The continent's resources must benefit its people, South Africa's international relations minister has said

Pretoria's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has called for a fairer, more equitable global order and an end to exploitative resource extraction practices that harm Africa, stating that the G20 must drive transformational diplomacy, global peace, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the G20 Sherpa Meeting hosted in Sun City, North West Province, Lamola warned that the global economy is under increasing strain from geopolitical tensions, economic nationalism, and climate-induced disasters.

He urged the G20 to be bold in reforming multilateral institutions and ensuring equitable participation for developing nations.

"This is not just economics; it is Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability - the theme of our Presidency," said Lamola.

"The G20 is a platform that can ensure: the era of extraction without equity ends, and we begin an era of true partnership and collaboration for the good of sustainable development across countries."

Lamola reminded delegates that South Africa's international outlook is rooted in its liberation struggle, referencing the 1955 Freedom Charter, which declared: "There shall be peace and friendship!"

"The Freedom Charter became the foundational document of our Constitution. It informs our constitutional and international outlook, it has a 70-year-old foundation; it will never change," he said.

Lamola highlighted the paradox of Africa's mineral wealth fueling the global energy transition, while little value is retained locally. Citing critical minerals such as platinum, vanadium, and fluorspar found in the North West Province, he explained that these are exported in raw form, while value-added goods are imported back at high cost.

"We export wealth but import back its transformed value," Lamola said. 

''These are not just rocks, they are the DNA of electric vehicles, renewable grids, and life-saving isotopes."

He added: "Our mission is clear: we must turn these buried treasures into local jobs, factories, and sovereignty."

Moreover, he announced that under its G20 Presidency, South Africa is advancing a Critical Minerals Framework aimed at industrialisation, local beneficiation, and inclusive economic growth. 

Turning to global peace and security, Lamola condemned escalating conflict and humanitarian crises, especially in Africa, citing Sudan's displacement emergency as "a moral emergency" affecting over 30 million people.

He expressed deep concern over the erosion of international law and the paralysis of the UN Security Council.

"We have adopted an anti-war stance. This is because we know too well that war offers no victors, only victims," he said.

Lamola warned that disorganized peace risks undermining global progress. 

"It is more difficult to organize a peace than to win a war; but the fruits of victory will be lost if the peace is not organized."

He also called for urgent reforms to global governance and greater international cooperation in the face of fragile states, climate shocks, digital divides, and geopolitical fragmentation.

He pointed to the sobering statistic that only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals are currently on track, just five years from the 2030 deadline.

"Diplomacy's role in peace, security, and human rights must be underscored by fundamental international norms, values and principles that underpin humanity," Lamola said.

First published by IOL