The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), in collaboration with the North-West University (NWU), celebrated the 29th IORA Day anniversary under the theme “Strengthening Connections Amongst the People of IORA” in hybrid format on 27 March 2026.

The proceedings at the North-West University Mahikeng campus commenced with the IORA Day message from the IORA Secretary-General, H.E. Sanjiv Ranjan, who thanked South Africa for its contributions towards the advancement of the IORA agenda. The Secretary-General continued to highlight IORA’s achievements and emphasised the value of prioritising women and youth for inclusive and sustained regional development. The message was followed by the keynote address by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Joe Molete, and remarks by the IORA Alternate Senior Official and Acting Chief Director (DIRCO), Mr B Joubert. 

The event included addresses by the Executive Mayor of Mahikeng Cllr. Tshepiso Mphetho, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Mr Zainal Arif Mantaha and Russian Federation Embassy Representative, Mr Vladini Poluektov. The NWU youth was represented by SRC President, Mr R Seobela, with the event entertained by NWU cultural performance group and concluding with a lunch in honour of the present diplomatic corps.