Children’s book on Palestine occupation pulled from Exclusive Books’ shelves
“It is sad when a book like this gets pulled from the biggest retailer in the country”
Palestine
Lamola condemns murder of children burnt to death in Soshanguve
Lamola condemns murder of children burnt to death in Soshanguve
Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola has condemned the brutal killing of two children in Soshanguve, Gauteng.
The two children, aged four and seven, died when the shack they were in was set alight by gunmen, who were allegedly after their father.
The suspects had allegedly already shot six other people at a shebeen in the same area, killing two.
“It is unconscionable that such horrific indent occurs during a period when our country is commemorating Child Protection Week.
“It highlights the urgent need for swift action from law enforcement to bring perpetrators to book. The full might of the law must be demonstrated to ensure justice for the victims and their families,” Lamola said.
Police have subsequently launched a manhunt for the alleged killers.
Lamola also condemned the killing of family members in Glenmore, KwaZulu-Natal, allegedly related to their support of Palestine.
“This senseless act of violence, which resulted in the death of a woman and the attempted murder of her husband and son, is a blatant attack on South Africa’s Constitutionally-guaranteed rights to freedom of association, expression and political choice.
“We call for a thorough investigation and prosecution to ensure that justice is served,” Lamola said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 12:04
534 views
SA condemns the unlawful targeting of refugee camps in Rafah
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
4 views
South Africa welcomes ICJ ruling on Israel action in Rafah
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
310 views
Thousands march in Cape Town in support of ICJ order against Israel
Case to stop Israeli attack on Rafah was brought by South African government
UCT students set up camp in solidarity with Palestinians
A white sheet with hundreds of names of those killed in Palestine since October was draped down the Sarah Baartman Hall steps
South Africa seeks additional provisional measures in Gaza
South Africa seeks additional provisional measures in Gaza
South Africa has 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.
The urgent application filed on Friday 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.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa contends that the attack on Rafah further worsens the prevailing situation and causes irreparable harm to the rights of Palestinians in Gaza, and that the situation has changed significantly since the Court’s order of 28 March 2024.
Rafah is home to 1.5 million Palestinians, and it is the last refuge in Gaza for those displaced by Israeli action. It is the last viable centre for public administration and the provision of basic public services, including medical care.
“Since the start of the military action in Rafah, Israel has seized control of both the Rafah and Kerem Shalom (Karem Abu Salem) crossings, effectively controlling all movement in and out of Gaza, and cutting off all critical humanitarian and medical supplies, goods and fuel.
“Israel has further prevented medical evacuations and has treated evacuation zones as extermination zones, as evidenced with the destruction of hospitals in Gaza and discovery of mass graves in other major health care facilities in the Strip,” President Ramaphosa said.
South Africa has called for urgent interventions and investigations of all actions that continue to cause irreparable prejudice to the rights of Palestinians, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for targeted killings.
South Africa called on the State of Israel to immediately withdraw and cease its military offensive in the Rafah Governorate, and take all effective measures to ensure and facilitate the unimpeded access to Gaza of United Nations and other officials engaged in the provision of humanitarian aid and assistance to the population of Gaza.
The country also called for fact-finding missions by internationally mandated bodies or officials, investigators and journalists in order to assess and record conditions on the ground in Gaza and enable the effective preservation and retention of evidence and shall ensure that its military does not act to prevent such access, provision, preservation or retention.
“The State of Israel shall submit an open report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to these provisional measures within one week as from the date of this Order; and on all measures taken to give effect to all previous provisional measures indicated by the Court within one month as from the date of this Order,” the President said.
South Africa also requested that the Court reaffirm and seek urgent compliance by Israel with the provisional measures ordered by the Court on 26 January and 28 March 2024.
“South Africa remains firmly of the view that the necessary condition for the effective implementation of the Court’s provisional measures is a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We call on the international community, including the allies of the State of Israel, not to turn a blind eye to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“The gross human rights violations perpetuated by Israel have scaled to incomprehensible levels of cruelty, hate and extreme violent oppression. The world must do more to end the persecution of Palestinians, including that of many innocent women and children,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa is deeply heartened by the protest actions of university students in the United States and other parts of the world.
READ | Pandor reiterates stance on Israel
“We are also greatly encouraged by the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly draft resolution that recommends to the Security Council to reconsider favourably the application by the State of Palestine for full membership of the United Nations.
