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Middle East Conflict: The Urgent Need for Global Accountability

Location: News

GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General 22 June 2025 The United States and other global powers have a moral and legal obligation to uphold international law, not to apply it selectively based on strategic interests. The reported U.S. bombing of nuclear sites in Iran constitutes a breach of international law and has dangerously escalated tensions. […]

The post MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT: THE URGENT NEED FOR GLOBAL ACCOUNTABILITY appeared first on For Good.

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Thunberg’s ‘Arrest’ Exposes the World’s Silence on Gaza

Location: News

GOOD Statement by Brett Herron ,GOOD Secretary-General 09 June 2025 The capture and deportation of climate activist Greta Thunberg and those aboard the aid yacht “Madleen” may have unintentionally done more to draw global attention to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza than if they had been allowed to enter. Thunberg’s act of solidarity is […]

The post THUNBERG’S ‘ARREST’ EXPOSES THE WORLD’S SILENCE ON GAZA appeared first on For Good.

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Spokesperson Confirms That Israel Trip Violated Party Policy

Location: News

GOOD Statement by Brett Herron ,GOOD Secretary-General 29 May 2025 The DA has acknowledged that its MPs who travelled to Israel to whitewash the genocidal actions of the Israeli Defense Force should be disciplined. During a Democracy Unplugged podcast hosted by Podcast Party SA last night, Democratic Alliance National Spokesperson Karabo Khakhau made a startling, […]

The post DA SPOKESPERSON CONFIRMS: ISRAEL TRIP VIOLATED PARTY POLICY appeared first on For Good.

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DA Response to Rupert Abrogates Responsibility for Western Cape Gangsterism

Location: News

The DA has outrageously washed its hands of responsibility for transforming the culture of gangsterism in the Western Cape until it is given control of the police.

The party has been running the governments of Cape Town and the Western Cape for nearly two decades, more than long enough to implement its policies and programmes, but it takes no responsibility for gangsterism, which it blames solely on incompetent national policing.

The post DA RESPONSE TO RUPERT ABROGATES RESPONSIBILITY FOR WESTERN CAPE GANGSTERISM appeared first on For Good.

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SA calls for Gaza ceasefire

Location: News

SA calls for Gaza ceasefire

South Africa has reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and for the resumption of a political process to end the occupation in the Gaza Strip by Israel.

This comes after the killing of 143 Gazans by the Israel Defence Force on 15 May 2025, as Palestinians commemorated the 77th anniversary of Nakba Day, which marks the beginning of the displacement of Palestinians in 1948.

“The international community must act decisively to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law, pertinently international humanitarian, and human rights law. 

“This includes the implementation of effective measures to bring an end to the occupation, the ongoing policies and practices of collective punishment, and the illegal blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Friday.

Furthermore, DIRCO said there must be an immediate halt to the practices of arbitrary and administrative detention, as well as to acts of torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees, particularly children. 

“These actions are in clear violation of international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, and international human rights norms/standards as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

“It is imperative that all Palestinian detainees held without due process be released, and that all victims – especially children – be provided with adequate compensation and rehabilitation, in accordance with international law and justice.

“The credibility of the international order depends on the consistent application of international law and accountability for all violations, regardless of the perpetrator,” DIRCO said.

South Africa’s assertion during its recent presentations at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during the hearings regarding the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other international organisations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, were that Gaza has become a killing field and warned of the human-made famine in Gaza due to the deliberate blockade of humanitarian aid by the Israeli Government.

“As famine conditions worsen in Gaza, and the ceasefire efforts remain stalled, Israel’s complete blockade of aid into Gaza and its restrictions on humanitarian access contravene Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 

“Israel’s persistent grave violations are part of a broader strategy to remove Palestinians from their land by subjecting them to starvation and making the Gaza Strip uninhabitable,” DIRCO said. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 13:48

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Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue Between the French Republic and the Republic of South Africa

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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  1. The 9th Session of the Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue between the Republic of France and the Republic of South Africa was held in la Celle Saint-Cloud, France, on 16 May 2025.
  2. The French and South African delegations were led respectively by Their Excellencies Mr Jean-Noël BARROT, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, and Mr Ronald Ozzy LAMOLA, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa.
  3. The talks reflected the warm and cordial relations of cooperation between the two countries. Views were exchanged on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.

