South Africa Hosts Capacity Building Programme for Botswana, Lesotho, and Namibia
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of the Republic of South Africa has launched a two-week capacity-building programme on Governance, Diplomacy, and International Relations. The programme, which includes senior officials from Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa, was officially opened on Monday, 3 February 2025, by Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, at DIRCO headquarters in Pretoria.
This initiative aims to enhance the diplomatic and governance capabilities of participating nations, fostering stronger international cooperation and regional integration. The programme will cover key areas such as international negotiations, diplomatic protocol, governance best practices, and multilateral engagement.
Minister Lamola emphasized the importance of such training in strengthening ties between neighboring countries and ensuring effective representation on the global stage. He further highlighted South Africa’s commitment to fostering strong diplomatic relations within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The capacity-building programme aligns with South Africa’s broader foreign policy objectives, aiming to develop a network of well-equipped diplomats and government officials who can navigate complex international landscapes. It also presents an opportunity for shared learning and collaboration among the participating nations.
This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the professional growth of the attending officials and reinforce diplomatic ties within the region.
