Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he will be leading the South African delegation to the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) on 12 and 13 February 2025.The Council will convene under the agreed AU theme for 2025, ‘‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” which will be officially launched by the Assembly.
Throughout the year 2025, all AU member states will evaluate the continent’s progress in addressing the long-overdue justice and reparations for the effects of colonialism, apartheid, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade.
One of the most significant tasks and highlights of the Executive Council meeting is the election of six new commissioners for the AU Commission.
These commissioners will be responsible for various portfolios: Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE); Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM); Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI); Infrastructure and Energy (I&E); Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development (HHS); and Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS).
South Africa has put forward two nominees, Dr. Molapo Qhobela for Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI) and Lerato Mataboge for Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy. Both candidates have advanced to the next stage of the election process after a comprehensive interview.
The Council will certainly consider how South Africa’s G20 presidency offers a chance to prioritize the interests of the continent within the G20 agenda. Minister Lamola will update the Council on the main priorities of South Africa’s G20 presidency, which align with Agenda 2063. As stated by the African Union, Agenda 2063 serves as Africa’s development framework aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth over the next 50 years.
South Africa’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nonceba Losi, recently gave an interview to Ubuntu Radio prior to the AU summit in Ethiopia. She outlined the main topics that will be addressed in the Executive council meeting, which include the alignment of South Africa’s G20 presidency priorities with Agenda 2063.
Ambassador Losi also spoke about upcoming summits in South Sudan that will be led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. These summits aim to enhance bilateral relations, boost economic collaboration, and tackle issues of regional security and stability.
Discussions will center on strategic investments, partnership, and the implementation of the renewed agreement aimed at resolving conflict in South Sudan. Losi emphasised the significance of these summits in promoting the unity and development across the continent.
