DIRCO

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News

Presidency rejects WHO claims of xenophobia in South Africa

The Presidency has moved to counter growing international criticism over  South Africa's migration-related tensions, as hundreds of foreign nationals continue leaving the country amid fears of attacks. This follows comments by World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Gebreyesus, who condemned what he described as a surge in xenophobic attacks in South Africa, claiming that Ethiopians and Mozambican nationals have been killed and that thousands of people were fleeing for their […]

todayJune 15, 2026 91

News

SA Human Rights Commission under fire as immigration debate intensifies

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) came under intense criticism during a tense virtual imbizo on anti-illegal immigration protests in KwaZulu-Natal, as frustrated South Africans accused the commission of failing to prioritise citizens amid growing pressure over migration, crime and unemployment. Some participants argued that South Africans are increasingly being sidelined in employment opportunities, informal trading and access to public services, while alleging that undocumented foreign nationals are linked […]

todayMay 25, 2026 108

News

SA begins process to bring 116 stranded citizens back from the Middle East

At least 116 South Africans stranded in the Middle East are expected to be reunited with their families by the end of this week. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says the first group of 30 citizens will fly home from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today. Thousands of flights were disrupted after escalating strikes between the United States, Israel, and Iran led to airspace closures across parts of the region. The department […]

todayMarch 9, 2026 65

News

Ramaphosa urges ceasefire as Middle East conflict escalates

Image credit: AFPPresident Cyril Ramaphosa has described the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as "calamitous and very concerning" calling for what he termed the "madness" to come to an end. His remarks come after a series of attacks between the United States, Israel, and Iran since Saturday, 28 February, which have left six US service members dead and  resulted in more than 1,000 reported casualties in Iran. Speaking on […]

todayMarch 4, 2026 43

News

Nathi Mthethwa’s remains return home, nation honours fallen ambassador

The mortal remains of former South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, arrived in South Africa today. The 58-year-old died in September after reportedly falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, a day after being reported missing. A memorial service was held on Friday at the DIRCO conference centre in Pretoria to honour the late minister. He will be laid to rest on Sunday in […]

todayOctober 10, 2025 100

News

Ceasefire a step forward, not the end of war: Expert

  International relations expert, Professor Brooks Spector, says that while the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas marks a significant step, it should be viewed as the beginning of a process rather than the end of the war. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire aimed at ending the more than two-year-long deadly conflict. More than 67,000 people have been killed since the start […]

todayOctober 9, 2025 40

News

Global Sumud Flotilla vows to defy Israeli ‘siege’

As the world closely watches the Global Sumud Flotilla, participants have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to breaking what they describe as Israel’s siege and ongoing assault on Palestinians. More than 400 volunteers, including activists Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela and Zukiswa Wanner, were forcibly removed from their boats after the humanitarian convoy was intercepted yesterday. The flotilla — carrying food, baby formula, medicine, and volunteers from 47 countries — had departed […]

todayOctober 3, 2025 47

News

French probe into Mthethwa’s death nearing completion

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says French authorities are finalising their investigation into the death of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, with preliminary results expected to be released on Sunday. DIRCO Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes, confirmed that once the investigation is complete, efforts to repatriate Mthethwa’s body will be expedited. According to reports, the former cabinet minister fell from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt […]

todayOctober 2, 2025 48

News

Speculation mounts over Former Minister Mthethwa’s death

Political commentator, Goodenough Mashego, says the circumstances around South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa’s death are suspicious and "full of loopholes." The sudden and tragic death of the former minister, has raised significant concerns and speculation, with some analysts calling for a deeper investigation. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), on Tuesday, confirmed Mthethwa’s passing, a day after he was reported missing. He was 58. According to […]

todaySeptember 30, 2025 215 1