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Law enforcement agencies reminded of responsibility to execute their mandate

Location: News

Law enforcement agencies reminded of responsibility to execute their mandate

With their sights set on safety and security and maintaining law and order during and after the election period, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in various provinces have been deployed at voting stations to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for eligible voters.

The Provincial Commissioners have on Tuesday sent off the last contingents of police officers who will further increase the foot soldiers who are already on the ground to create a safe and secure environment for the 2024 elections on Wednesday.

In the Eastern Cape, SAPS Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Zolani Xawuka, and his management addressed members during a parade which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, ahead of deployment for elections duties. 

“All members are operationally ready to apply fundamental policing principles, guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,” Xawuka said.

Xakuwa reminded the members on parade of their responsibility and obligation to execute their mandate professionally, impartially and with integrity and to “do so within the confines of the laws of the country”.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, gave his marching orders during a parade ahead of the deployment of the members to various parts of the province for the elections.

In the North West, police members have been deployed at the voting stations to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and in a free and safe environment for voters, IEC officials, as well as role-players and the general public.

In the Free State, SAPS Mangaung District Teams are maintaining heightened police visibility at the Independent Electoral Commission's warehouse to ensure safety and security during the transporting and delivery of voting materials to different places in the Mangaung area. 

Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, visited Bainsvlei Clinic to cast her special vote as well as interact with SAPS operational members who are posted at the voting station to ensure safety during the elections.

Briefing the media on the state of readiness on Monday, the SAPS Provincial Commissioner in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe and the Provincial Electoral Officer, Nkaro Mateta, reassured citizens that the Electoral Commission and law enforcement agencies in the province are ready to ensure free and peaceful elections.

The police members at the various parades were reminded of their responsibility and obligation to execute their mandate professionally, impartially and with integrity, and to do so within the confines of the laws of the country. 

Giving the marching orders during the sending off parade in Harrismith of police officers who have been deployed to ensure safety and security at KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces on Tuesday, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola emphasised the maintenance of public order.

“There can never be disorder because you must be there to maintain public order and prevent crime... and do all other what is required by the Constitution. Go and assist your colleagues, make sure the election goes smooth and wherever you are, make sure you create a peaceful situation to ensure that people go to vote in a very peaceful and stable environment, and allow people to do what they are supposed to do,” Masemola told the police.  – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 14:44

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Read moreLaw enforcement agencies reminded of responsibility to execute their mandate

Escalating conflict and dire human rights situation of “grave concern” – Presidency

Location: News

Escalating conflict and dire human rights situation of "grave concern" - Presidency

South Africa has expressed its “grave concern” over escalating armed conflict in Sudan, which has reportedly claimed thousands of lives, destroyed infrastructure and displaced millions of people.

Conflict in that country has been ongoing for more than a year.

“We express our grave concern at the outbreak of a major fighting in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur and the plight faced by many civilians, especially women and children. The reported use of heavy artillery by the fighting parties in populated places continues to place the lives of civilians in danger.

“In this regard we wish to sight the warning by the Secretary-General of the UN, Mr Antonio Gutteres, during his recent address to the UN Security Council, that ‘intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population and wilfully impending humanitarian relief for civilians in need may constitute war crimes’.

“The attacks against El Fasher came amidst the Human Rights Watch Report which detailed cases of gross human rights abuses in Sudan, including ethnically motivated killings and gender-based violence,” the Presidency said in a statement.

South Africa urged those engaged in the conflict to “respect international law, including international humanitarian law, protect civilians, especially women and children, and not to hamper in any manner the distribution of humanitarian assistance as well as provision of medical support”.

“There is a need to urgently put an end to impunity in this senseless conflict. The dire human rights situation arising from the ongoing conflict cannot be ignored, nor can the role of relevant multilateral and regional bodies and initiatives.

“South Africa pledges its full support to the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to Sudan, Mr Ramtane Lamamra, the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to promote the peaceful end to the conflict through mediation and dialogue,” the statement said.

Furthermore, the statement repeated calls for a ceasefire in the area and for talks between the warring parties to resume.

“South Africa stands in solidarity with the innocent people of Sudan, who have been subjected to untold suffering since the outbreak of hostilities on 15 April 2023, with the main protagonists to the conflict being the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

“South Africa reiterates its call for the immediate end to the conflict and resumption of genuine and sincere talks to bring an end to the human suffering that the people of Sudan have endured for a long time,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 14:57

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Special voting concludes

Location: News

Special voting concludes

A total 937 144 voters cast special votes over the course of the last two days, the Electoral Commission said on Tuesday.

“The Electoral Commission extends its gratitude to South Africans who registered for and cast special votes at 22 626 voting stations and home visits over the past two days. At a point in the course of this afternoon indications were that 937 144 voters had been processed,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Electoral Commission, Sy Mamabolo, said.

At the briefing held at the National Results Operation Centre at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Tuesday evening, Mamabolo said the figure was much higher than was the case in the previous elections and “augers well for turnout tomorrow”.

This as voters across the country are expected to make their mark at voting stations in the seventh National and Provincial Elections.

“Similarly, we are pleased by the diligence of the electoral staff who visited voters at homes and places of confinement to administer home visits,” Mamabolo said.

He said voters who for whatever reason were unable to cast their special vote on Monday and Tuesday may still vote at the voting station at which they are registered on Election Day, tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the commission expressed concern at incidents of unlawful conduct.

“The commission thanks South Africans who have assisted and cooperated with electoral officials in the execution of their duties.

“However, the commission remains concerned with incidents of unlawful conduct directed at its operations or against electoral officials. Accordingly, we urge all South Africans, including political party members, supporters, and ordinary citizens to allow electoral officials to carry out their responsibilities.

“The commission thanks the law enforcement agencies for their support and continued safeguard of the electoral process,” Mamabolo said.

The lessons and experiences over the two days of special votes will be used to further refine operations to positively impact on voter experience for tomorrow’s election.

