By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, was among the delegates in attendance at the 3rd Annual Sherpa Meeting held at the Sun City Resort in the North West Province.

One of the key highlights from the speech delivered by Mr Lamola was an effort to commemorate the 70 years of South Africa’s growth when Apartheid was implemented. “On this day, 70 years ago, 26 June 1955, the people of South Africa from all walks of life congregated under the hawkish eyes of the apartheid government and declared the following: We, the people of South Africa, declare for all our country and the world to know that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, the black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people.” said Minister Lamola in his opening remarks at the Sherpa meeting.

This reflects the resilience of the South African people and how pertinent the need for true equality is for the nation of South Africa. In spite of many efforts by numerous brave leaders who contributed to the independence of the South African state 30 years ago, there is still a void of marginalization which many inhabitants of this country currently face in our society most specifically with people of colour in South Africa.

 Although every citizen in South Africa has a voice democratically, however economically and in many ways socially there is still a significant gap in this regard between the people of colour and privileged people who currently benefit from the remnants of Apartheid today. The Minister made mention on the implementation of the Freedom Charter and the significant weight it holds in South Africa’s equality.

“Only a democratic state, based on the will of all the people, can secure to all their birthright without distinction of colour, race, sex or belief; and therefore, we, the people of South Africa, black and white together equals, country men and brothers adopt this Freedom Charter; and we pledge ourselves to strive together sparing neither strength nor courage, until the democratic changes here set have been won.” Minister Lamola added in speech.

Minister Lamola highlighted that the G20 presidency will put forward a Critical Minerals Framework, which will aim to revitalize the industrial strategies and manufacturing capabilities. This was a point made about the current system put in place being unsustainable. “As mineral-rich nations our path of development must be on equitable terms, and importantly empower the citizens of our countries through job opportunities, and economical development.” said Minister Lamola.

It is clear that the mandate of this meeting as mentioned by Minister Lamola is to structure the country’s prerogative towards building an equal state where citizens of South Africa can have an equal opportunity to contribute to the development of South Africa’s economy which will give a voice to the citizens and sustain our place in global development. This will ensure that the struggle for liberation was not completely in vain and will aim to give South Africa the true freedom it deserves.