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Pretoria - International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has called on African countries to amplify their foreign policies, in order to be active global players.
Speaking in Nairobi, Nkoana-Mashabane said the continent would have to roll up its sleeve and prepare to seriously address their challenges, especially with South Africa's election to the UN Security Council.
"We are all aware that the agenda of the UNSC will be mostly consumed by issues emanating from our continent and your areas of responsibility.
"Therefore, this necessitates that all of us redouble our efforts in keeping a close eye on the developments on our continent and contribute towards our policy tract on the pertinent issues that we will have the responsibility of tabling and addressing at the UNSC," Nkoana-Mashabane said.
Nkoana-Mashabane is in Kenya for the Africa Regional Heads of Mission conference, which is discussing foreign policy and consolidating the African agenda.
In her address to the heads of mission in attendance, the minister spoke about peace and security on the continent.
She spoke of the pressing challenges of Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and the DRC; the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan and South Africa's role as chair of the AU's Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development.
She also touched on the ongoing clashes in Somalia and their impact on the Transitional Federal Government, including the need to support efforts by the AU Mission for Somalia to establish security and stability in that country.
Nkoana-Mashabane emphasised the importance of responding in a coordinated manner, especially in order to respond to potential conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government.
With regards to regional integration, the minister pointed out the challenges of a divided SADC in as far as the Economic Partnership Agreements negotiations are concerned.
She called for the urgent acceleration of the pace of SADC's integration process.
"We should find ways of addressing the challenges that are hampering the implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area, as it is the engine by which the region's socio-economic objectives will be fulfilled."
Nkoana-Mashabane committed that South Africa will continue to work hand in hand in with the continent in overcoming these challenges and in building of a better Africa.
The conference ends Saturday.