The CEO urged voters to show up in their numbers on voting day.

“The commission urges all the remaining 26 million eligible voters to go out and cast their votes tomorrow.

“The network of 23 292 voting stations will open for voting at 07h00 and close at 21h00. It is important to emphasise that eligible voters who will be at the voting station at 21h00 will be allowed to vote and not turned away.

“We reiterate that voters must vote where they are registered. The general rule in elections is that a person votes at a voting station where they have registered,” Mamabolo said.

The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of their registered voting district only after notifying the CEO.

“Notifications in this regard closed on May 17. Approximately 360 000 voters have been approved to vote outside their voting districts,” he said.

Tuesday marked the second and last day for the casting of special votes.

READ | Last day for special votes

Out-of-country voting has already taken place at 111 foreign missions, with more than 78 000 South African citizens living in other countries having cast their vote on 17, 18 and 19 May 2024. - SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 19:46

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2 828 SANDF members deployed for the elections

Location: News

2 828 SANDF members deployed for the elections

A total of 2828 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members will be deployed for the maintenance and preservation of law and order during the National and Provincial Elections.

South Africans will make their mark at various voting stations set up across the country on Wednesday.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed the National Assembly that 2 828 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be employed for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the prevention and combating of crime and for the maintenance and preservation of law and order during the National and Provincial Elections,” said the Presidency.

The employment of the SANDF personnel will form part of Operation Prosper and applies from 20 May to 7 June 2024.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, the President’s office said the employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, read with Section 19 of the Defence Act of 2002 (Act No.42 of 2002).

The expenditure for this employment is estimated at R59 451 704.

Voting on Election Day will take place from 7am until 9pm. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 18:27

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Eastern Cape voting stations operational for special votes

Location: News

Eastern Cape voting stations operational for special votes

Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams, has confirmed that special votes are proceeding as planned in the province, including in Mthatha, Port St Johns, Nyandeni and other areas that were impacted by the taxi strike.

Major entry and exit points into Mthatha were blocked on Monday. According to reports, taxi drivers allegedly hijacked trucks and used them to block both sides of the N2 and R61 roads. 

Reports suggest that the taxi operators’ actions were because of a crackdown by authorities following an outbreak of violence last week.

“There are no reports of major challenges that can negatively impact the voting process. The potential hotspots are closely monitored to be promptly dealt with by our stakeholders in the Provincial Election Task Team (PETT). We expect that tomorrow will be plain sailing throughout our province,” said Williams.

Today was the second day of special votes ahead of Wednesday’s Election Day.

Williams appealed to protesting communities to stop preventing other people from exercising their right to vote.

“The intimidation of IEC [Electoral Commission of South Africa] staff is not allowed and must stop. No one must be prevented from voting through the closure of voting stations, digging of trenches on the roads, burning of yres and so on. We call on law enforcement agencies to arrest anyone who breaks the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, the IEC said those people who were unable to be visited on Monday for their special vote due to the taxi protest are being serviced today. 

According to Williams, those not found at home can still go to cast their votes on 29 May 2029.

He also encouraged people to report any threats to the voting process to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 15:44

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SA condemns the unlawful targeting of refugee camps in Rafah 

Location: News

SA condemns the unlawful targeting of refugee camps in Rafah 

The South African government has joined the international community in condemning the “deplorable” and “brutal attacks” on innocent Palestinian civilians.

This is after Israeli forces bombed a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in a designated safe zone on Sunday night.

According to reports, at least 45 people, including many women and children were killed, with some of these victims reported to be in critical condition.

“The heinous attacks came two days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population had sought shelter before Israel’s incursion of Rafah,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement. 

South Africa, according to the department, said it was “gravely” concerned with the continuous targeting of hospitals, medical infrastructure, schools, and holy sites, which shelter civilians who endure most of the inhumane attacks. 

“These continued attacks on innocent civilians pose an extreme risk to humanitarian supplies, basic services in Gaza, the survival of the Palestinian medical system, and the survival of Palestinians in Gaza as a group.” 

The department believes that the current conditions confirm that South Africa is justified for approaching the ICJ in 2023, seeking an order to prevent Israel from committing genocide against the Palestinian people. 

“What we are witnessing today bears testimony to South Africa’s assertions,” the department added. 

The ICJ, the department explained, has jurisdiction over the situation in Palestine.

“We, therefore, call on the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to urgently act to ensure accountability for those that committing heinous crimes and protect the rights of Palestinians. 

“The issuance of arrest warrants which comply with international legal standards is becoming more urgent to bring those responsible to justice. It is the collective duty of the international community to ensure that atrocities of this nature are duly prosecuted in terms of the Rome Statute and the Geneva Conventions.” 

The department believes that there can be no real and lasting peace in the region in the absence of justice for Palestine and a just and equitable resolution to the Palestinian question – for the benefit of both Palestinians and Israelis. 

“Escalation not only threatens regional stability but risks further inflaming an already tense and hugely volatile situation on the ground. Accordingly, it must be regarded as unacceptable and South Africa, therefore, strongly implores de-escalation. 

“The pattern of cyclical escalation must be broken. Our collective human duty to call for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire cannot be ignored.” 

South Africa is urging the international community to respect and uphold International Law, International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, and relevant United Nations resolutions. 

“We must pose the question of how long the international community will continue to watch as an entire population is annihilated before the world can unite to urgently act against these brutal and incessant attacks. Nothing can justify the deliberate killings and injuring of civilians as an entire population endures destruction at a scale and speed without parallel in modern history.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 14:00

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Northern Cape communities urged to work with police to ensure safe elections

Location: News

Northern Cape communities urged to work with police to ensure safe elections

Law enforcement in the Northern Cape has called on communities to work with them to ensure that the National and Provincial Elections -- to be held this week -- are safe and secure.

In a statement, the Northern Cape Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), said from their side, law enforcement has done all it can to ensure they are ready for Election Day on Wednesday.

