Ready, Willing, Able and Capable

‍At Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane, Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed newly appointed Heads of Mission who officially presented their Letters of Credence, marking the start of their diplomatic tenure in South Africa.

The ceremony took place at a significant moment for the country. South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of its democratic Constitution, a milestone that continues to shape both its domestic trajectory and its global engagement. Emerging from the dark and brutal system of apartheid, widely recognised as a crime against humanity, the country’s constitutional order is rooted in human dignity, equality and freedom. These principles remain central to how South Africa conducts its international relations and economic diplomacy.

In his remarks, President Ramaphosa positioned South Africa as a committed partner in advancing a more equitable global order, while emphasising the country’s readiness to deepen trade, investment and development cooperation. “In South Africa you will find a ready, willing, able and capable partner for trade, development, progress and peace,” he said. For Heads of Mission arriving in Pretoria, the message was clear: diplomacy must translate into tangible economic outcomes.

South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul (photo: GCIS)

South Africa and Germany have agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking a major outcome of the 12th German-South African Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting held in Berlin, Germany. 

In a joint press statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the two countries said the move will intensify high-level dialogue on strategic issues, including peace and security, multilateral cooperation and democratic resilience. 

“Germany and South Africa will upgrade their relations to a Strategic Partnership to intensify their dialogue on strategic issues at the senior official level, including through consultation formats covering multilateral issues, conflict mediation, peace and security in Europe and Africa, regional cooperation, democratic resilience, cyber foreign policy and navy staff talks,” the statement read. 

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‍Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with a delegation of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2026. /Xinhua

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Friday morning met with Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, in Beijing.

Invited by the CPC Central Committee and Xi, Cheng is the first KMT chairperson to have led a delegation to the Chinese mainland in the past decade. The delegation visited Jiangsu Province and Shanghai before coming to Beijing.

Xi said this meeting between the CPC and KMT leaders after 10 years is of great significance for developing relations between the two parties and across the Taiwan Strait.

Xi stressed that no matter how the international landscape and the situation across the Taiwan Strait may evolve, the overarching trend toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will not change, and the prevailing momentum for the Chinese on both sides of the strait to come together will not change.

He added that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait hope for peace and tranquility, improved cross-Strait relations, and better lives. "This is a responsibility that the CPC and the KMT cannot shirk, and also a driving force for the two parties to work together," Xi said.

The global architecture of influence, leadership and strategic alignment took centre stage at the Burj Global Power 100, convened from 25–28 March 2026 in Washington, D.C.. The gathering of elite voices, the event reflected a shifting global order where diplomacy, business and political systems increasingly intersect to shape the future.

Under the theme “Powering Progress: Influence, Impact & Global Leadership,” the summit brought together over 300 leading policymakers, investors and executives from across continents. Among those honoured was Aaron T. Maniago, Managing Partner of Global Political Solutions LLC, whose recognition as a Burj Global Power 100 Award recipient highlights a career defined by influence at the intersection of global politics and commerce.

With more than 30 years of experience advising sovereign governments, engaging with international capital and navigating U.S. political systems, Maniago represents a rare breed of global political strategists.

As the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda - Kwibuka32 is observed, the African Union (AU), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Ethiopia, solemnly commemorates the occasion at the AU Headquarters, under the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew”.

Each year, this commemoration reminds African peoples and the international community of the sanctity of life and the value of humanity, while reinforcing our collective resolve to prevent genocide, uphold human rights, and safeguard future generations. It also provides a solemn moment to remember the more than one million lives that were lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on the magnitude of human suffering, honour the memory of all those lost, and reaffirm the shared responsibility of African peoples and the international community to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.

The event commenced with “The Walk to Remember" and the laying of wreaths in honour of the victims of the genocide at the AU Human Rights Memorial.

‍Acting Principal of the National School of Government Phindile Mkwanazi and Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Chiripo Ndau sign MOU 

‍The National School of Government in South Africa and the Malawi School of Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in public sector training and capacity building.

The agreement was led by Acting Principal Phindile Mkwanazi and Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Chiripo Ndau.

According to the institutions, the MOU marks the culmination of several years of engagement and a shared commitment to enhancing governance and administrative capacity. Both parties indicated that the partnership will create opportunities for mutual learning and institutional strengthening. 

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