Despite the US government aiding Israel’s genocide in Gaza, an emphatic International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said he would not be swayed by any global power as he steers the country’s international diplomacy.
Lamola’s assertions came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of the US Congress on Wednesday last week.
During the address, Netanyahu played down the international criticism that Israel had been committing war crimes against humanity in Gaza, where the Israeli military forces have killed more than 40 000 people, with 52% being women and children, according to the UN.
He also defended his government’s policy of genocide and refused to signal the end of the bloodshed. He received a standing ovation from America’s leading politicians.
This received harsh criticism from various parts of the world – with one chairman of the board and CTO, Baykar Technologies, Selcuk Bayraktar. asserting that “had Satan and his minions descended on Earth and performed a ritual, even they would have been less audacious”.
In an interview with Aljazeera, Lamola said this week that the country’s foreign policy would not waver despite the coalition government.
“We should not be bullied by anyone. We must be able to mediate in conflicts and advocate for human rights without external pressure.
“South Africa will continue to advocate for holding Israel and individuals responsible for genocide accountable. We welcome the ongoing process led by the ICC prosecutor,” Lamola said.
His commitment comes in the face of the ANC’s recent poor performance in the May general elections, and now needs to reach consensus with other parties before big decisions can be made.
The National Government of National Unity partner of the ANC, the DA, has been accused by the EFF of continuing to support Israel’s war on Gaza, while another coalition partner, the Patriotic Alliance, has affirmed its support for the Israeli state.
Lamola indicated to AlJazeera that the country was gearing up for the next phase of its effort to hold Israel accountable at the ICJ.
The court is expected to hear arguments on the merits of the genocide case against Israel, already found responsible for apartheid in another case.
South Africa has been leading international efforts to end the genocide in Gaza. When Lamola was Justice Minister, he told the World Court that the violence in Palestine and Israel did not begin on October 7, 2023.
In 2004, 101 countries recognised Palestine.
Since then, 44 more have done so, bringing the total to 145 out of 193 countries, with nine this year.
One region that has been consistent in its support for Palestine is Africa – with all but Cameroon and Eritrea recognising Palestine.
Israel’s Illegal occupation of Palestinian territories has been outlawed by the latest advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice.
The opinion has been welcomed by South Africa, as it conforms to the country’s long-held position on the apartheid state’s illegal settlements.
Local Israel lobby groups in South Africa have expressed their dismay and called for Pretoria to “recalibrate” its foreign policy on apartheid Israel.
Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, announced a new programme to foster technology and innovation (STI) between South Africa and war-torn Palestine.
“The programme will also have a special focus on safeguarding, rebuilding, and developing Palestine’s research and innovation capacities and infrastructure,” Nzimande commented on Tuesday.
Nzimande said the decision was made following a series of collaborations between the two nations. These include a joint research project, seed funding for developing South African – Palestinian knowledge networks, the hosting of Palestinian scholars and students in South Africa in exchange programmes, and sharing South African policy experience regarding science policy and system development.
While delivering his 2024/25 Budget vote, Nzimande stated that the programme aligned with the department’s strategic objective of using science diplomacy to foster human solidarity, and social justice, and support the country’s foreign policy.
“This new programme will be implemented by our entity the National Research Foundation and will be funded from the department’s existing budget for international cooperation,” he told Members of Parliament.
Lamola spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, did not respond to questions on whether the ministry would establish initiatives to provide aid to Palestine where many have lost their homes, jobs, and businesses.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za