“The support of this resolution shown by 143 countries is a further demonstration that the world is listening to the cries of the Palestinians,” Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 10:12
760 views
“Dismay” at Stellenbosch senate’s rejection of call for Gaza ceasefire
Meanwhile Nelson Mandela University senate supported a call for a ceasefire in Gaza earlier this week, and effectively an academic boycott of Israel
Protesters demand Wits take public stand on Gaza
Calls for “academic boycott of apartheid Israel”
Pandor condemns killing and silencing of journalists in Palestine
Pandor condemns killing and silencing of journalists in Palestine
The capacity of journalists to report on events in real-time is crucial, and intimidating or killing members of the media must not be permitted to persist without consequences.
This is according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who spoke at the second Shireen Abu Akleh Memorial Lecture at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Wednesday.
Abu Akleh was a prominent Palestinian-American journalist, who worked as a reporter for Al Jazeera. She was killed by an Israeli soldier while wearing a blue press vest and covering a raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The lecture, organised by the Faculty of Humanities at UJ, centred on the role of academic institutions during periods of genocide.
WATCH |
Pandor said the lecture occurs against a “troubling” backdrop of an evident decline in media freedom.
She is of the view that academics and institutions must allocate more time to address the decline and the escalating threat to free expression.
“In the past, journalists knew they would enjoy robust and active protection from fearless colleagues, who would risk their lives to protect them. The decline we are witnessing cannot simply be explained away by citing wireless, social media or other technologies.”
This week marks two years since the assassination of Abu Akleh, who Pandor described as a beloved veteran journalist, who dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice and truth.
“To date, no one has been held accountable for her death despite the global outrage, and there has been no reported progress in the investigation at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and silence with regards to any other investigation,” the Minister said.
She cited the United Nations (UN) Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which “concluded on reasonable grounds that Israeli forces used lethal force without justification under international human rights law” when they shot and killed the journalist, violating her right to life.
Pandor bemoaned the situation for journalists in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which she said has become increasingly grave over the past seven months.
She cited Committee to Protect Journalists data which revealed that as of 23 April this year, at least 97 journalists and media workers are among the 35 000 that have been killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023.
Pandor is of the view that the targeting of journalists in the Occupied Territories is part of a pattern of silencing the free press and is an outright contravention of international law.
“International human rights law obligates an occupying power to allow for freedom of expression and protests. The ability of journalists to cover events as they take place is essential, and efforts to intimidate and assassinate members of the media should not be allowed to continue with impunity.”
International human rights law, Pandor said, obligates an occupying power to allow for freedom of expression and protests.
“If Shireen were alive today, she would have been in the trenches in Gaza, reporting day and night on the atrocities taking place in the hopes that the world would take notice and show their solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
Pandor believes that Abu Akleh would have been devastated by the destruction of civilian life in Gaza and the global tolerance of the unending suffering of the Palestinian people, many of whom have died agonising deaths trapped under rubble.
“She would have been reporting on the immense suffering of survivors in Gaza, who are now battling unprecedented hunger and starvation, as well as continuous military assaults by the Occupying Forces.”
Despite the International Court of Justice ruling, the Minister said the Israeli state has continued its murderous assault on the people of Gaza with impunity, killing more civilians, injuring thousands, the continued bombing of homes and other buildings and infrastructure, affecting every possible avenue of life of the residents of Gaza.
“The lack of accountability by Israel is increasingly clear.”
Crimes against humanity
The Minister said the evidence of the mass killings of civilians points to the perpetration of war crimes, crimes against humanity.
International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians and non-combatants, underlining the need to protect human life during times of war, Pandor said.
She stressed that South Africa continues to call on the ICC to prosecute these war crimes and to issue arrest warrants for those leaders in Israel who have ordered and presided over these crimes.
“The slowness to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these war crimes necessitates greater mobilisation among the youth and civil society around the globe to ensure that justice for the Palestinians is realised.
“It is time for collective action and for us to champion the call for the implementation of UN resolutions and rulings of the world’s highest court. We owe this to the people of Palestine and the memory of Shireen Abu Akleh,” Pandor said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 11:09
731 views
President Ramaphosa calls for end to farm evictions
Thousands participate in Cape Town Workers’ Day rally
SA reacts to discovery of mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Gaza
SA reacts to discovery of mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Gaza
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has reacted to the recent discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of 202 Palestinian civilians at Nasser Hospital in Gaza.
“South Africa is appalled by the recent grim discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of 202 Palestinian civilians at Nasser Hospital in Gaza," the department said in a statement.
This follows the reported discovery of mass graves at Al-Shifa Hospital on Sunday, 21 April 2024.
