DIRCO’s decision to join its unsavoury partners in The Hague Group in accusing Israel of human rights violations and demanding action – at a time when the United States and Israel are engaged in a war against Iran – is unwise and irresponsible.
In times of war, geopolitical dividing lines are drawn more sharply, and aligning oneself with a particular side – as South Africa has done by embracing Iran while the country wages war against America and Israel – could have serious implications.
The Hague Group includes countries such as Colombia, Cuba, Bolivia and Senegal, and aims to use “coordinated legal and diplomatic measures” to hold Israel accountable for, among other things, its actions in Gaza. South Africa co-chairs the Group.
Israel responded sharply to the latest The Hague Group meeting on 4 March 2026 and has directly accused South Africa of aligning with its enemy Iran.
This is a very serious warning and should not be taken lightly. South Africa has taken an openly hostile position towards Israel and its allies.
The decisions and actions of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) are clearly guided by the ANC’s ideologically driven policy and worldview.
It underscores an alarming trend of South Africa’s foreign policy increasingly alienating the West, and especially the United States.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is strongly opposed to this and has repeatedly insisted that the ANC may not have sole discretion when it comes to South Africa’s foreign policy.
This policy ought to be a national priority with extensive parliamentary oversight and consultation to ensure balanced decisions that benefit the country and all its people.
In any case, a country with a government that has impoverished its citizens through destructive policies, corruption and maladministration spanning decades – with an unemployment rate of 42,1% and 26,5 million people dependent on social grants – is in no position of moral high ground to lecture others on human rights.
South Africa should rather focus on pragmatic diplomacy that promotes job creation, economic growth and security through a foreign policy that serves more than just the ANC’s interests.
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