership with Norway, and the South Africa–Finland Youth Peace Mediators’ Mentoring Programme.

Building Democratic Resilience Through Partnerships

The seminar concluded by demonstrating how international partnerships can strengthen democratic resilience, mediation efforts and governance systems. The participation of representatives from Switzerland, Norway and Finland underscored the value of diplomacy as a tool for fostering dialogue, peace and institutional cooperation.

As South Africa commemorates significant milestones in its democratic history, the seminar served as a timely reminder that sustaining democracy requires collective action, meaningful youth participation and a shared commitment to building inclusive and prosperous societies.

Images: DIRCO