According to reports, Palestinian officials claim they exhumed over 200 bodies at Nasser, some with their hands tied.
“These grim findings call for immediate and comprehensive investigations to ensure justice and accountability,” the department’s statement read.
The department is of the view that Israel continues to disregard the rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and United Nations (UN) resolutions amid the unrelenting bombardment of Gaza.
South Africa approached the ICJ in March, which granted the country's urgent request for further provisional measures to prevent Israel from causing irreparable harm to the rights invoked by South Africa under the 1948 Genocide Convention in respect of the ongoing siege of Gaza.
“The court was unambiguous when it agreed with South Africa’s assertion that the situation in Gaza had deteriorated significantly since the court’s order of 26 January 2024 as a result of Israel’s failure and responsibility to comply with the court’s rulings,” the statement read.
The department said it concurs with the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Tlaleng Mofokeng, who has aptly stated that Israel’s war in Gaza has from the start been a “war on the right to health” and has “obliterated” the Palestinian territory’s health system.
“The lack of accountability by Israel is increasingly clear,” the department added.
DIRCO further agreed with the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese.
Albanese recently highlighted that the continuation of Israel’s impunity and exceptionalism is no longer viable, especially in light of the binding UN Security Council Resolution 2728, which called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“In this respect, we call on the international community to act to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure accountability for the victims and their families," Albanese said.
Meanwhile, the department said it noted that the evidence of mass killings of civilians points to the perpetration of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
These include murder and extermination, and genocide, as defined in Articles 6, 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, as well as violations of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, as well as Customary International Humanitarian Law.
The department also cited International Humanitarian Law, which prohibits attacks on civilians and non-combatants, underlining the need to protect human life during times of war.
“The International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction over the situation in Palestine. We, therefore, call on the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC to urgently lead a thorough and impartial investigation into a matter that complies with international legal standards, to establish the facts and 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.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:19
311 views
Pandor reiterates stance on Israel
Pandor reiterates stance on Israel
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says South Africa cannot have "normal relations" with Israel, as long as it is committing war crimes and genocide against Palestinians, removing them from their land, and is unwilling to negotiate a viable peace plan without preconditions.
“South Africa cannot be a party to Israel’s actions that would see the promise of Palestinian Statehood reduced to balkanised entities, devoid of true sovereignty, without territorial contiguity and with no economic viability,” Pandor said on Monday while delivering a lecture at the Rio Branco Institute in Brasilia, Brazil.
The South African government, according to Pandor, has consistently expressed its concern at the plight of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially in light of the acts meeting the threshold of genocide.
READ | SA welcomes resolution on human rights situation in occupied Palestinian territory
Pandor said the “question of Palestine”, as it is known in the United Nations (UN), is the longest unresolved human rights challenge on the UN’s agenda.
“It is primarily a question about the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. This is a right that, according to international law, gives Palestinians the right to resist the illegal occupation of their land.”
She said South Africa concurs with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s remarks that opposition to a two-State solution was “unacceptable".
The Minister believes that the Palestinian people are part of an existing sovereign State and have a claim to their independent sovereignty based on their right to self-determination.
“The fact of colonisation creates this right – they have been conquered and subjected to the jurisdiction of a foreign State without their consent and are living under occupation by a foreign and oppressive occupier.
"This is the form of self-determination that is most widely accepted and which most clearly provides the right to one’s independent State,” she explained.
Pandor said it was now more than 74 years since the UN General Assembly approved Resolution 181 (II) recognising the partitioning of Palestine and proposed establishing two independent States, which were supposed to coexist in peace and harmony.
“Despite the length of time and efforts brought to bear, the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State is yet to become a reality.
“The most serious violation of human rights has involved the denial of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. This is a right enshrined in the UN Charter,” she stressed.
Pandor raised concerns about the political solution, which is "not yet in sight".
“The relentless military operations by Israel and its genocidal acts have aggravated the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“The extreme nature of the crisis in Gaza must not eclipse the fact that the West Bank and East Jerusalem are in turmoil. Since the 1993 Oslo Accords, the number of illegal Israeli settlers occupying Palestinian land has increased from 269 200 at that time to 700 000 today.”
Meanwhile, the number of Palestinians held in Israeli jails has almost doubled to over 7 000, including 200 women and children as young as 12 years old.
According to the Minister, the conflict has seen the killing of over 33 000 Palestinians since October 2023.
The ongoing bombardment of Gaza by Israel has resulted in more civilian casualties, almost half of which are children, the Minister told her audience.
