Naledi Pandor and the affirmation of South African anti-colonial foreign policy

A country’s foreign policy reflects its political orientation, with an assertive foreign policy demonstrating a country’s degree of sovereignty on matters of global reach. In post-colonial Africa, an assertive foreign policy informs on the extent to which it is moving away from the influence of its former colonial master and its level of development. The primary driver of foreign policy, guided by the head of state or government, is the Foreign Affairs Minister. A charismatic foreign affairs minister plays a key role in advancing a country’s interests. This was evident with Naledi Pandor of South Africa. This paper attempts to discuss the role played by Naledi Pandor as the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation between May 2019 and June 2024. The paper synthesizes N. Pandor’s tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, dividing it into three categories, namely sovereign assertion, ethical international relations, and regional pragmatism. The paper is based on qualitative analysis of relevant material, as well as observation of events and issues as they unfolded on both global news channels and credible social media platforms and accounts. The paper concluded that N. Pandor led the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in establishing an assertive foreign policy that was based in South Africa’s liberation struggle, ethos of human rights, and equality.