Will SA receive reparations from UK and Netherlands for colonialism? – Lamola clarifies

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola. Picture: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu South Africa has not entered into any discussions with the United Kingdom (UK) or the Netherlands on reparations for their role during colonialism. This was confirmed by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in response to a parliamentary question.

uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party MP Zwelakhe Mthethwa, who asked when the two European nations would compensate South Africa for the damage caused during colonial rule, including the “killing of indigenous leaders, destruction of heritage and the plundering of mineral resources”. The question comes as momentum builds across the continent after the African Union’s (AU) declaration of a “decade for reparations”. At an AU assembly session in Ethiopia in February 2026, African leaders adopted a landmark resolution recognising slavery and colonialism as “crimes against humanity”, strengthening calls for historical justice and reparations.

The resolution on the transatlantic slave trade was later presented to the United Nations (UN) and adopted by the General Assembly in late March. Led by Ghana, the resolution received123 votes in favour, while Argentina, Israel and the United States (US) voted against. A total of 52 countries – including the UK and the Netherlands – abstained.

[paywall]

Responding to Mthethwa, Lamola said the South African government aligns itself with the AU’s position and supports collective efforts to pursue reparations. He stressed that the 54-member African group’s resolution represents a shared continental commitment to confronting the long-term consequences of historical injustices.

[/paywall]