She also raised an alarm about the threat of famine, which is imminent with disastrous consequences.
“Those engaged in active warfare must be reminded that the targeting of civilians, humanitarian workers, journalists and UN personnel, destruction of houses and other civilian infrastructure is illegal under international law.”
Pandor is of the view that South Africa made a compelling case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In January this year, the ICJ ruled that Israel’s actions in Gaza are plausibly genocidal and indicated provisional measures on that basis.
READ | SA stands by decision to file lawsuit against Israel
She also took a swipe at the veto power wielded by individual States, which she said she believes cannot be permitted to thwart international justice in light of the ever-worsening situation in Gaza.
South Africa, Pandor said, is gravely concerned about the unprecedented imminent military offensive against Rafah, which she said would result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction.
“South Africa reiterates its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and remains committed to seeing an end to the occupation of Palestine and calls for concrete action concerning ending the Apartheid system in Israel and Palestine.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/23/2024 - 10:38
651 views
Cabinet welcomes UNHRC resolution on Israel
Cabinet welcomes UNHRC resolution on Israel
Cabinet has described a resolution taken by the United Nations Human Rights Council calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza as “historic”.
The council also voted on other resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and demanding that Israel “immediately lift its blockade on the Gaza Strip and all other forms of collective punishment” on the people of Gaza.
Conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated since Hamas launched an attack on that country in October last year which killed at least 1200 people.
Some 32 000 people have died in Palestine as a result of Israel’s ongoing retaliation.
“Cabinet welcomes the UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza. The resolution further called upon all States to cease the sale, transfer and diversion of arms, munitions and other military equipment to Israel.
“The adoption of this resolution is historic as it is the very first time that the Human Rights Council has taken action on the unprecedented human tragedy taking place in Gaza, where at least 32 975 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 14 500 children, since Israel launched its onslaught over 180 days ago,” Cabinet said in a statement on Monday. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 04/22/2024 - 15:28
282 views
Pandor welcomes Egypt into family of BRICS nations
Pandor welcomes Egypt into family of BRICS nations
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has welcomed Egypt into the family of BRICS nations.
“This development further enhances the role the South plays in global matters,” she said on Friday.
The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies – Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia – has admitted four new members. These include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Pandor was speaking in Pretoria where she was co-chairing the 10th Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) with her counterpart, Egypt Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry.
Meanwhile, Pandor said South Africa and Egypt need to exponentially increase trade and investment.
“In this regard, partnerships between our private sectors and Sstate-owned entities are crucial. This also entails the need to formally establish and launch a Business Council,” she said.
The Minister announced on Friday that a decision on the Business Council has been taken and once operational, this structure will go a long way in coordinating and galvanising trade and investment opportunities.
She also asked her counterpart to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which will facilitate easier trade.
“As an important blueprint and contributor to integration, the AfCFTA lessens the barriers towards trade, promotes preferential trade and provides an enabling framework, which will be mutually beneficial to both our two countries and the continent in general.”
She stated that long bonds of friendship, solidarity and collaboration underpin their relationship.
Pandor also paid tribute to Egypt for supporting the country’s anti-apartheid movement, which eventually led to the demise of the old order and the creation of a democratic and free South Africa.
Pandor believes that the depth and impact of the bilateral relationship is very important. “The Cape to Cairo nexus should not only be one of our guiding lights but should highlight the importance of regional integration.”
JCC
Meanwhile, Pandor said the framework provided by the JCC entails that the constituent committees cover a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation.
These include trade and investment, agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure development, water resources management, health, financial services, tourism, transport, information technology, communications, women and people with disabilities, judicial matters, sport, arts and culture, people-to-people links and consular issues.
She also announced that several Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be concluded during the session.
Conflict
She highlighted several conflicts and wars that have erupted and called on the international community to be vigilant and redouble its efforts to promote peace, stability and development.
“The United Nations, our premier guarantor of global order as enshrined in its charter, and the regional organisations should remain seized and be decisive in addressing these matters.”
However, Pandor said the world was witnessing an attack on the global system of multilateralism and its institutions of governance.
“The world is seeing the rise of unilateralism and impunity that threatens to erode the very foundations of multilateralism, international law and the creation of a just and equitable world.”
South Africa, she said, is deeply concerned about the unfolding tragedy that has befallen the people of Palestine.
“The catastrophe that is happening before our eyes in the Gaza Strip, with the destruction carried out by the occupying state of Israel, and the humanitarian disaster therein, is a collective blemish on the moral conscience of the world.”
