Ronald Lamola and Rwandan Counterpart Chart New Chapter in Relations

Lamola conveyed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s greetings to Rwandan President Paul Kagame and said both leaders share a strong commitment to renewing ties between their countries.

South Africa and Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding and strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries pledging to deepen cooperation and work together on issues affecting the African continent.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola hosted Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, in Pretoria on Wednesday as part of efforts to normalise and revitalise relations between the two nations.

Lamola conveyed President Cyril Ramaphosa's greetings to Rwandan President Paul Kagame and said both leaders share a strong commitment to renewing ties between their countries.

He noted that South Africa and Rwanda are connected by histories marked by hardship and resilience, referring to South Africa's struggle against apartheid and Rwanda's recovery from the genocide against the Tutsi people. He said these experiences create a responsibility for both nations to work together in pursuit of peace, stability and development.

Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation in Focus

The bilateral discussions highlighted several areas where cooperation can be expanded. These include trade and investment, infrastructure development, tourism, education, healthcare, wildlife conservation and cultural exchanges.

Lamola said existing foundations provide opportunities to increase economic collaboration and unlock greater benefits for citizens in both countries.

Rwanda is already home to a number of South African businesses, and the Minister encouraged stronger participation by Rwandan companies in South Africa as part of efforts to create a more balanced economic relationship.

He also praised Rwanda's progress in sectors such as digital technology, agro-processing, tourism, health and education. The country's success in hosting major international conferences and sporting events was cited as an example of its growing influence on the continent.

The visit, he added, offers an opportunity to address outstanding issues through dialogue while building a more stable and mutually beneficial partnership.

Shared Vision for Peace and Africa's Global Voice

Peace and security featured prominently during the discussions, with Lamola calling on South Africa and Rwanda to play a leading role in strengthening the African Union's peace and security architecture.

He said ongoing conflicts in different parts of Africa continue to hinder development and delay the achievement of the African Union's Agenda 2063 goals. Greater stability, he argued, would create stronger conditions for economic growth and prosperity across the continent.

Lamola thanked Rwanda for its cooperation in supporting peace initiatives in South Sudan through the African Union Committee of Five.

The Minister also stressed the need for reforms to global governance institutions, including the United Nations Security Council. He said Africa and the broader Global South deserve stronger representation in international decision-making processes.

Issues such as climate change, development financing, debt restructuring, food security, health and energy require a greater African voice, he said, adding that the continent should play a more influential role in shaping global solutions.

As South Africa prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Lamola said regional integration will remain a key priority. He called for closer collaboration among African regional blocs to strengthen the continent's position in an increasingly competitive global environment.