ACCORD, Pretoria's mediator of choice

Zane Dangor makes his influence felt at foreign ministry 

The director-general of South Africa's foreign ministry is pleading for Pretoria to distance itself from Moscow. His influence is an irritation for some in the ruling ANC, which is keen to maintain good relations with Russia.

• GUINEA - Louis Camara, a miner taking on the oil sector

• ETHIOPIA - Brook Taye, Addis's economic eminence grise

• TOGO - Karl Lawson, cyber events guru

• SOUTH AFRICA - Philani Mthembu, batting for BRICS

Pretoria's international cooperation fund struggles to make its mark 

The government's African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund was intended as an instrument of soft power across the continent, but its track record is rather underwhelming.

Ramaphosa's international relations expert, Ramokgopa, sees her star continue to rise 

The president's international relations adviser Maropene Ramokgopa is preparing for the diplomatic marathon that will take Cyril Ramaphosa to Nairobi and London. She is also playing a key role in the run-up to the ANC congress in December.

Pretoria's vested interest in keeping Russia close 

Pro-Moscow ministers are stepping up efforts to boost relations between both countries. They are succeeding in shifting the neutral stance advocated by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Pretoria quietly drops threats to withdraw from International Criminal Court 

In July, the ANC is intending to formally confirm its change of stance towards the court based in The Hague. However, it is still not moving against suspected perpetrators of human rights abuses who are present on South African soil.

Ramaphosa appoints senior diplomat to fill year-long embassy vacancy in Rabat 

Disputed Western Sahara's status remains an obstacle to normalisation between South Africa and Morocco.