Description

Join the Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) for an exclusive premium member event with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. Minister Lamola will share insights on South Africa’s historically evolving relationship with the U.S., as well as its stance on global conflicts, U.S.–South Africa trade relations, BRICS membership, China’s role in its economy, the energy transition, and South Africa’s leadership in Africa. This special program offers a rare opportunity to engage in thoughtful dialogue on U.S.–South Africa relations and ask your questions face-to-face with one of the nation’s foremost diplomats.

This event is exclusively for Los Angeles World Affairs Council premium members. Premium members are those that hold the following memberships: Diplomat, Envoy, Ambassador, International Circle, Board, and Consular Corps.

 If you would like to upgrade your membership to a premium membership, please contact Director of Membership & Advancement Victoire Auguste-Dormeuil (vdormeuil@lawac.org or 213-328-3181)

Registration for this event will close on Sunday, September 14, at 11:59 pm. We are required to provide the host with a list of all registered attendees and their contact information in advance for security purposes.

Event Recap: 

Thank you for attending our September 17th conversation with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola.  Special thank you to Mr. Bob Abernethy for so graciously hosting and opening the discussion, to Dean Pete Peterson for seamlessly guiding the conversation, and to the Department of International Relations & Cooperation delegation, Consul-in-Charge Venita Smit, and Consul General Thandile Sunduza (now stationed in Toronto) for their excellent coordination in bringing the Minister to LAWAC.

The discussion offered deep insights into South Africa’s economic outlook, foreign policy priorities, and role in global governance. Minister Lamola addressed the impact of U.S. tariffs, South Africa’s non-alignment stance, its role in conflict resolution across Africa, and the importance of partnerships through BRICS, the G20, and beyond. He also emphasized the country’s commitment to climate financing, industrialization, digital sovereignty, and tackling youth employment challenges.