DIRCO Annual Report

to the COVID-19 pandemic during the time when the world experienced unprecedented lockdowns and the skies were closed to aviation. To this end, South Africa agreed to the request by the UN and the international community to establish a temporary humanitarian hub in Johannesburg to facilitate transportation (by South African Airways) of personnel (e.g. doctors and humanitarian workers) and cargo (personal protective equipment, medicines and other non-food items) in southern Africa and beyond to assist countries, including South Africa and people in the region, to combat the Coronavirus. United and politically cohesive continent that works towards shared prosperity and sustainable development South Africa’s one-year term at the helm of the AU concluded at the 34th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held virtually on 6 and 7 February 2021. The AU’s theme during the past year was: “Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development ”.

security, stability and sustainable development and the advancement of socio-economic development. South Africa participated in the 40th SADC Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, held on 17 August 2020, which approved the SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RSIDP) 2020 – 2030. During the same summit, South Africa became the Incoming Chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. This presents an opportunity for South Africa to have a better influence and to make a bigger contribution towards regional policies. Programme 3: Proponent of strengthening multilateral institutions through consistently upholding South Africa’s principled positions Multilateralism remains a focal point of South Africa’s foreign policy and engagements are premised on the need to advance the priorities reflected in the NDP and the development priorities of developing countries. Activities were directed mainly into three key focus areas, namely the response to the COVD-19 pandemic, the Chairship of the AU and the completion of South Africa’s third term on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Work also continued in other focus areas, most notably in the field of human rights. South Africa concluded its non-permanent membership of the UNSC in December 2020 after serving for two years, from 2019 to 2020. Its term was defined by the theme “Continuing the Legacy: Working for a Just and Peaceful World,” drawing on the legacy of President Nelson Mandela following the Centenary of his birth, as well as the legacy of South Africa’s two previous terms on the council. South Africa’s priorities were building on the advances made in its previous terms in the council and focussed on the implementation thereof. South Africa’s last year in the council coincided with its Chairship of the AU. This presented South Africa with a unique opportunity to advance the African Agenda in both institutions and harmonise its priorities of promoting UNSC decisions in support of the AU initiative of Silencing the Guns across Africa. As the leading humanitarian actor on the continent and beyond, South Africa joined hands with the UN and the international community and played a key role in responding

During its Chairship of the AU during 2020, South Africa actively sought to promote equal access for all African countries to COVID-19 vaccines. The 34th Ordinary Assembly of the AU appointed President Cyril Ramaphosa as the Champion for the COVID-19 vaccine strategy and acquisition. In his role as the Champion, the President will be expected to advocate for

Annual Report 2020/2021 I Vote No. 6

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