President Cyril Ramaphosa says it was an honour to receive an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations: South-South Diplomacy in the 21st Century – Malaysia and South Africa from Universiti Malaya.
He noted that while the accolade is an individual achievement, it recognises the wider struggle of the South African people for democracy and freedom.
SOUTH AFRICA AND MALAYSIA’S TIES
Using the occasion to reflect on global issues, Ramaphosa highlighted the deep historical and diplomatic ties between South Africa and Malaysia. He said the honour reaffirms the bonds of friendship between the two countries and their shared values, noting that both nations are committed to “advancing humanity through learning and understanding.”
The president pointed out that the connection between South Africa and the Malay-Indonesian archipelago stretches back several centuries, when exiles, workers and scholars from the region helped lay the foundations of the South African nation. He noted that the Malay language had a formative influence on the development of Afrikaans.
Ramaphosa also acknowledged Malaysia’s support during South Africa’s liberation struggle against apartheid.
“Beyond our shared history, beyond our bilateral economic relationship, Malaysia and South Africa stand shoulder to shoulder on the global stage in our mutual quest for social justice for people everywhere. Our two nations have stood consistently for the reform of global governance institutions so that the needs of the Global South are reflected,” he said.
The president said he accepted the doctorate on behalf of South Africa, “who owe the people of Malaysia and its noble leaders a great debt,” and thanked the country for standing with South Africa in its pursuit of dignity and justice.
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Reflecting on present global realities, Ramaphosa warned that the values both countries seek to promote are threatened by “injustice and inequity, unilateralism, protectionism, disunity, unsustainability, exploitation and environmental degradation.”
“As we enter a new and even greater era of South-South cooperation, we carry with us the spirit of the early Cape Malay community, whose values are the bedrock of the free South Africa we have today,” the president added.