“All the security measures and plans that have been put in place will ensure that the election process in the Northern Cape will proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions. We assure maximum deployments to ensure the successful execution of the operational plan.

“As the PROVJOINTS, we are satisfied with the contingency plans put in place and reassure the inhabitants of the Northern Cape that they can expect a safe and peaceful election.

“However, while measures are in place, the ultimate responsibility of ensuring a safe and conducive environment lies with every citizen of the province, which requires sound partnerships in order to create a harmonious backdrop of mutual respect as we are heading to the voting polls,” the statement read.

Furthermore, potential threats of disruptions are being monitored.

“Threats identified, such as community protests are already being attended to and those that are found to be in contravention of the law are being dealt with. Our Public Order Police units (POPS) are on the ground and ready to prevent and combat such incidents.

“We take this opportunity to remind our communities that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa provides that every resident is free to make political choices, which includes the right to participate in the activities of political parties and to campaign for such parties,” the statement said.

Communities are also warned not to vandalise, deface or remove political party posters and placards, as this is against the law.

Citizens are also warned not to spread fake news or incite violence.

“Any person found to be tampering with posters will be arrested and charged with contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, which prohibits the unlawful removal and defacing of posters published by a political party.

“We also condemn the spreading of fake news, unverified information, rumours or threats on social media platforms that seek to cause unnecessary panic and confusion and in some instances, incite possible violence. Those found to be sharing inflammatory messages and inciting violence will be charged accordingly,” read the statement.

The Northern Cape PROVJOINTS said although ensuring a “safe and secure election process” is a priority, due attention is also paid to normal policing work.

“The main priority of SAPS, with the support of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster departments, is to ensure a safe and secure election process. We also assure the communities of the Northern Cape that normal crime prevention and policing operations are continuing prior, during and beyond the election period.

“Every law enforcement officer on the ground, has the responsibility and an obligation to execute their mandate, professionally, impartially and with integrity and within the confines of the laws of the country. Our members are reminded that we are a-political and will enforce the law without fear and favour,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 12:18

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Security intensified in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape

Location: News

Security intensified in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape

Additional Public Order Policing (POP) members will be deployed to different parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Mthatha in the Eastern Cape to beef up the current law enforcement agencies’ deployments and intensify crime combatting efforts.

This was announced during a send-off parade for more than 700 POP members in Harrismith on Monday.

National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, addressed the parade and said the officers will add to the existing capacity of members currently deployed in these provinces to ensure that voting takes place in a safe and secure environment. 

Masemola, in his address, gave the men and women in blue marching orders to ensure they prevent and combat any acts of criminality and protect the rights of South Africans to vote in a peaceful environment.

He said police have mobilised their maximum resources to combat the lawlessness in Mthatha, which includes the blocking of roads.

Police have meanwhile arrested five people who had attempted to block roads leading to the Mthatha Airport.

“We are sending you off to maintain law and order. No disruptions and acts of criminality should take place under your watch. We are sending you out there to protect the constitutional right of South Africans and the integrity of the election process,” said Masemola

The co-chair of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, also formed part of the parade.

She urged members to execute their duties within the ambit of the law. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 18:15

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Main entry points in Mthatha blocked, affecting essential services

Location: News

Main entry points in Mthatha blocked, affecting essential services

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed that services have been affected in hospitals in and around Mthatha by the blocking of the N2 and R61 roads.

“Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha Regional and St Barnabas Hospital staff, who worked the night shift, could not go home, while those who were supposed to report for duty could not get to work because of the blocked roads,” a statement from the department read. 

This is after all the major entry and exit points into Mthatha were blocked, as taxi violence erupted. 

According to reports, the taxi drivers allegedly hijacked trucks and used them to block both sides of the N2 and R61 roads. 

Reports suggest that the taxi operators’ actions were because of a crackdown by authorities following an outbreak of violence last week.

The actions have since forced hospitals to operate with a skeleton staff. 

“As soon as roads reopen, those who are supposed to be on duty will go to work to relieve those who worked the night shift. 

“The blocked roads mean patients in desperate need of higher level of care cannot get it as ambulances cannot get to Mthatha.” 

In emergency cases, the department said it will use aeromedical services to transfer patients.

Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, told reporters that law enforcement is on the ground and that they are getting reinforcement from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to try to bring the situation back to normality.  

“Unfortunately, it has affected a lot of things, including schools and airports — just about everything,” he said. 

Those travelling to, from and through the Mthatha area are urged to either delay their travel time or avoid the town, as law enforcement is busy trying to control the situation.

Meanwhile, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS), five suspects were arrested at about 9am on Monday after shots were fired at Public Order Policing and Mthatha Vispol members. 

“Two suspects sustained injuries while the other three were arrested. Two firearms were also confiscated. A case of attempted murder and possession of firearms is opened for further investigation,” the SAPS statement read.

SAPS said Public Order Policing, the National Intervention Unit and Tactical Response Teams are in Mthatha policing the situation.

Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has since issued a stern warning against those circulating videos and messages that appear to incite unrest. 

“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also illegal. We will take strict action against anyone found to be engaging in activities that threaten the safety and security of the public and the integrity of the election process,” warned Mene. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 14:19

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Read moreMain entry points in Mthatha blocked, affecting essential services

Public warned against sharing videos inciting violence

Location: News

Public warned against sharing videos inciting violence

Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has warned the public that the State will deal decisively with any fear mongers responsible for voice notes and videos calling for a shutdown on social media.

This comes as voice notes and videos were shared on social media seeking to intimidate, incite violence and threaten people’s democratic right to participate in the upcoming elections.

The MEC has assured that public that there will be no shutdown of Mthatha, and has directed the police to track down and bring to justice the man responsible for the video and any other person or persons responsible for similar social media posts.

“The most recent of these social media posts is a brazen video recording by a man, allegedly who calls for a complete shutdown of Mthatha; a stop of elections campaigns in and around Mthatha, less than 48 hours before the elections. The call comes after the police confiscated pistols and assault rifles following the resurgence of taxi violence in the Mthatha, Tsolo and Maclear areas,” the department said on Monday.

