Pretoria, South Africa – May 17, 2024 – South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, has been awarded the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Rio Branco by the Brazilian government. The ceremony, held today, celebrated her contributions to strengthening diplomatic relations between South Africa and Brazil.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Pandor expressed gratitude to Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Chancellor of the Order Minister Vieira, and the people of Brazil for this significant honor, which commemorates the legacy of José Maria da Silva Paranhos Júnior, the Baron of Rio Branco. She acknowledged the previous South African recipients, including former President Nelson Mandela and Minister of Social Development, Ambassador Zulu.
Dr. Pandor highlighted the inscription on the Order, “Ubique Patriae Memor,” which translates to “Anywhere, I will always have the Nation in my memory.” She reflected on how this sentiment resonates with South Africa’s history and its ongoing efforts to build a better nation, continent, and world.
Ambassador Ligia Maria Scherer of Brazil conferred the Order, which Dr. Pandor accepted on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African government, and its people. She emphasized that this award recognizes the dedication of her predecessors and her department in fostering robust bilateral relations with Brazil.
Dr. Pandor recounted the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Brazil in 1948 and the strategic partnership affirmed in 2010 during President Lula’s visit to South Africa. This partnership, grounded in shared democratic values, aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including politics, diplomacy, economics, and culture.
Reflecting on her recent visit to Brazil, Dr. Pandor co-chaired the VII Session of the Joint Commission with Foreign Minister Vieira. This meeting evaluated the progress of ten sectoral working groups and reiterated the shared commitment to global peace, security, and the development agenda of the Global South through platforms such as IBSA, BRICS, G20, and the UN.
Dr. Pandor praised President Lula’s dedication to strengthening Brazil’s ties with Africa, noting that Brazil, with over 100 million Afro-descendants, has the second largest African diaspora population after the United States. She anticipated the upcoming 6th Region Africa diaspora meeting in Brazil, which will lay the groundwork for the 9th Pan African Congress in Lomé.
Highlighting the importance of Brazil’s reengagement with Africa, Dr. Pandor called for collaborative efforts to advance Africa’s development goals, as outlined in Agenda 2063. She also expressed support for Brazil’s G20 presidency theme, “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” aligning with South Africa’s vision for global governance.
With South Africa preparing for its next democratic election in 12 days, Dr. Pandor underscored the nation’s commitment to international solidarity and the fight for freedom and dignity worldwide. She reiterated South Africa’s advocacy for the Palestinian cause and the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
In closing, Dr. Pandor extended her heartfelt thanks to her family and President Ramaphosa for their unwavering support, and expressed deep appreciation to the Brazilian government for this esteemed honor.
“I thank you,” she concluded, marking the end of a speech that celebrated diplomatic achievement and reaffirmed a commitment to global justice and cooperation.
