Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe has urged the government to mend its strained relationship with the United States and strengthen longstanding ties with the European Union.
Motlanthe’s remarks come in the wake of heightened tensions between South Africa and the US following the expulsion of US ambassador Ebrahim Rasool.
He made these comments during a graduation ceremony at the University of Johannesburg, on Tuesday, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate.
A rainbow national of students were conferred with their various degrees at the University of Johannesburg.
🚨News Alert!🚨Former President Kgalema Motlanthe has been honoured with an honorary doctorate in Politics and International Relations from the University of Johannesburg.
His lifelong commitment to democracy, governance, and socio-economic development continues to inspire… pic.twitter.com/lhs1HYuo8W
— University of Johannesburg (@go2uj) March 18, 2025
As the institution celebrates 20 years since its formation, it conferred former President Motlante with an Honorary Doctorate.
The former President first served as the Deputy President before his assent to South Africa’s Presidency in September 2008 until May 2009.
UJ bestowed Motlante with the highest honour for his tenure in which he was tasked with stabilising government between two ANC Presidencies.
UJ Vice Chancellor Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi says, “Former President has done a lot, you know. Firstly in government when he was actively in government to working hard towards building an inclusive society. He continues to do amazing work, trying to bring all of us together and take this country forward through his Foundation and many other efforts. So, really he’s a wealthy candidate and work gratefully accepted this honor from the University of Johannesburg.”
Dr Motlante has taken the time to weigh in on the looming diplomatic fallout between South Africa and the United States. He stresses that diplomatic relations between countries must be underpinned by respect.
“Well, South Africa should always respect and nurture and strengthen relations with other nations. the most important of those are the ones who are trading with South Africa. The European Union is the South Africa’s number one trading partner, and South Africa should really cement and strengthen the relations with the European Union. And of course, they mend the relations with the United States of America. In the past, the way it was done was that you need a consummate diplomat to look after the relations at State to State relations. But you also need one who is adept at building relations, people to people relations, because that’s what underpins good diplomatic relations here.”
He also warns against mistaking informal trade, such as spaza shops, for entrepreneurship, explaining that the township economy or informal sector is survivalist in nature and does not provide sustainable employment opportunities.
“Research and lived experience reveal that what is often called entrepreneurship in the form of spaza shops in Aouth Africa is in reality, informal, insecure labour, a survival mechanism rather than a driver of sustainable growth. Similar economic policies promoting self employment also failed to acknowledge the necessity of industrialisation, infrastructure, and stable employment structures,” Dr Motlanthe argues, adding that he is pleased to have received the Honorary Doctorate.
