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South Africa welcomes the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 22 October 2025 on Israel's obligations as a United Nations Member State and as an occupying Power, with respect to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Court's Advisory Opinion authoritatively interpreted and reaffirmed Israel's already existing obligations under binding international law.

The ICJ's findings underscore that there is no legal ambiguity regarding Israel's obligations to facilitate and respect the mandates of independent and impartial international and humanitarian organisations operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Israel's binding obligations under international law to respect and protect the privileges and immunities of United Nations and entities, including their premises and personnel.

South Africa notes in particular that the Court recalled Israel's obligation not to use starvation of the Palestinian civilian population as a method of warfare. The Court further states Israel's responsibility as an occupying Power to ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services.

The Court referred to the United Nation's indispensable role, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), other humanitarian actors and third States, in providing humanitarian relief in Gaza. The Court observed that Israel had not substantiated its allegations concerning UNRWA's impartiality and referred to the immediate actions undertaken by the United Nations to address Israel's concerns. Israel was therefore not permitted to take unilateral action against UNRWA, in violation of its UN Charter obligations to cooperate in good faith with the UN and to render it every assistance.

Consequently, any arbitrary restrictions or curtailment by Israel that impedes such relief operations are inconsistent with its obligations under international humanitarian law. As an occupying Power, Israel is prohibited from extending its domestic laws, such as the one banning UNRWA, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

This accords with South Africa's submissions to the Court that Israel may not deny the Palestinian people's inalienable right to territorial integrity and sovereignty over the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Importantly, the Court recalled the prohibition on the forcible transfer and deportation of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the right of Palestinian detainees as protected persons under international humanitarian law to be visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Further, the Court underscored that Israel must respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory – an obligation which persists even in cases of armed conflict.

Overall, the Court anchored its findings in the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, affirming that humanitarian and UN operations are essential to upholding this right.

South Africa reiterates that it remains imperative that all parties to the conflict must uphold their commitments under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, without exception and at all times.

As confirmed by the Court, South Africa maintains that the cornerstone of lasting regional peace and stability lies in the full realisation of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, through a just and inclusive process.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

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On 18 and 19 September, Minister Qin Zhanpeng met separately in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, with Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police, Baldwin Matibe Tshitereke, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs , and Nakedi Grace Kekana, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Minister Qin stated that China stands ready to work with South Africa to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to advance practical cooperation with Limpopo Province. Chinese citizens and enterprises have made positive contributions to advancing the province's economic growth and employment. The Chinese government consistently requires its citizens and enterprises to comply with local laws and regulations and fulfil their social responsibilities. China hopes South Africa will give priority to preserving the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, and provide a favourable business environment for Chinese companies investing and operating in the province.

The South African side provided an overview of the safety situation and socio-economic development in Limpopo Province. They said they take China's concerns seriously, will work more closely with China, and welcome more Chinese citizens and companies to invest in Limpopo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa.

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The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure has urged government departments, including the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Social Development, to honour their bulk services payment commitments to the Salvokop Government Precinct to prevent jeopardising the progress and potential benefits of the project.

The call follows the committee's second day of oversight visits in Gauteng, which included an inspection of the Salvokop precinct site.

Committee Chairperson Mr Rikus Badenhorst said the precinct tells a bigger story about what can be achieved when government invests with purpose, creating jobs, supporting SMMEs and transforming underused public land into a modern, functional space that works for people.

“It is in this context that the departments must honour the commitments they made for phase one of the project, which includes the installation of bulk and internal infrastructure services that are nearing completion,” said Mr Badenhorst.

The committee considers the non-payment by certain departments a direct risk to the potential benefits the project will yield, not only for the departments themselves, but also for the City of Tshwane and the broader economy.

The committee also expressed concern about residents who remain unwilling to be relocated to enable the completion of the initial phase of the project. While acknowledging that some concerns may be genuine, the committee emphasised the need for constructive engagement to reach workable solutions.

Although the matter is currently before the courts, the committee remains confident that a middle ground can be achieved through collaboration. It has called on relevant departments including Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation to assist in providing sustainable relocation solutions for affected residents.

Despite these challenges, the committee reaffirmed its support for the project, describing it as a ground-breaking initiative that links infrastructure investment to inner-city regeneration, integrated human settlements, and improved mobility.

“The model should be applauded and replicated across the country,” said Mr Badenhorst. “The precinct's property management plan will ensure sustainability and the socio-economic spinoffs from job creation to spatial integration are too valuable to be lost.”

During the oversight visit, the committee also toured the Gibela Rail Consortium's Dunnottar factory, commending the strides made in localising the production of passenger trains in South Africa.

Mr Badenhorst praised the factory's achievement of sourcing 85% of its components locally, well above the target of 65% localisation, describing this as a major milestone for industrialisation, skills development and job creation. “Manufacturing remains a critical pillar in driving economic development. The Gibela project demonstrates how local production can stimulate economic spinoffs and build much-needed technical skills within our communities,” he said.

Efficient and reliable passenger rail transport, the committee noted, is crucial for economic productivity, job access and environmental sustainability. The committee committed to continue engaging with the Department of Transport and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to ensure improved access to rail services across the country.

The select committee reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the implementation of key infrastructure and transport projects, ensuring that they deliver tangible socio-economic benefits and contribute to the transformation and development of South Africa's cities and communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.