South Africa will continue to use its big mouth and lead from the front to advocate for the rights of those who are oppressed and discriminated against around the world.
Addressing the Cape Town Press Club on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected the suggestion that the country’s foreign policy and human rights stance was inconsistent, while also defending its stance on the Israeli war against Palestinians.
“Small as we are, some people have accused us and said we have a big mouth, and yes, we have a big mouth when it comes to issues of human rights, and we will not be silenced. We will continue to use the big mouth we have, as long as we believe the violation of human rights of peoples around the world should not be the order of the day,” he said.
Ramaphosa addressed the elite club about media freedom and later fielded questions from journalists and members of the club.
Cape Town resident Sue Clague accused Ramaphosa’s government of not only supporting Hamas but congratulating the organisation for its October 7 attack on Israel.
She also complained that as Jewish South Africans, their rights have been undermined since, and they were receiving threats and intimidation that amounted to a “genocide against Jewish people”.
Ramaphosa rejected her comments, saying no member of his government congratulated Hamas and that he has used every opportunity when speaking on the issue to condemn Hamas’ actions of October 7.
“I’ve articulated that very publicly in every platform I’ve had an occasion to speak on, that we find those attacks abhorrent, they are inhuman as they resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of some 200 Israelis, some of whom are still languishing in captivity and being held as hostages.
What I am clear about, is the only solution to the problem unfolding between Israel and Palestine, is for peace talks to ensue, and we have said we are willing and ready to participate in whatever peace talks if we are invited.
— President Cyril Ramaphosa
“We have equally also condemned what we see as a disproportionate response from the government of Israel, and it is this that made us go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on a charge of genocide, and the ICJ has said there could be evidence that this could amount to genocide. Facts and evidence will have to be put forward, which is precisely what we are going to do now.”
“I have spoken out if you cared to pay attention to it,” said a visibly annoyed Ramaphosa.
He said in a meeting with the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, he spoke out against any form of attack against South African Jews, or attacks and threats against their businesses because in the end “we are all South Africans and whatever problem we might have should never be solved through threats and violence and I have spoken very clearly against that”.
“In doing so I have also said we need to look at the situation in totality, and where there is a violation of international law, we should be able to speak out whether it is against Hamas or the state of Israel.
“What I am clear about, is the only solution to the problem unfolding between Israel and Palestine, is for peace talks to ensue, and we have said we are willing and ready to participate in whatever peace talks if we are invited. We want to make a contribution to that.”
Ramaphosa said the government’s actions and what it has said were never directed at Jews or South African Jews, instead the government has deep respect for Jewish compatriots.
“At the same time we say, let us look at what is being done against Palestinians because I do believe that the attacks that are being levelled against Palestinians amount to disproportionate punishment against a whole people.”
Ramaphosa also rejected a suggestion that the government was inconsistent in its foreign policy, especially concerning human rights.
He outlined the role the government has played in Ukraine, including leading a number of African countries on a peace mission to that country and Russia last year where they put forward a proposition for peace.
“In that proposition, we put out 10 elements. We said these are 10 elements which we believe have to be taken to account and adhered to, and one of those was respect of the territorial integrity of all countries in the world as set out in the UN Charter.
“We decided in that conflict we will play the role of promoting peace.”
He said South Africa has also interacted with Russia to enable the freedom of prisoners of war.
He also mentioned the other roles South Africa has played in trying to find a solution in the Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in conflict. “We are a small country in terms of population and economy, but we do punch way above our weight. SA is well respected and its voice is sought out on a number of issues,” he said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.