Nqatha has termed these acts as selfish, immature and irresponsible actions that seek to undermine the rule of law in this province, and in Mthatha in particular.

“The utterances of the man who recorded the video in particular are an insult to the sacrifices of many of our liberation struggle heroes and heroines. He is virtually spitting in the faces of all our anti-apartheid heroes and heroines, many of whom have sacrificed with their lives for this right to vote and the right for freedom of movement that we now want to take away from our people.

"We can never allow any person to do that on our watch, for that will be a betrayal of this freedom that we now enjoy, and the sacrifices of those who fought so hard for it,” the MEC said.

He said his department is working closely with the police to end the taxi violence in the province. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 13:14

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Achievements and challenges: President reflects on sixth administration

Location: News

Achievements and challenges: President reflects on sixth administration

As the term of the sixth administration draws to a close, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reflected on the achievements and challenges faced by government during this five year period.

South Africans are expected head to the polls in the National and Provincial Elections this week to elect leaders for the seventh administration.

In an address to the nation on Sunday, the President said that at the start of his term in office in 2019, South Africa “stood at a turning point”.

“We had endured a decade of corruption and state capture, of weak economic growth and the erosion of our public institutions. Today, we have put that era behind us. We have placed South Africa on a new trajectory of recovery and laid a strong foundation for future growth.

“We have taken significant steps to reform our economy by implementing a number of reforms that affect various sectors of the economy. In tackling crime and corruption, we have introduced a number of initiatives and measures to reposition our criminal justice system.

“We have faced many challenges along the way, which have tested our resilience and our resolve. Yet, in each instance, we have confronted these challenges together. We have remained united. We have worked in partnership and in solidarity,” the President said.

State Capture and corruption

President Ramaphosa said that the nation brought state capture to an end.

“We dislodged the criminal networks that had stolen billions from our people, that had eroded our public institutions and that had undermined the rule of law. Together, we worked to rebuild our law enforcement agencies, our security services, our state-owned companies and a number of other public bodies.

“Through the work of institutions like the NPA’s [National Prosecuting Authority] Investigating Directorate, the Hawks and the SIU, several state capture and corruption cases have been brought to court and billions of Rands in stolen funds have been recovered,” he said.

To further strengthen the work of the NPA, President Ramaphosa has now signed into law the establishment of the NPA’s Investigating Directorate against Corruption as a permanent entity.

“There is still much that we need to do to end corruption. However, as a country, we have sent a clear message to the corrupt that they can no longer expect to get away with their crimes with impunity and without consequence,” President Ramaphosa said.

COVID-19 pandemic

The President remarked that the COVID-19 pandemic, which swept across the world and pushed economies to their limits, was one of the defining moments of the last five years.

More than 100 000 South Africans died during the pandemic with some two million jobs lost.

“We introduced a massive package of social and economic support to protect vulnerable businesses, workers and households from the destructive effects of the pandemic. More than 5.7 million workers received wage support through the special UIF scheme.

“Through the introduction of the special SRD [Social Relief of Distress] grant, we provided relief to more than 11 million unemployed people at the height of the pandemic.

“Working together, we succeeded in administering more than 39 million COVID-19 vaccine doses. Even during the worst moments of the pandemic, we endured and we overcame. This is how we are as South Africans. We confront even the greatest of challenges with determination and courage,” the President said.

Rebuilding the economy

President Ramaphosa said rebuilding the economy following the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic has been characterised by South Africans coming together “in social partnerships to drive investment, to build infrastructure and to remove the obstacles to inclusive growth”.

He highlighted that as a result, the economy has now returned to levels seen before the pandemic and “we have recovered the jobs lost to the pandemic”.

“Together, we supported Eskom’s efforts to improve the performance of its power stations. We enabled investment in new electricity generation capacity on a scale that is unprecedented in our history.

“Working with financial institutions, development agencies, business and professional associations, we revitalised investment in infrastructure. The value of projects currently in construction is over R230 billion, including energy, water infrastructure and rural roads projects.

“Together, we mobilised more than R1.5 trillion in new investment commitments. This has led to the opening of new factories, mines, data centres and production lines.

“Working with private sector partners, we established the Youth Employment Service, which has created over 144 000 work experiences for young people. We have worked across government and with NGOs to implement the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has created more than 1.9 million work and livelihood opportunities for unemployed South Africans,” he said.

Into the future

The President emphasised that the sixth administration and all of the work it has done is a springboard for building a better future.

“The last five years have been a time of rebuilding and recovery. It has been about working together not only to meet the challenges of the moment, but to put in place firm foundations for a better future.

“As this sixth administration draws to a close, and as we prepare for the seventh administration, let us build on the progress that we have made. At this moment in our path to renewal, we cannot afford to turn back. There is more work to be done,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 05/26/2024 - 19:50

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South Africa welcomes ICJ ruling on Israel action in Rafah

Location: News

South Africa welcomes ICJ ruling on Israel action in Rafah

South Africa has welcomed the order handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday by 13 votes to 2, ordering Israel to immediately halt its military operation.

According to the Presidency, the court ordered Israel to halt any other actions in Rafah “which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part”.

“The court further ordered Israel to maintain open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance and to take effective measures to ensure the unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission or other investigative body mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide.

“In terms of the court order, Israel has to submit a report to the court on all measures taken to give effect to this order within one month,” said the Presidency in a statement.

Earlier this month, South Africa had approached the ICJ seeking an order – according to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) – “for the protection of the Palestinian people in Gaza from grave and irreparable violations of their rights under the Genocide Convention, as a result of Israel’s ongoing military assault on Rafah”.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated on 7 October 2023 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel and Israel’s retaliatory bombardment on Palestine – particularly in Gaza.

By 24 May at least Palestinians had been killed and at least 80 000 injured, 1.7 million have been displaced, often multiple times, with 900 000 displaced in the last two weeks alone.