On bilateral matters:

  1. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the improved level of cooperation in the fields of basic and higher education, science and culture, environment, electricity and energy, trade and investment, transport and development and cyber criminality. The two parties highlighted the need for both countries to develop plans of action for the effective implementation of existing bilateral agreements.
  2. The two parties welcomed the ongoing negotiations and significant progress made in finalising bilateral agreements pertaining to cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, transport, protection of Crozet and Prince Edward Islands Marine Protected Areas, maritime search and rescue as well as the creation of a Joint Ministerial Commission on international relations.
  3. The South African side expressed its continued gratitude to the French Republic for the numerous scholarship opportunities afforded to young South Africans to pursue educational opportunities in France. Both countries would continue to explore opportunities for further education and training, as well as the exchange of students and academics.
  4. To facilitate joint business trainings in South Africa and France, at the benefit of both countries, Their Excellencies Ministers Barrot and Lamola discussed a technical agreement in the field of Cooperation on Labour and Employment for Graduates and Young Professionals. The Ministers welcomed the development and look forward to the opportunities that will be created by the signature of the agreement.
  5. The South African side highlighted the important role played by France in terms of solidarity partnerships, particularly through the Just Energy Transition partnership (JET-P) and the Team Europe Initiative Manufacturing African Vaccines+ (MAV+). Both countries underlined the need for the JET-P to be continued and to contribute to South Africa's transition towards a decarbonized energy mix, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

On regional and international matters:

  1. The Ministers exchanged views on regional African issues of common interest, particularly the situation in Mozambique, the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Sudan. On Eastern-DRC, they agreed to pursue convergence of the various diplomatic efforts, towards a lasting and sustainable solution to the conflict.
  2. The two parties exchanged views on the current geopolitical environment and agreed on the need to uphold multilateralism, and a rules-based multilateral system based on international law, in line with the objectives and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT congratulated South Africa for its G20 Presidency and reiterated France's support to its priorities, summarized in the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, noting that these priorities converge with the objectives of the French initiative of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet.
  3. Both parties addressed global issues, including climate change and biodiversity protection. French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT underlined France's invitation to the President of the Republic of South Africa, HE Mr Matalema Cyril RAMAPHOSA, to attend the third United Nations Ocean Conference taking place in Nice, from 9 to 13 June 2025.
  4. Regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both Ministers highlighted the need for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine and stressed the importance of supporting an inclusive and peaceful approach to the resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both Ministers advocated for a negotiated settlement, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, which include respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
  5. The crisis situation in the Palestinian territories and the Middle East was discussed. The French side was briefed on the status of the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT invited South Africa to participate to the international conference on the Two-State solution, in June 2025 in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
  6. The Ministers welcomed the upcoming visit by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Mr. Paul MASHATILE, to France from 21 May to 24 May 2025 a landmark opportunity to accelerate bilateral economic collaboration. Accompanied by a high-level delegation of key Ministers, this visit will spearhead the South Africa-France Investment Conference, a dynamic platform for fostering strategic partnerships and exploring innovative avenues for economic collaboration, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in France with robust participation from leading South African and French business entities. The Ministers are confident that this pivotal engagement will unlock new opportunities, deepen investment flows, and amplify trade synergies between the two nations.
  7. His Excellency Ronald O. LAMOLA expressed his heartfelt appreciation and deep gratitude to His Excellency Mr Jean-Noël BARROT, to the Government of the French Republic and people of France, for the warm and fraternal welcome, as well as the kindness and attention extended to him and his delegation during their stay in France. He further looked forward to welcoming the Minister to South Africa for the G20 Summit.

Done in La Celle Saint-Cloud, France, on 16 May 2025

For the French Republic

 For the Republic of South Africa
H.E. Jean-Noël BARROT

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs

 H.E. Ronald Ozzy LAMOLA

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

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

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Revolutionising Cloud Access for Nigerian Business With Local Innovation

Location: Business
Angola Cables

At the recent Connect Xperience event, TelCables Nigeria unveiled how Clouds2Africa, a locally hosted cloud solution, is transforming the way businesses in Nigeria access, manage, and expand their digital resources.

“Clouds2Africa is tailored to Nigeria's unique business environment”, explained Israel Ogboi, Pre-Sales Engineer at TelCables Nigeria. “With its scalable infrastructure, robust security protocols and user-friendly interface, our solution rivals – and in some cases surpasses – the more complex international cloud offerings.” Hosted in two Tier III data centres in Lagos, the platform guarantees lower latency, full compliance with local regulations and enhanced reliability.

In a live demo, Israel showed how businesses can efficiently scale operations and securely store data while meeting performance expectations. He also highlighted ACloudConnect, a hybrid Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) option that provides secure, dedicated links between on-premises infrastructure and global cloud providers – bypassing the public internet and reducing vulnerability.

