By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu
The memory of the late Dr Aziz Pahad, liberation struggle veteran and diplomat, lives on. The North-West University’s (NWU) Mahikeng Campus hosted the inaugural Provincial Memorial Lecture in his honour on 25 February 2025.
The theme of the lecture was "The insurgent diplomat: lessons from the life and legacy of Aziz Pahad”, and the event brought together government officials, academics, students and community members to reflect on his contributions to South Africa’s liberation and foreign policy.
Professor Bismark Tyobeka, NWU Vice-Chancellor, described Dr 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.”
Prof Tyobeka quoted from Dr 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.”
Diplomacy is key for peace
He added that Dr 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 Dr 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.”
Premier 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 Dr 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.”
Compassion needed now more than ever
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.”
Quoting from his 2021 honorary doctorate acceptance speech at the University of Pretoria, she emphasised his belief in global solidarity: “Now more than ever, the world needs true leadership to inspire a united and decisive global response to the challenges we face. The human family remains bound together by mutual vulnerabilities and an abiding sense of solidarity, compassion and interdependence.”
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.
Premier Lazarus Mokgosi handing over a portrait of Dr Pahad to Mrs Pahad
Dr Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s Minister of International Relations with students from the Humanities faculty
From Left to right-Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema,Khumalo Molefe,NWU Vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka,NW Premier Mr Lazarus Mokgosi and Executive Director of CRM Mr Clement Manoko
