Yokohama City University annually hosts lectures by professionals who play important roles internationally. The lectures are conducted in English and focus on the global trend and position of Japan in the global society.

This year, H.E. Mr. Lulama Smuts Ngonyama, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa, delivered a lecture titled “South Africa before 1994, after 1994 and Collaboration with Japan” on 11 July 2019. Professor Eiichi Yoshida, who is an expert in African Studies, served as a moderator.

Having held important senior roles in the Mandela administration as a politician, H.E. Mr. Ngonyama shared his empirical knowledge through his lecture of the history of South Africa, specifically focusing on the facts of “Apartheid” and its relationship with the Japanese community. He also explained how the democratization policies were promoted by President Mandela after 1994, while referring to the political system, establishment of a new constitution, and foreign policy in South Africa and their relationship with Japan.

He sent a strong message to the students, emphasizing his expectation for the younger generation as well as the importance of the investment from Japan for the future development of South Africa. About 80 students participated in the lecture, and they enjoyed active interaction with H.E. Mr. Ngonyama during the FAQ session.