The Presidency said Palestinians continue to die of starvation, many of them children, and hundreds of thousands are at imminent threat of death because a deliberate decision has been taken by Israel to starve Palestinians by denying them food.

“The court, whose powers are tied to the provisions of the Genocide Convention and cannot be exercised against ‘mere’ war crimes or human rights violations, has done what it considers it can do to ensure the survival of the Palestinian people in Gaza as a group and their protection from further harm.

“South Africa remains concerned that the United Nations Security Council has so far not succeeded in stopping the human suffering,” said the Presidency.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa called on all State Parties to observe the prescripts of international law, which obliged them to reconsider their relations with Israel following the court findings.

“Under international law, Israel is obliged to implement the court’s order, as well as the previous orders of 26 January (as reaffirmed by the court on 16 February) and 28 March. Similarly under international law, the prohibition on genocide is a peremptory norm from which no derogation is permitted, for any reason whatsoever.”

Furthermore, the President expressed South Africa’s “grave concern” for relief efforts unable to reach Gaza.

“We are gravely concerned that Israel has restricted necessary levels of aid from entering Gaza and has systematically targeted aid and aid infrastructure within Gaza.

“This case is thus focused on the ordinary Palestinians in Gaza who are now facing their seventh month of suffering through collective punishment for something for which they have no individual responsibility,” President Ramaphosa said.

Meanwhile, Director General DIRCO, Zane Dangor said South Africa welcomed the “ground breaking” court ruling which he added is a “de facto calling for a ceasefire” in the area.

“This order is ground breaking as it is the first time that explicit mention is made for Israel to halt its military action in any area of Gaza, this time specifically in Rafah. While legally the court cannot use the term ceasefire…this is de facto calling for a ceasefire. It is ordering the major party in this conflict to end its belligerent action against the people of Palestine.

“This is a ground breaking decision by the court. The court has also ordered Israel to ensure that it allows access to investigators appointed by competent orders of the UN [United Nations] to investigate actions that would be tantamount to genocide in the whole of Gaza.

“This is important because it allows for independent researchers to go into areas that journalists have been prohibited from, in fact journalists have been killed. It allows those of us engaging in the legal action to have independent verified UN experts doing a lot of the investigations.

“We hope that the UN Security Council takes note of this. We will be approaching the UN Security Council with this order so that they can effect this part of it,” Dangor said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 05/26/2024 - 12:43

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Read moreSouth Africa welcomes ICJ ruling on Israel action in Rafah

Authorities ready to protect citizens’ right to vote during elections

Location: News

Authorities ready to protect citizens' right to vote during elections

Law enforcement agencies are “in charge and in control” as the country heads to the polls this week, says police Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.

Mosikili said this when she addressed the media on the readiness of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) ahead of the National and Provincial Elections to be held on 29 May 2024.

Special votes are expected to be administered by the Electoral Commission (IEC) on Monday and Tuesday, followed by the general elections on Wednesday.

“To all voters, go out there having full confidence that the NatJOINTS’ plan is on track to protect your rights and our democracy. We are in charge, we are in control. As law enforcement agencies, we will ensure your safety throughout this period,” she said.

The Lieutenant General acknowledged that the task of ensuring a safe election period was challenging but assured citizens that past experience will augur well for this week.

“The task at hand is immense but through past experiences of ensuring safe and secure elections, we are confident that we are ready for this next phase. The road to a safe, secure and peaceful election requires the commitment and effort from all stakeholders, including our communities.

“We are grateful that thus far our communities and South Africans from all walks of life have continued to display responsible conduct and behaviour.

“A reminder to all political parties that political campaigning ends midnight on 28 May 2024, should it continue beyond this period, this would be a transgression and contravention of the Electoral Act,” she said.

Fake news

Mosikili warned citizens, particularly those who use social media, not to engage in the spreading of misinformation and fake news.

“You are all urged to verify facts first before sharing any information which often leads to unnecessary confusion and panic.

“We will not tolerate any incitement of violence on any platform. Our intelligence communities and cybercrime units are closely monitoring online users. We are warned not to step out of line,” she said.

Mosikili reminded police officials to protect the elections within the confines of the law.

“It is more boots on the ground. Our law enforcement agencies are out there deployed to ensure that everyone who will be exercising their democratic right does so in a peaceful, safe and secure environment.

“We once more want to remind our law enforcement agencies to continue to apply fundamental policing principles guided by the Constitution and our laws,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Sun, 05/26/2024 - 14:22

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Read moreAuthorities ready to protect citizens’ right to vote during elections

Voters urged to familiarise themselves with three ballot papers

Location: News

Voters urged to familiarise themselves with three ballot papers

As South Africa holds its seventh democratic elections this week, voters will for the first time receive three ballot papers instead of two ballots.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged voters to carefully review and mark each of these three ballot papers before depositing them into the ballot box.

“Our appeal to voters is to remember that they can only put one mark on each ballot, more than one mark will result in a spoiled vote and not counted.

“The Universal Ballot Template (UBT), whose dimensions are benchmarked against the longest ballot paper will be available in all voting stations. The UBT can be used by blind and partially sighted people, low-vision users, people who are dyslexic, and people with motor and neuron conditions which do not allow for a steady hand,” IEC Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sy Mamabolo said.

South Africans will go to the polls on 29 May 2024 to vote for leaders in government for the seventh administration.

The 27.79 million registered voters will receive three ballot papers to elect candidates to represent them in the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures.

The use of the three ballots follows the amendment of the Electoral Act, which was signed into law in April 2023.

“This amendment revised the electoral system to allow independent candidates to contest in the regional (province-to-national) tier of the National Assembly and the Provincial Legislatures.

“Although the phenomenon of three ballots will be familiar to voters in various local municipalities, it will be new to voters in metropolitan areas and for the first time in general elections for national and provinces,” Mamabolo said.