Despite existing challenges such as policy constraints and talent shortages, Ogboi noted that TelCables is working closely with government and partners to drive skills development and cloud literacy. “We're debunking myths and breaking barriers. Through events like Connect Xperience and our local Partner Enablement Program, we're enabling ISPs and resellers to adopt revenue-sharing models and deliver future-ready cloud services,” he said.

Fernando Fernandes, CEO of TelCables Nigeria, added: “Backed by Angola Cables' extensive global infrastructure – including an integrated subsea cable network and over 300 cloud onramps – we're positioning Nigeria at the heart of Africa's digital future. Our mission is to empower local businesses with the tools they need to compete globally.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Angola Cables.

About Angola Cables:
Angola Cables is an internationally established ICT and digital solutions and network services provider. The company specializes in connectivity solutions for the wholesale market and offers tailored digital services and solutions across multiple industries, including Cloud resources for the corporate enterprise sector.

Known for its innovation, Angola Cables operates a robust global backbone network, providing access to major IXPs, Tier I operators, and global content providers. With more than 30 PoPs and connections to plus 930 interconnected Data Centres and 6000 peering agreements, traffic over its international network is more than 18 500 Tbps.

The company has its own submarine cable network spanning over 33,000 kilometres (WACS, SACS, and MONET) and extends its services to over 50,000 kilometres through partner cables, connecting the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Additionally, the company operates two world-class Data Centres, AngoNAP Fortaleza in Brazil and AngoNAP Luanda in Angola. Angola Cables also manages PIX in Brazil and AngonIX in Angola - one of the leading internet traffic exchange points in Africa that directly connects to over 21 IXPs worldwide.

With a significant international presence, Angola Cables is expanding its operations into strategic markets such as Brazil, South Africa, the United States and Nigeria. The company promotes intercontinental interconnection, driving digital and economic development, and ranks among the top 25 internet service providers in the world today.

*The Center for Applied Internet Data Analysis (CAIDA) 2023

For more information, visit the website: www.AngolaCables.co.ao

About TelCables West Africa:
TelCables West Africa is powered by the Angola Cables network, a multinational telecommunications company operating in the wholesale market. The company operates connectivity, IT solutions and services as well as international data circuit capacity and IP Transit via submarine cables.

As the most connected network operator in Africa, we provide secure, low-latency direct routes from West Africa to the USA and South America and from West Africa to London. With our presence across a few Nigerian IP hubs from Lekki, WACS CLS, Medallion DC, Rack Centre and others, and connections across Africa via the Djoliba network, we can connect your business to the world.

For more information, visit the website: https://TelCables.ng/

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Angola Cables
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South Africa Condemns the Bombing of Hospitals in Gaza, and the Brutal Massacres of Humanitarian Workers and Journalists

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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South Africa condemns the continuous bombing of civilian targets in Gaza, the most recent being the missile strike by Israel forces on the al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza on Sunday, 13 April, forcing the evacuation of dozens of wounded people, and leaving Gaza critically short of emergency care. South Africa joins the global condemnation of the bombing, which is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. Israel has bombed, burned and destroyed at least 35 hospitals in Gaza since the start of the war in October 2023. Attacks on health facilities, medical personnel and patients are considered a war crime under the IV Geneva Convention of 1949.

The attack on Al Ahli Arab hospital follows the killing of 15 humanitarian personnel in Gaza – eight Palestinian Red Crescent Society health workers, one UNRWA staff member, and six members of the Palestinian Civil Defence who were on a rescue mission on the morning of 23 March and deliberately fired upon by Israeli military forces. Deliberate attacks on medics and humanitarian workers are prohibited by international law and constitute war crimes. First responders like civilians and other non-combatants are never legitimate targets.

We are also concerned that Israel has halted the entry of all aid into Gaza since 2 March. This is in defiance of the binding provisional orders of the International Court of Justice, which ordered Israel to ensure unhindered access of humanitarian aid in Gaza. The international community must hold Israel accountable through effective counter-measures, as the impunity enjoyed by Israel has emboldened its genocidal actions in Palestine.

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

Read moreSouth Africa Condemns the Bombing of Hospitals in Gaza, and the Brutal Massacres of Humanitarian Workers and Journalists

SA condemns Israeli airstrikes on Gaza

Location: News

SA condemns Israeli airstrikes on Gaza

South Africa has condemned the extensive Israeli airstrikes carried out across Gaza dron Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of over 350 Palestinians. 

