Ramaphosa Leads South African Delegation At UN, Set To Address General Assembly

Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected in the May 29 general election — AFP

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who arrived in New York on Saturday, will be addressing the United Nations' General Assembly on Tuesday.

The president was leading South Africa's delegation for the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and high-level week. He was welcomed by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, South Africa's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Mathu Nompozolo and Defence Attachè Brigadier General Richard Maponyane, SA News reported.

During his time in New York, the president will focus on the importance of maintaining international peace and security. He will also discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda, climate change and the upcoming COP29 in Baku, financing for development, and health preparedness for pandemics.

On Monday, Ramaphosa will participate in the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Summit of the Future, which is expected to end with the adoption of a Pact for the Future. While in New York, the president will also meet with business leaders to encourage foreign investment in South Africa.

Tuesday, which is the opening day of the General Assembly, will see the heads of State and Government gather at the UN Headquarters to discuss important issues and gaps in global governance highlighted by recent global events.

The summit, themed under "Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere," was aimed at reinforcing commitments to the SDGs and the UN Charter, while promoting cooperation and building a stronger multilateral system.

This year, the African group is leading the General Assembly, with former Cameroonian Prime Minister Philemon Yang elected as the president of the 79th Session.

Last week, Ramaphosa signed proclamations 181, 182, 183, and 184 of 2024, which allow the SIU to investigate claims of serious mismanagement at Transnet, the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlement, the Umzumbe Local Municipality and the Masilonyana Local Municipality.

Aside from this, South African Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa and German Federal Minister of Building Klara Geywitz signed the reviewed Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.