WATCH I Three ballots explained

The three ballot papers are as follows:

  • The national ballot: This ballot will consist of a list of political parties vying for seats for 200 seats in the National Assembly. This ballot will be used to vote for political parties. There are currently 52 parties who will be on this ballot and the configuration will be a dual column.
  • The regional or province-to-national ballots: This will have political parties and independent candidates contesting for the seats reserved for each province in the National Assembly. Voters will use this ballot to elect a political party or an independent candidate to represent them in the National Assembly. The number of contestants range from 30 to 44 on regional ballots. The configuration of this ballot is single column.
  • The provincial ballots: This ballot is unique to each province and includes parties and independent candidates competing for seats in each respective provincial legislature. This ballot will allow voters to choose either a political party or an independent candidate to represent them in provincial legislatures. The number of contestants range from 24 to 45 on the provincial legislatures ballots.

The commission said the design of the ballot papers will be underpinned by the following identifiers:

  • Full registered name of the party
  • The photograph of the registered party leader
  • Registered abbreviated name of the party
  • The registered emblem or symbol of the party

In respect of independent candidates, the ballot papers will have:

  • The name of the independent
  • The photograph bearing the face of the independent
  • The word “INDEPENDENT”

There are a total of 400 contested seats in the National Assembly. The proportional representation compensatory 200 seats will be contested by political parties only and there is a dedicated ballot paper for this tier of the National Assembly.

“The remaining regional or province-to-national 200 seats will be contested by independent candidates and political parties. This tier of the National Assembly will also have a dedicated ballot paper. This means that National Assembly elections will be based on two ballot papers (national ballot and the newly introduced regional or province-to-national ballot).

“Therefore, in respect of the elections of the National Assembly voters may elect a preferred party on the national ballot and elect another preferred party or independent on the regional ballot. However, in respect of provincial elections, voters will elect a preferred party or independent candidate on a single provincial ballot,” the CEO said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 14:23

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South Africans will be safe during and after the elections

Location: News

South Africans will be safe during and after the elections

Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, has launched the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Coordination Centre - days ahead of the country's National and Provincial General Elections. 

“The NATJOINTS Coordination Centre (NCC) is born from past experiences learnt, when government formulated a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic… as government we soon realised the importance of reconfiguring the way we would deal with the challenges of the deadly virus, as a collective. The NCC underpins the ‘whole of government’ approach to the country’s security,” said the Minister, speaking at the official opening of the NCC, based at the country’s largest training college of the South African Police Service, situated west of Pretoria.

He said the opening of the NCC also came just days before the country prepares for the National and Provincial Elections, on 29 May 2024.

“So while the timing of the opening may be opportune, establishing a nerve centre of such magnitude, to house the National Joint Operational Intelligence Structures, has been a long time coming.”

The centre serves as a central point of contact for the coordination of information.

“It is here where the reporting of incidents and swift, prompt and coordinated response to any and every eventuality within the mandate of NATJOINTS will unfold.

“We are told that this building that houses the NCC has been renovated and repurposed to meet all needs and purposes. This process has taken four months,” Cele said.

Cele said meetings of the NATJOINTS and the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Directors General as well as the Priority Committees and work streams established by the NATJOINTS will take place in the NCC.

“The building layout not only accommodates the National Joint Operational Centre (NATJOC) but also facilities to accommodate one or more Mission Area Joint Operational Centres, known as MAJOC,” he said.

He said the centre has been fitted with the necessary equipment and machinery as well as technology advancements to ensure all agencies work seamlessly “with agility and in unison against any and every threat that may face the country”.

“The facility is fitted with state-of-the-art data network and communication systems as well as audio visual and advanced technical capabilities. Basically, at all times this facility will ensure that optimal situational awareness is never compromised.

“Such is critical for strategic, operational and tactical decision making and command direction of intelligence structures,” the Minister said.

The NCC will serve as the epicentre for the planning of all major events across the country, including the upcoming elections as well as the Presidential inauguration.

“Once fully operational, including for the coming election operations, the NCC will accommodate representatives from 39 government departments, agencies, state-owned enterprises and private sector stakeholders within the NATJOC,” he said.

Post-elections, the NCC will continue to be utilised on a 24/7 and 365 basis as the main centre for NATJOINTS inter-departmental and inter-governmental activities and operations.

“This will benefit citizens of this country who can be assured that the NATJOINTS remains committed to service and protects law-abiding citizens and all those who live within our borders,” the minister said.

Attending the event, was Police Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Defence Minister Thandi Modise, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu as well as senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 12:03

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Read moreSouth Africans will be safe during and after the elections

President Ramaphosa signs GBV, NPA Bills into law

Location: News

President Ramaphosa signs GBV, NPA Bills into law

As the country marks 30 years of democracy, President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that the aspiration to be a truly free and equal society cannot be achieved as long as criminals steal resources meant to benefit the people and the country’s women and children do not feel safe and free to walk in the streets.

President Ramaphosa said corruption and gender-based violence are two scourges that plague South Africa and corrode the country’s social fabric. 

“Corruption and gender-based violence are affronts to the human dignity that is the inalienable right of every South African. These forms of criminality are holding our country back and preventing us from realising our full potential,” President Ramaphosa said.

He made the remarks at a ceremony to sign into law the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Bill and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Amendment Bill, held at the Union Buildings on Friday. 

The two signed pieces of legislation will form part of government’s efforts to strengthen institutions, develop partnerships and build state capacity. 

The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide will coordinate and provide strategic leadership to the fight against GBV and femicide, and be multi-sectoral, drawing on the expertise of all stakeholders, including civil society, labour and business. 

The establishment of the council was one of the resolutions of the first Presidential Summit on GBVF convened in 2018. 

President Ramaphosa said that since the first summit important progress has been made. This includes the development of a National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence, and the founding of the Women's Economic Assembly, which aims to integrate women-owned enterprises into industry value chains, promote sustainable economic development, and empower women economically, among other things.

