President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Public Engagements: Promoting South-South Cooperation and Addressing Global Challenges

In September 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in a series of public engagements that showcased his commitment to strengthening ties among developing countries and addressing global challenges. This article explores the president’s participation in three key events: the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China, the funeral of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78).

Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China

The Group of 77+China is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the United Nations. The Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China, held in Havana, Cuba from September 15-16, 2023, aimed to address current development challenges, with a focus on the role of science, technology, and innovation. Although President Ramaphosa could not attend the event due to Prince Buthelezi’s funeral, he delegated Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr. Naledi Pandor to lead the South African delegation. The president expressed his eagerness for South Africa to contribute to the Group’s debates and consensus on the primary challenges facing the Global South.

Funeral of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi

President Ramaphosa delivered a eulogy at the Special Official Funeral of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, held in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal on September 16. Prince Buthelezi, who passed away at the age of 95 on September 9, was honored with a Special Official Funeral-Category 1, reserved for individuals of extraordinary distinction. The president directed flags to be flown half-mast across the country until the evening of the funeral.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78)

President Ramaphosa led South Africa’s delegation to the General Debate of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York City from September 18-26, 2023. The General Assembly’s theme, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all,” emphasized the importance of global cooperation in achieving lasting solutions. President Ramaphosa participated in several high-level engagements, including summits on Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Sustainable Development Goals, a High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, a Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, and the Climate Ambition Summit.

During UNGA78, the President also took part in discussions at the Presidential Roundtable hosted by the United States Chamber of Commerce and the US-Africa Business Center. His program included numerous bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event. South Africa’s participation at the United Nations focused on supporting domestic objectives, promoting the African Agenda, influencing the reform of the global multilateral architecture, and advancing the interests of the Global South.

Through his participation in these events, President Ramaphosa demonstrated his commitment to fostering international cooperation, promoting South-South ties, and addressing pressing global challenges. As South Africa continues to play an active role in global affairs, the country is well-positioned to contribute to lasting solutions and meaningful partnerships with fellow nations.