By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The North West Provincial Government hosted Dr Aziz Pahad Memorial Lecture at the Mahikeng Campus of the North West University as part of the pre-SOPA activities.
The Memorial Lecture was expected to be delivered by former President Thabo Mbeki under the theme: “The insurgent diplomat: Lessons from the life and legacy of Aziz Pahad”.
Among the other notable attendees were the Speaker of the North West Legislature, Dr Desbo Mohono, Members of the Executive Committee in the North West Provincial Government, and NWU executive management.
Professor Bismark Tyobeka, NWU Vice-Chancellor, described Pahad’s journey from Schweizer-Reneke in the North West Province to the global stage. “His commitment to the struggle against apartheid, his ability to mobilise international support, and his role in shaping South Africa’s foreign policy, demonstrate the power of strategic engagement and unwavering conviction.”
Tyobeka quoted from Pahad’s 2007 address at the South African Institute of International Affairs: “Some characteristics of the international environment today are the weakening of multilateralism, no common vision of global security, disregard of the UN Charter and international law, unilateral rejection of international protocols, unparalleled anti-Americanism and the consequent rise of terrorism, and a militaristic approach to fighting terrorism.”
He added that Pahad believed diplomacy was key to peace and international cooperation. “Dr Aziz Pahad knew that diplomacy is essential for maintaining peaceful relationships while promoting political, economic, cultural and scientific cooperation to prevent conflict and war.”
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi reflected on Pahad’s role in peace negotiations, including the 2002 Sun City Agreement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). “It was through the efforts of former State President Mbeki that, under the African Union, our country became instrumental in peacekeeping initiatives in many parts of the continent. This included the DRC, where we brought various parties together to agree to the 2002 Sun City Peace Agreement, with Dr Aziz Pahad playing a key role as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
Mokgosi announced that the Provincial Government, in collaboration with the NWU, would institutionalise this memorial lecture as an annual event. “Starting this year, we will build up towards the State of the Province Address with activities such as memorial lectures, community projects and engagements with various sectors of society. This forms part of our memorandum of understanding with the NWU to ensure continuous interaction with our people.”
Dr Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, reflected on Pahad’s impact on African diplomacy. “Dr Pahad understood that for South Africa to thrive, Africa must thrive. His diplomatic acumen and strategic engagement in institutions such as the African Union and the Southern African Development.
Community served as a guiding light. He taught us that dialogue – not the barrel of a gun – is the surest way to resolve conflict.”
Prof Angina Pahad, wife of the late Dr Pahad, shared reflections on his character and dedication to the collective struggle. “Aziz never sought the limelight, but when it shone on him, he blushed with adolescent delight. He would be deeply humbled by the recognition, but he always prioritised the movement above personal accolades.”
She recalled his deep understanding of international affairs and his warnings about global instability. “Aziz warned us about growing threats to peace and security, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the rise of populist nationalism, and the weakening of multilateral institutions.”
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Video Courtesy of NWPG.