Rustenburg: International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has once again condemned the unilateral military strikes carried out by the United States against Venezuela, reaffirming South Africa's commitment to multilateralism. He also denounced the abduction of President Nicol¡s Maduro and his spouse, who are facing trial in the United States.

According to South African Government News Agency, the incident involved United States special forces taking Maduro and his wife to the United States early on Saturday morning. In his first court appearance in New York on Monday, Maduro pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges.

Lamola believes that the recent actions by the United States reflect the warnings made by former President Nelson Mandela regarding the dangerous times affecting the world. Writing as a President in waiting about South Africa's future foreign policy, former Statesman Mandela argued: 'Because the world is a more dangerous place, the international community dare not relinquish its commitment to human rights.'

Lamola emphasised that South Africa's foreign policy should prioritise justice and international law, as President Mandela highlighted, cautioning that current challenges could undermine the UN Charter and multilateralism. 'As the machinations of powerful States threaten to return us to an era when international relations were defined by trusteeship, mandates and spheres of influence, the need to stay true to our values and principles couldn't be more pressing.'

The Minister was speaking in the North West, where the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, in collaboration with the Rustenburg Local Municipality, hosted a public participation event at the Civic Centre in Rustenburg. 'In this challenging environment, South Africa must continue to advocate for a rules-based international order grounded in international law. The rule of law remains fundamental to global stability, legitimacy and governance.'

Lamola believes that this period of significant geopolitical tension will determine whether the UN fulfills its commitments or if the world reverts to the era of the League of Nations. 'An age of wars, fragmentation and racial hierarchy. We hope that stability and peace prevail. If multilateralism is to survive the current geopolitical headwinds, reform is no longer an option.'

He once looked to Madiba's words, who said: 'The United Nations (UN) should not be dominated by a single power or a group of powers, or else its legitimacy will continuously be called into question.' Lamola described the foreign policy as one of the tools used to create the conditions for inclusive growth, decent work, and a dignified life.

'Far too often, our critics argue that South Africa is too concerned with the rest of the world while our country faces pressing challenges of its own. They argue that all politics is domestic and foreign policy is a distraction from bread-and-butter issues at home. This is a false choice.'

In the face of the raw exercise of power, Lamola said President Mandela's teachings remain incisive. 'Principle is not a costume you wear when convenient and tear apart when it feels too heavy.'

'South Africa is the 20th century's biggest beneficiary of international solidarity. What explanation will we offer to posterity if we discard our values and identity at the altar of expedience?'