South Africa was elected as a member of the AU Peace and Security Council during the AU Summit held in Addis Ababa in January 2015. South Africa’s Ambassador to the African Union, Ambassador Ndumiso Ntshinga, who also serves as South Africa’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, will brief the media on South Africa’s role within the AUPSC and other matters in the continental organisation relating to South Africa’s Foreign Policy.

Within the region, South Africa has been elected as the incoming chair of SADC for the year August 2017- August 2018.  The election took place in the last SADC Summit held in Swaziland in August 2016. Ambassador Mdu Lembede, South Africa’s Ambassador to Botswana who also accredited to the SADC, will brief the media on the current developments within the region.

Media are invited as follows:

Venue: Media Centre, OR Tambo Building, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale,

Date: Thursday, 20 October 2016

Time: 11h00

NB: Due to security measures at DIRCO, members of the media are advised to RSVP to MtshaliP@dirco.gov.za, and provide the following information: full names, media house, and designation and ID/passport number.