She also spoke about the unresolved plight of the Saharawi people.
“Silencing the Guns on our continent is a pressing challenge that the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities should continue to address.”
She reiterated South Africa’s position, which views dialogue, mediation and negotiations as vital for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“In this regard, it is important not to further delay the reforms needed to transform the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Security Council, and for it to reflect the realities of today. In this endeavour, although North-South collaboration remains important, the Global South should remain united in ensuring that its voice is resoundingly clear.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 15:32
83 views
Last interfaith service for Dean of the People’s Church
Michael Weeder, who has spoken out against Israel’s bombardment of Palestine, retires as Dean of St George’s Cathedral
Well wishes for Muslim communities
Well wishes for Muslim communities
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his well wishes for a blessed Eid ul Fitr to Muslim communities around South Africa.
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadaan observed by Muslim people around the world.
“The holy month of Ramadan encompasses spirituality, personal introspection and good deeds that contribute to the wellbeing of Muslims and people other faiths alike. At a time when there is so much wrong with the world, at a time when human suffering, hardship and injustice is laid bare, the spirit of Ramadan inspires us all.
“May today be a joyous celebration that will sustain the faithful for another year of devotion and social upliftment,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement on Thursday.
At the beginning of the holy month of Ramadaan in March, President Ramaphosa paid homage to Muslims across the world facing challenging times.
“We remember that for millions of people, Ramadaan is being observed under conditions of conflict, war, displacement and oppression. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the peoples of Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Western Sahara, Mali and others - for whom this holy month is a time of great hardship and suffering,” President Ramaphosa said at the time. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 04/11/2024 - 09:13
287 views
Elections 2024: What the major political parties say about Israel, Russia and the DRC
We sent questions questions on foreign policy to the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, PA, MK Party and RISE Mzansi
Minister Naledi Pandor to Address Eid prayer in Johannesburg
Tuesday 9 April 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa: Minister Naledi Pandor, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, to Address Eid Prayers, Affirming Stance Against Genocide and Occupation of Palestine Minister Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and renowned for her unwavering commitment to justice and human rights, will address Eid prayers for …
International messages of support on launch of Freedom Month
International messages of support on launch of Freedom Month
Several international nations have joined a chorus of voices in commemorating and congratulating South Africa as the country celebrates 30 years of freedom this year.
The launch of Freedom Month was held at Freedom Park on Tuesday morning in Pretoria with much fanfare, including the unveiling of the 30 Years of Freedom logo.
Delivering her message of support during the programme, High Commissioner of Zambia to South Africa, Mazuba Bernadine Monze, encouraged South Africans to remember and speak of the historical ties that the two countries share.
During the fight for liberation, Zambia was a sanctuary for safety for anti-apartheid freedom fighters, including Oliver Tambo and former President Thabo Mbeki.
“This celebration is truly Zambia’s celebration. I bring a message that is succinct and clear to the peoples of South Africa [that] across the Limpopo lies a land that has and will continue to stand firm in solidarity and brotherhood, and that land is called Zambia. To those of you who know the story, share it. Tell it to the generations and even those that are yet to come about our deep historical ties that bind us together as countries.
“The role of Zambia in South Africa’s liberation struggle… during the dark period of apartheid in South Africa, emerged as a beacon of hope and a steadfast supporter of the liberation struggle. Please allow me to congratulate [South Africa] on this auspicious occasion and wish… the people of this great nation a happy 30th anniversary of your freedom,” Monze said.
Ambassador Enrique Orta González of Cuba praised South Africa as a “symbol of solidarity and the struggle justice” for the downtrodden peoples of the world.
The nation of Cuba contributed to the fight against apartheid by offering training, medical care and study for struggle heroes in the 1960s.
“Today, on the eve of the 30 years of democracy in this beautiful country, we can affirm that South Africa has become a symbol of solidarity and struggle for justice. We are glad to see today an apartheid free, independent, sovereign South Africa in solidarity with the people fighting for the just causes of the world – supporting Palestine, Western Sahara, Venezuela and Cuba.
“Three decades after the defeat of apartheid, South Africa has risen as an example of the global South on how a society can leave hate and discrimination behind in order to be a better country, in order to become a true symbol of reconciliation, and give voice to those who stay in silence for many years.
“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the South African government and people on the 30th anniversary of democracy. On behalf of the government and people of Cuba, our sincerest wish is for prosperity, well being and happiness for our dear sister, the Republic of South Africa,” González said.
