Deputy director-general for the Africa branch at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo, has been appointed as the vice-chairperson of the South African Council for the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. 

The appointment, made by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, is effective from July 01 until March 31, 2030. 

Tau made the appointment in terms of Section 4(2)(a) of the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act, following Cabinet's appointment of a new 11-member Council last year to oversee the regulation and control of dual-use technologies and weapons proliferation. 

Seokolo’s leadership role was formally considered and noted by Cabinet during its executive meeting held on June 3.  

Tau wished Seokolo well in his new tenure, expressing “utmost confidence” that his extensive diplomatic expertise will provide valuable contributions to the Council’s mandate. 

In his formal acceptance of the strategic role, Seokolo emphasised his commitment to the strict security protocols governing the entity.  

He declared a full understanding that all information disclosed to him as the Vice-Chairperson of the Council is strictly restricted from public consumption and will be handled “in rigorous accordance with its institutional confidentiality classification”.