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Naledi Pandor Photo: (GCIS)
- International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor says the world is becoming increasingly fractured.
- According to Pandor, the global volatilities have caused food inflation and high energy prices, placing more strain on incomes.
- She made the remarks when she delivered her 2023/24 budget vote speech in Parliament on Wednesday.
The world has become increasingly fractured and complex while relations among some countries are strained and worryingly divided.
On top of this, several nations are diverted from the development goals countries all committed to with the Sustainable Development Goals.
This according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor who delivered her 2023/24 budget vote speech in Parliament on Wednesday.
"The most powerful economies are in a fractious trade conflict that threatens all the smaller economies.
"There is armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and there are insufficient voices calling for peace or working to create a stable peaceful environment.
"The poor and marginalised are facing the greatest threat in that their plight is forgotten while the mighty fight.
"The result has been increased economic risks for the most vulnerable, low growth levels in much of the globe, and neglect of those in greatest need," she said.
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According to Pandor, food inflation and high energy prices have strained incomes and resulted in high debt costs and persistent uncertainty.
"This is not the world many hoped for when the Cold War ended. As Dirco [Department of International Relations and Cooperation], we have urged a return to peace, multilateralism, and partnerships for development.
"Our department has maintained its core focus on our goals, we have strengthened partnerships, and promoted peace and security in the region, the continent, and globally," she said.
Pandor reiterated South Africa remained concerned about the war between Russia and Ukraine and encouraged all parties involved to find a route to peace.
We are convinced that negotiations are imperative for ending this terrible strife and continue to urge all parties to pursue diplomacy.
"We will be serving in the AU Peace and Security Council for the next two years, and hope that intensified efforts will be given to finding peace in Sudan, Mali, Libya, Chad, and Burkina Faso."
Regarding peace and security on the African continent, she said South Africa led the efforts to activate and support the mission against terrorism in Mozambique.
Pandor added there were engagements with authorities in Eswatini to encourage efforts to establish national unity in that country.
"President [Cyril] Ramaphosa also concluded the SADC facilitation process in Lesotho and tabled his final report to the SADC Summit last August.
"Lesotho held successful elections last year and is actively implementing the reform agenda adopted by the National Reforms Authority," she said.
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DA MP Emma Louise-Powell added the ANC had justified its failure to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"They have done this under the spurious auspices of so-called non-alignment. Imagine the international community had refused assistance to this nation under the auspices in the apartheid regime?" she said.
IFP MP Mkhuleko Hlengwa added violence must be condemned where it might occur.
"The ongoing global challenges which are prevalent through the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the one-China policy, the conflict in Sudan … the list is endless.
"More than anything, it requires all of us to be a united force in our efforts and our commitment to peace," he said.
English (US)