The deadly airstrikes occurred following a failure to implement the second stage of the peace agreement with Israel, despite ongoing negotiations aimed at ensuring the ceasefire remains in effect.

The fatal attacks were reportedly authorised by the Israeli leadership more than a week ago. 

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), this raises concerns about the commitment to the permanent ceasefire outlined in the plan negotiated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said many of those killed were children and several victims remain under the rubble.  

Reports suggest that airstrikes were concentrated on heavily built-up neighbourhoods, makeshift schools and residential buildings where people have been sheltering, which is a "blatant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law".

“South Africa is gravely concerned by the military onslaught and the fact that millions of people in Gaza are facing severe food and water shortages, as Israel continues to block aid and cut off energy supplies to the strip,” DIRCO said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, the department said Israel, which has enforced a total blockade of Gaza, has now issued new forced displacement orders for several areas. 

The department said the provisional orders issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) oblige Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza, and preserve evidence related to alleged genocide.

The United Nations’ Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Muhannad Hadi, has urged that the ceasefire in Gaza be immediately reinstated. He called the waves of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since the early hours of the morning “unconscionable.”

South Africa has also condemned the four targeted Israeli military strikes launched against southern Syria overnight, which killed at least two and wounded 19 others on the outskirts of the southern Syrian province of Deraa.

“The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Israel targeted a military site previously used by former President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, but which is now used by the army of Syria’s transitional government. 

“Israel’s airstrikes and previous statements that it does not want any Syrian military presence in the south of Syria is a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” DIRCO said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 08:55
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Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’s Speech That Made Him ‘No Longer Welcome’ in the US

Location: News

The South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, is no longer welcome in the US, several news publications reported on Saturday. The Guardian states: “South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country,” [US Secretary of State Marco] Rubio posted on X on Friday. Rubio accused ambassador …

Read moreAmbassador Ebrahim Rasool’s Speech That Made Him ‘No Longer Welcome’ in the US

Cabinet condemns Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza

Location: News

Cabinet condemns Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza

Cabinet has condemned Israel's refusal to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip,  and its closure of border crossings.

This at a time when " the people of  Gaza are experiencing immeasurable suffering" and urgently need food, shelter, and medical supplies.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said this action is a continuation of Israel’s “use of starvation as a weapon of war as part of the ongoing campaign of what the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled to be plausible genocide against the Palestinian people.” 

“Cabinet reiterates our nation’s call on the international community to hold Israel accountable and ensure the safe, continuous, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip,” Ntshavheni said at the briefing held in Cape Town.

Earlier this month, South Africa condemned the refusal of Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

READ | SA condemns Israel’s refusal to allow aid into Gaza

In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the department said: “South Africa concurs with Qatar, one of the guarantors of the ceasefire agreement, that halting the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip is a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention.” 

In December 2023, South Africa filed a case against Israel at the ICJ, saying it is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

The ICJ issued a provisional ruling in January 2024, ordering Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and take measures to prevent genocide. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 13:22
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South Africa’s G20 Presidency to benefit all

Location: News

South Africa’s G20 Presidency to benefit all

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka says South Africa’s G20 Presidency is aimed at ensuring resource-rich nations and communities in places like Limpopo can benefit equitably from their mineral wealth.

“In the midst of global geopolitical tensions and rising protectionist, South Africa’s G20 Presidency will champion cooperation, collaboration and partnerships between individuals, groups, peoples and nations,” Moraka said.

Speaking at the G20 Community Outreach event at the University of Venda in Limpopo today, Moraka said strengthening partnerships and expanding dialogue with a wide range of actors is important to collectively shape the G20’s approach to issues requiring international cooperation.

“South Africa will therefore also host a G20 Social Summit, prior to the Leaders’ Summit, by expanding outreach to communities beyond the 13 official G20 Engagement Groups,” Moraka said.

Moraka said during South Africa’s Presidency, there will be more than 85 in-person meetings throughout the country, including five meetings in Limpopo.

“We encourage the people of Limpopo to become more involved in these processes. We have been asked, and rightfully so, what benefits does the G20 Presidency brings to South Africa

“Tens of thousands of delegates and support staff from some of the world’s largest developed and developing economies are expected to arrive in South Africa over the year-long Presidency. 

“In addition to many Ministers, the Heads of State and Government of more than 40 countries will attend the Leaders’ Summit in November 2025,” the Deputy Minister said.

Moraka said the G20 Presidency was without a doubt a mammoth task, requiring considerable personnel and resources, by most accounts, this was the largest national project that South Africa has ever undertaken.

