Esteemed Colleagues, Friends, and Partners…
As I prepare to conclude a chapter of service to the people and Government of the Republic of South Africa, which has taken me, over a 15-year period, to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Federative Republic of Brazil, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, I am left with a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation.
Representing South Africa as a personal emissary of two Presidents has been an honour beyond measure. During this time, I have had the absolute privilege to play a small part in advancing South Africa’s foreign policy, at the core of which is our commitment to Pan-Africanism and progressive internationalism.
Gratitude for a Shared Journey
I owe immense gratitude to the Presidents and Ministers under whose leadership I have served. Their principled positions and progressive views continue to guide South African diplomats in a world fueled with complex geopolitical tensions and contestations, growing inequality and increased disregard for multilateralism and international law.
To my family who bore the sacrifices of my journey, and to the many dedicated colleagues that I have worked with and walked besides, I remain deeply thankful.
It is the most difficult paths that lead to the most beautiful of destinations.
Reflections on the Past
These 15 years has taught me that the past is like a dream; a mosaic of images and feelings, some blurred with time but rich with meaning. These memories and life experiences shape us, molding us into our current selves, but also serving as a light illuminating our path ahead as we navigate the remainder of ourcareers, and indeed our lives.
Africa’s Continental Promise: Silencing the Guns and Building Prosperity
The vision of South Africa’s foreign service, and the mantra which guides all our diplomats, is the of an African Continent which is “prosperous, democratic peaceful, non-racial, non-sexist and united and which contributes to a world that is just and equitable”.
We cannot fulfill this promise unless we urgently address the challenges that hinder our progress, including conflicts, inequality, underdevelopment, corruption and unemployment.
The peace, security and development nexus is well-established, as is their interlinkage with sustainable development.
We must silence the guns on both intra-state and inter-state conflicts across the continent, focusing on conflict zones like the DRC, Sudan, the Sahel and other regions along the envisioned Cape-to-Cairo Highway. This Highway, a symbol of Africa’s integration, cannot succeed without resolving the bottlenecks of instability and infrastructure deficits that hold it back.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a transformative framework that can position Africa as a global economic powerhouse, cannot succeed in conditions of war and human suffering.
Its potential can only be realised through committed and hawkish implementation. South Africa and Egypt, as regional leaders, must take decisive action. By addressing these challenges together, South Africa and Egypt can unlock trade corridors, drive economic integration, and strengthen the foundations of unity and prosperity.
The Triple G’s: Governance, Geopolitics, and Globalisation
As we chart the way forward, Africa’s success hinges on effectively navigating the Triple G’s —Governance, Geopolitics and Globalisation:
Governance: Strengthening democratic institutions and accountability is necessary to advance national, regional and Continental growth and sustainable development. South Africa and Egypt must lead in fostering inclusive. transparent and responsive governance across the continent.
Geopolitics: African countries must assert themselves strategically, forging partnerships that advance Africa’s interests, while preserving their individual and collective sovereignty. South Africa and Egypt, at either end of our vast Continent, are uniquely positioned to mediate, collaborate, and lead these efforts.
Globalisation: Harnessing opportunities in an interconnected world; including through the impacts of artificial intelligence, climate change and conflict; requires resilience and creativity. Africa’s abundant resources, youthful population and talent must be leveraged to build a competitive global presence, positioning the Continent as a global centre of knowledge and innovation.
A Call to Action
Lessons of the past remind us of the immense responsibility we bear in shaping our collective future. The road ahead is never without challenges and obstacles, requiring unlimited amounts of courage to overcome. As Nelson Mandela remarked: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
Let us work together as sons and daughters of this great Continent, having the courage to dream big and the tenacity to succeed.
Through fostering partnerships between nations like South Africa and Egypt, and by committing to our vision of shared prosperity, we can realise the full potential of our beloved Continent.
During a speech delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 21 January 2025, President Ramaphosa said that “Without cooperation and collaboration – between individuals, groups, peoples, nations – humanity cannot progress”.
The escalating war in the DRC is a sad and huge indictment on humanity and an urgent political solution is required. During my five years in Kinshasa, which included regular visits to the conflict zones, I received nothing but the warmth and hospitality of the people of this wonderful country, despite their own suffering. The DRC is a country of huge potential with immense resources and the possibility of becoming a Continental and global powerhouse.
South Africa must take up its regional and continental leadership role once more, as it is doing globally in its capacity as the President of the Group of 20 (G20), and advance a culture of cooperation and collaboration between our brothers and sisters on the African Continent. Our lives, and that of generations of Africans to come, depends on it.
Fifteen years of diplomatic service has changed my life in many ways, leading to experiences and opportunities that I could never dream of 20-years ago. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity, and for the confidence of our leadership.
As I step into a new role, the relationships I have built and the lessons I have learned will remain a guiding force.
Africa’s past is a story resilience, its present is a testament to progress, and its future is one of endless possibility.
With deep gratitude and enduring hope, always.
Ambassador (Colonel Rtd) Ntshikiwane Joseph Mashimbye.