Around R21 billion was dedicated over the medium term to the implementation of the six pillars of the NSP, including the economic empowerment of women. 

“We enacted new laws to strengthen the response of the criminal justice system to gender-based violence. We have worked to improve the support provided to survivors of gender-based violence through the establishment of new Thuthuzela Care Centres, new Sexual Offences Courts, and victim-friendly rooms at nearly all police stations across the country.

“Through these efforts, we have seen improvements in conviction rates and in stricter sentencing. While this progress is welcome, our greatest task is to prevent Gender-Based Violence from being perpetrated in the first place…. we want to end, once and for all, the violence that men perpetrate against women,” President Ramaphosa said.

While acknowledging progress made in implementing the NSP for GBVF, President Ramaphosa emphasised the need for the national response to be more coordinated between the different stakeholders. 

“We need a national effort that is more inclusive, more focused, and better resourced. We are confident that this council will provide much of what we need and will further strengthen the national effort to eradicate violence against women and children,” the President said.

On the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill, President Ramaphosa highlighted that great progress has been made since the establishment of the Investigating Directorate within the NPA in the last five years. 

“It has been five years since we established an Investigating Directorate within the NPA to investigate cases of corruption and other serious crimes arising from the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. These are five years in which great progress has been made.

“To date, the Investigating Directorate has taken 39 state capture and corruption cases to court, involving 212 accused persons and 68 accused entities. In the last five years, the NPA has also secured the conviction of almost 700 government officials for corruption,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit has restrained and preserved “state capture assets” to the value of more than R14 billion and over R6 billion has been recovered so far.

The signing into law of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill will establish an Investigating Directorate against corruption as a permanent entity within the NPA.  

The Investigating Directorate against corruption will be a permanent, prosecution-led agency with full criminal investigative powers. 

“This legislation will help to overcome challenges with capacity and expertise within the NPA to investigate and prosecute complex corruption cases. The Investigating Directorate against corruption will be able to recruit and retain specialist skills to deliver on its mandate. 

“Permanent criminal investigators will be appointed, with full police powers. The Investigating Directorate against Corruption will be able to reap the benefits of collaboration with the private sector and other social partners,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He added that efforts are underway as part of the partnership between government and business to create a Digital Evidence Unit specialising in the identification, collection, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence.  

The President called on all stakeholders, including government, business, labour and across civil society to support the effort to make the two new entities a success. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 13:11

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa signs GBV, NPA Bills into law

The Critical Importance of Small Businesses Utilising Proper Contract Lawyers

Location: MyPR

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, driving innovation and providing essential services across all sectors. However, one area where many small businesses falter is in their legal protections, particularly regarding contracts. While downloading contract templates from the internet may seem like a cost-effective solution, it poses significant risks. Caveat Legal, a premier provider …

Read moreThe Critical Importance of Small Businesses Utilising Proper Contract Lawyers

Trailblazer and legal icon, retired Justice Yvonne Mokgoro laid to rest

Location: News

Trailblazer and legal icon, retired Justice Yvonne Mokgoro laid to rest

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the late retired Justice of the Constitutional Court, Yvonne Mokgoro, as “a champion of human rights, an outstanding jurist and an icon of gender justice”.

The President was delivering the eulogy at Mogkoro’s Special Official Funeral Category 1 held at the Bryanston Catholic Church in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Mokgoro died earlier this month following an illustrious legal career which included her appointment as South Africa’s first black female justice of the Constitutional Court in 1994 – a position she held for some 15 years.

“We gather here today to lay to rest a great South African, a champion of human rights, an outstanding jurist and an icon of gender justice.

“Through her life and through her work, Imbokodo Justice Yvonne Mokgoro was a pioneer. In so many respects, her legacy is a tribute to resilience, to principled activism and to steadfastness, no matter how great the obstacle or how difficult the climb,” he said.

Mokgoro’s appointment to the Constitutional Court in democratic South Africa was born out of dedication to the legal service over many years.

She was inspired to join the fraternity by Pan Africanist Congress leader, lawyer and anti-apartheid activist, Robert Sobukwe, who represented her following arrest due to her protesting against ill treatment of young black men by the Apartheid era police in the 1970s.

“Reaching that pinnacle was not a simple progression. It did not come easy. It was the culmination of many years of hard work.

“Her appointment to the Constitutional Court was the product of many years of both formal and self-study to better herself and to advance in her chosen profession. It was the fulfilment of a dream in which she never lost faith, even while working in a host of different jobs, as a nursing assistant, a retail salesperson and as a clerk.

“It was a progression from a successful career as a legal academic when she produced ground-breaking research on customary law. This all at a time when our jurisprudence and case law around this subject were still evolving. It was an achievement that followed decades of building a rigorous and demanding career,” President Ramaphosa said.

According to the President, Mokgoro’s life as a black woman and living under apartheid and then democracy is a reflection of the lives of many black women in South Africa.

“The life of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro was the life of untold numbers of black women in this country under apartheid, who bore the triple burden of race, class and gender. She sought to carve a path for herself at a time when the odds were stacked heavily against women, and against black women in particular.

“And yet she went forth with courage, with determination, and with the humility that was her trademark. It is because she understood these struggles so keenly, because she had experienced them first-hand, that Justice Mokgoro was such a passionate and ardent advocate for gender justice,” he said.

Champion for social justice

This, according to the President, triggered the “humanism and commitment to social justice” that she brought to the bench and even after she retired.

This was reflected in her work in South Africa and abroad.

“Between 2016 and 2020, Justice Mokgoro chaired the [United Nations] Internal Justice Council, which is tasked with ensuring independence, professionalism and accountability in the administration of the justice system of the UN.

“In the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in the United States in 2020, which gave birth to the global Black Lives Matter movement, the UN Human Rights Council set up an Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law-Enforcement. Justice Mokgoro was appointed as its first chair.

“As South Africa we are immensely proud that our jurists are held in such high regard internationally on matters of human rights, racial discrimination and gender justice,” President Ramaphosa said.