“This project is expected to have significant economic benefits for South Africa, notably for the tourism, transport, restaurant, entertainment and hospitality industries, with global visibility in all nine provinces.

“There is also significant opportunity for South African provinces and cities to promote their cultural, heritage, tourism and innovation, but also an opportunity to demonstrate South Africa’s technological, industrial and commercial advances across various sectors,” Moraka said.

A number of direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

“It therefore goes without saying that the support of all South Africans in telling a good story and highlighting our successes is critical if we are to leave a permanent G20 legacy for South Africa, and the whole of the African continent.  

“It is important for us all to work in synergy and in cooperation and partnership, more so in a fractured world filled with conflict and destruction. As much as we are excited to host the first G20 Presidency on the African continent, we are also cognisant of the enormous task that is before us,” the Deputy Minister said.

Also speaking at the same event, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said she was delighted to welcome esteemed members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders and all distinguished guests to the historic occasion, the first-ever G20 community outreach to be held in the province.

Ramathuba said the engagement was an opportunity to strengthen ties, advance collaboration and ensure that global economic policies translate into meaningful opportunities for local communities.

“It is also a symbolic gesture, a recognition of the role that provinces like Limpopo play in shaping the broader economic landscape of South Africa and the African continent,” the Premier said.

As the only African nation represented in the G20, South Africa carries a profound responsibility in ensuring that the voices of developing economies, particularly those in Africa, are heard on the global stage.

“The G20’s focus on economic growth, trade, investment, climate action and digital transformation resonates deeply with developmental priorities in Limpopo. 

“We understand that global economic policies have real, tangible effects on the lives of ordinary people, and it is our duty to ensure that these policies translate into meaningful opportunities for our communities,” Dr Ramathuba said. 

Lutendo Luvhengo, a third year student at the University of Venda told SAnews that although she had little knowledge about G20 and South Africa’s G20 Presidency, she hoped that South Africa’s hosting of the G20 meetings would benefit ordinary people.

“I believe that our country’s economy is going to improve. The guests coming to South Africa some of them are going to invest in our country and that will create more jobs,” she said.

Luvhengo was confident that the G20 meetings were going to be successful.

Echoing same sentiments was Israel Marema, first year Bcom student who said the G20 meetings were “investments in the country”.

“This is going to reduce the level of poverty by creating more job opportunities,” he said. 

Today’s launch of the G20 Outreach Programme forms part of a series of initiatives aimed at fostering wider public dialogue and participation in South Africa's G20 Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 03/07/2025 - 15:53
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SA condemns Israel’s refusal to allow aid into Gaza

Location: News

SA condemns Israel’s refusal to allow aid into Gaza

South Africa says it strongly condemns the refusal of Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and its closure of border crossings at a time when the people of Gaza are experiencing immeasurable suffering and urgently need food, shelter, and medical supplies.

This is according to a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Wednesday. 

According to reports, Israel blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza on Sunday as it demands Hamas agree to a United States plan for a ceasefire extension.

The department said preventing food from entering Gaza is a continuation of Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war as part of the ongoing campaign of what the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled to be plausible genocide against the Palestinian people. 

“South Africa concurs with Qatar, one of the guarantors of the ceasefire agreement, that halting the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip is a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention.” 

South Africa has since called on the international community to hold Israel accountable and ensure the safe, continuous, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip.

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has implored Israel to end its suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza “immediately” and to allow aid to flow without impediment in an environment ensuring the safety and security of civilians, including humanitarian workers. 

Guterres has also “urged all parties to make every effort to prevent a return to hostilities in Gaza”, and to find a way forward on the next phase of the ceasefire agreement. 

“South Africa also condemns Israel’s ongoing military operations in the West Bank that represent a dangerous escalation, and which further threatens the Palestinian quest for self-determination and statehood.” 

According to the department, the forced displacement of 40 000 Palestinians from Jenin, Tulkarem, Nour Shams, and elsewhere threatens to erase Palestinian refugee camps, and the right of return.

“The concurrent ban on the UN Relief and Works Agency’s (UNRWA) activities in these areas constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and strips displaced Palestinians of essential support and international oversight,” the department added. 

The department stated that the expanded Israeli military presence, now at its highest levels in the West Bank since 2002, signals an intent to re-establish full-scale military occupation, and undermines the Palestinian Authority and its governance.   

“South Africa supports the guarantors’ continued efforts to address the reported violations of the ceasefire agreement.” 