The High Commissioner of Lesotho, Ntsime Jafeta, noted that South Africa “defied all odds” by achieving democracy in the face of the brutal apartheid regime.
“On behalf of the government of the Kingdom of Lesotho… I wish to extend our sincere greetings and best wishes as you celebrate Freedom Month. We note with great joy and satisfaction the fact that this year’s commemoration coincides with the Lesotho bicentennial celebration to mark 200 years since the formation of the Basotho nation by King Moshoeshoe I in 1824.
“Despite your vulnerability and pressure from the apartheid regime, you defied all odds. You stood firmly on the side of freedom, peace and democracy. Let us… celebrate the gains brought by the struggles of our forebears, and ensure that sweat and blood nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of peace, democracy and justice to make the world a better place,” Jafeta said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/09/2024 - 13:55
362 views
Palestinian supporters march to Parliament
The protest marked Al-Quds Day, an international day to oppose the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory
Criminal complaint lodged against Benjamin Rattle, a South African serving in the Israeli military
Rattle’s social media posts appear to show him standing in front of destroyed buildings and rubble in Gaza
Heightened police visibility this Easter weekend
Heightened police visibility this Easter weekend
Law enforcement and border security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all this Easter holiday period, Cabinet said on Thursday.
“There will be heightened police visibility across the country aimed at preventing, combating and at the same time, countering serious and violent crime during the holiday period and beyond,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
Ntshavheni addressed the media on Thursday the outcomes of the last official Cabinet meeting of the sixth administration held yesterday.
She also took the time to extend Cabinet’s best wishes to the Christian and Jewish communities as they observe the religious Easter and Passover holidays this weekend.
“During this time, many South Africans will travel around the country to visit their families and friends, resulting in increased traffic volumes,” said Ntshavheni.
She used the platform to appeal to those travelling during this holiday period to exercise caution on the road, adhere to traffic rules, and respect other road users.
“Law enforcement has adopted a zero tolerance for road users who drive recklessly and are negligent and those who use excessive speeds.”
She also reminded parents and caregivers to always be aware of their children’s whereabouts and ensure that their children are only left with responsible adults.
The Minister also advised them to be extra vigilant while supervising children around swimming pools or anywhere near water.
Shifting her focus to border security management, she said the Executive further welcomed the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) efforts to increase security control measures and reducing congestion.
She also announced that the BMA would extend the operating hours at critical ports of entry and deploy an additional 400 border guards to deal with the expected increase of travellers this Easter weekend.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) are supporting this Easter operational plan.
The Executive applauded the work of the BMA, which will on 1 April 2024, mark one year since it was established.
The agency has intercepted over 270 000 people who tried to enter South Africa illegally and helped curb illegal migration, human smuggling, trafficking and cross-border crime.
Gaza conflict
Cabinet has also welcomed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the Holy month of Ramadan and the unconditional release of all hostages.
The resolution also notes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance.
“This resolution is the affirmation of the correctness of South Africa’s position on the need to prevent genocide and the violation of human rights of the people of Palestine and the release of hostages by Hamas.”
According to the Minister, she said these resolutions are binding and that the UNSC should ensure compliance.
“Therefore, adoption of this resolution is a critical step to also enable the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza area,” she said.
READ | President welcomes UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, corruption, and municipality officials arrested for corruption were some of the issues discussed by Cabinet.
30 Years of Freedom
Meanwhile, on 5 April 2024, South Africa will launch the 30 Years of Freedom commemoration which also coincides with Freedom Month in April.
“The occasion forever reverberates in the history of our nation as a month that gave birth to our freedom and constitutional democracy. The commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable journey we have traversed to create a vibrant democracy where the lives of all people are valued and people treated with respect,” said the Minister.
Other matters
Meanwhile, Cabinet said the signing of the agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe to transfer treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, will alleviate water supply challenges in Musina.
“There will be further socio-economic benefits from the construction of a 20km pipeline and pump stations to transfer this 41 mega litres of water per/day to ensure Musina has sufficient water supply for the medium term.”
In addition, she said South Africa aims to promote industrialisation, competition, and job creation through seven master plans in different sectors.
The seven master plans are being implemented through the deployment of industrial policy tools, to develop capacity, increase investment and localisation, expand exports, and preserve and grow jobs.
In addition, she stated that Cabinet received an update on progress towards digital migration, with the final analogue switch set for December 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:55
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Beating a thousand drums for Palestine
This year’s Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival focused on the war in Gaza