Turning to Mokgoro’s family, the President said South Africans “we share in your sorrow”.

“May you be comforted by the knowledge that Justice Mokgoro’s life and works continue to inspire and to guide.

“May we all have her courage. May we all have her resilience. May we all, in reflecting on her legacy, be reminded of our duty to help build a South Africa of true equality, of freedom and of human rights,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 13:39

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Read moreTrailblazer and legal icon, retired Justice Yvonne Mokgoro laid to rest

President to deliver eulogy for late retired ConCourt Justice Mokgoro

Location: News

President to deliver eulogy for late retired ConCourt Justice Mokgoro

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of late retired Constitutional Court Justice Yvonne Mokgoro.

Mokgoro will be buried in a Special Official Funeral Category 1 on Thursday following her passing at the age of 73 earlier this month.

The distinguished legal trailblazer was born in Galeshewe, Kimberley, in the Northern Cape.

She completed her Bachelor of Law Degree (B.luris), the Bachelor of Law (LLB) and Masters of Law (LLM) at the University of Bophuthatswana (now known as the North West University) and was appointed as South Africa’s first black female justice of the Constitutional Court in 1994.

She served for 15 years at the apex court.

“Justice Mokgoro, during her legal career, taught a number of law courses at universities in South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

“She was a member of the International Women's Association (Washington DC), the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the South African Women Lawyers Association. In 2006, she was selected as an icon of the history of Women Lawyers in South Africa,” the Presidency said in a statement.

READ I President mourns passing of retired ConCourt Justice Yvonne Mokgoro 

On Saturday, the Presidency explained that a Special Official Funeral Category 1 bears some distinguishing features, including ceremonial elements by the South African National Defence Force.

“President Ramaphosa has also declared that the national flag be flown at half mast at all flag stations around the country from tomorrow morning, Sunday, 19 May 2024, until the evening of the funeral on Thursday, 23 May 2024,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 09:50

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Read morePresident to deliver eulogy for late retired ConCourt Justice Mokgoro

President Ramaphosa to sign anti-GBV and anti-corruption bills into law

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to sign anti-GBV and anti-corruption bills into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to sign into law the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill and the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill in a ceremony at the Union Buildings on Friday.

According to the Presidency, the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill is a “critical step forward in ensuring the safety and security of women from all walks of life”.

“The establishment of a council dedicated to drive a whole-of-society approach to combat this scourge is fundamental.

“The council will be the statutory body charged with providing strategic leadership in the elimination of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa,” the Presidency said.

Meanwhile, National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill paves way, among others, for the provision of the establishment of the Investigative Directorate against Corruption.

“The Directorate, which will over time incorporate the existing Investigating Directorate, will have investigative capacity with priority given to particularly serious criminal or unlawful conduct committed in serious, high-profile or complex corruption, commercial or financial crime.

“The legislation directs that the Directorate be given the infrastructure and resources needed to perform its functions,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 14:17

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa to sign anti-GBV and anti-corruption bills into law

Government welcomes ICC arrest warrants application

Location: News

Government welcomes ICC arrest warrants application

Government has welcomed the decision by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Kahn KC, on the application for arrest warrants that include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The application for arrest warrants is for the Prime Minister, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and three leaders of Hamas – Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri and Ismail Haniyeh.

This is within the context of the present conflict raging in Gaza.

In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa – which has been a leading proponent for a ceasefire in that conflict – remains committed to “the international rule of law”.

“South Africa is committed to the international rule of law, universal respect for human rights and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation and not war, and the self-determination of all peoples, including the Palestinians.

“We have also consistently held that all participants to the conflict must ensure that fighting and hostilities come to an immediate end, that all hostages must be released immediately, and that Israel immediately withdraws its military forces from Gaza. This is the only way in which the rights of the Palestinian civilian population can be protected and the basis for sustainable peace can be achieved,” President Ramaphosa said.

In a statement on Monday, ICC prosecutor Karim Kahn KC said based on evidence, his office has reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant “bear criminal responsibility for the following war crimes and crimes against humanity”:

  • Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the Statute;
  • Wilfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health contrary to article 8(2)(a)(iii), or cruel treatment as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i);
  • Wilful killing contrary to article 8(2)(a)(i), or Murder as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i);
  • Intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population as a war crime contrary to articles 8(2)(b)(i), or 8(2)(e)(i);
  • Extermination and/or murder contrary to articles 7(1)(b) and 7(1)(a), including in the context of deaths caused by starvation, as a crime against humanity;
  • Persecution as a crime against humanity contrary to article 7(1)(h);
  • Other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity contrary to article 7(1)(k).

On the other hand, Kahn said his office has reasonable grounds to believe that Hamas leaders, Sinwar, Al-Masri and Haniyeh “bear criminal responsibility for the following war crimes and crimes against humanity”:

  • Extermination as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(b) of the Rome Statute;
  • Murder as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(a), and as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i);
  • Taking hostages as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(iii);
  • Rape and other acts of sexual violence as crimes against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(g), and also as war crimes pursuant to article 8(2)(e)(vi) in the context of captivity;
  • Torture as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(f), and also as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i), in the context of captivity;
  • Other inhumane acts as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(l)(k), in the context of captivity;
  • Cruel treatment as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i), in the context of captivity; and
  • Outrages upon personal dignity as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(ii), in the context of captivity.

The Israeli-Hamas conflict has claimed the lives of more than 34 000 Palestinians including women and children.

Conflict in the region escalated on October 7 last year when a Hamas led attack killed more than 1000 people in Israel.

Recently, South Africa returned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek an urgent order from the court for the protection of Palestinian people in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military assault on Rafah.

READ | South Africa seeks additional provisional measures in Gaza

The urgent application filed earlier this month follows the escalation of Israel’s assault on Rafah, which poses an extreme risk to humanitarian supplies, basic services into Gaza, the survival of the Palestinian medical system, and the survival of Palestinians in Gaza as a group.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:21

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