The department said the delay in releasing the 620 Palestinian prisoners constitutes a fundamental breach of negotiated terms.   

“South Africa once again calls on the international community to act with urgency and decisive action to address the continued systematic violation of international law and international humanitarian and human rights law.” 

The department said South Africa welcomes the outcomes of the Arab League Emergency Summit held on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, that supports a settlement in Gaza that is led by, and inclusive of, Palestinians, and that expressly rejects the ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. 

The country has also thrown its weight behind the Arab League’s call for a UN international peacekeeping force in the West Bank and Gaza to ensure security and stability.   

“South Africa also expresses its grave concern over Israel’s continuing violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by towns South of Damascus and the southern province of Daraa. 

“Israel’s depiction of Southern Syria as a ‘security zone’, and statements that any attempt by Syrian government forces to establish themselves in the zone violate Syria’s sovereignty.” – SAnews.gov.za 
 

 

Gabisile
Wed, 03/05/2025 - 15:10
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Call for global solidarity at G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Location: News

Call for global solidarity at G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged global leaders to embrace inclusivity, cooperation and reform as South Africa steers the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) for the first time. 

Speaking at the opening of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Nasrec in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa emphasised the significance of hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil. 

The Foreign Ministers Meeting, hosted by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, takes place under South Africa's G20 Presidency theme of 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability'. 

“Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and faces unique challenges, such as the impact of climate change, development needs and the effects of global trade dynamics.

“The Summit's location underscores the need for African voices to be heard on critical global issues, like sustainable development, the digital economy and the shift toward green energy,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said this was a great opportunity to promote greater collaboration between African nations and the rest of the world.

He highlighted pressing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, economic inequality and food insecurity, warning that the world’s fragile coexistence was under threat. 

“These challenges are interconnected. They require responses that are inclusive and coordinated. Yet, there is a lack of consensus among major powers, including in the G20, on how to respond to these issues of global significance,” he said. 

He called for greater consensus among major powers within the G20 to address these issues.

The President also highlighted that there are just five years to 2030, the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

He said the international community committed to this ambitious agenda to end poverty and hunger, to protect the planet, to achieve gender equality, universal education and health coverage, and to promote decent work and sustainable economic growth.

“Our commitment to achieve these targets we must not waver. The nations of the world look to the G20 for leadership on the most pressing issues confronting our world.

“Just as cooperation supported the progress of early humans, our modern-day challenges can only be resolved through collaboration, partnership and solidarity,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said this was why South Africa had placed solidarity, equality and sustainability at the centre of its G20 Presidency.

“We would like our G20 Presidency to be one in which all voices are heard and in which all views count. The G20 represents over two-thirds of the world’s population. 

“Its decisions and policies must reflect the needs and aspirations of all who form part of the G20 family,” he said. 

He also called on the G20 to seek to reflect the needs and aspirations of all people who call this planet home.

A call for UN and global financial system reforms

With the United Nations marking its 80th anniversary, President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s call for reforming the UN Security Council, the multilateral trading system, and the international financial architecture to make them more representative and responsive to today’s realities.

“The UN must change accordingly. We continue to call for the UN Security Council, the multilateral trading system and the international financial architecture to be reformed to make them more representative, more agile and more responsive to today’s global realities.

“As the G20, it is critical that the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism and international law remain at the centre of all our endeavors,” the President asserted.

President Ramaphosa also addressed ongoing global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine, Sudan, the Sahel and Gaza. 

He welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, calling it a crucial first step toward lasting peace and urging diplomatic solutions to global conflicts.

“As the G20, we must continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions. Our own experience as South Africa is that the peaceful resolution of conflict through inclusive dialogue is the foremost guarantor of sustainable, lasting peace,” he said. 

Key priorities for South Africa’s G20 Presidency

Outlining South Africa’s vision for its G20 Presidency, President Ramaphosa identified four key priorities, which include strengthening disaster resilience and response, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilising climate finance for a just energy transition and harnessing critical minerals for sustainable development. 

He emphasised the need for international financial institutions and the private sector to scale up post-disaster recovery efforts, particularly in vulnerable nations.

With many developing economies burdened by high borrowing costs, he called on G20 leaders to renew efforts in addressing debt sustainability, especially in Africa.

On the third priority, President Ramaphosa urged developed nations to fulfil their obligations in supporting developing economies’ green energy transitions, in line with global climate agreements.

Turning to the last priority, the President proposed an inclusive G20 framework on green industrialisation and investment to promote value addition and beneficiation of critical minerals. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 02/20/2025 - 16:19
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