By Zukile Majova
- South Africa is refusing to withdraw its genocide case against Israel, despite pressure from the United States.
- The case has already led to cancelled military deals, a huge funding cut and trade uncertainty.
South Africa will not back down from its genocide case against Israel, even as the pressure mounts from the United States.
Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola made it clear that the government will not withdraw the case filed at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“There are issues of progressive internationalism that we cannot compromise on and that includes the issue of the ICJ,” said Lamola.
“As South Africa, this is a matter that we will not withdraw from the court which we have already put. It’s a matter that we believe has to be dealt with on its merits. It is a matter that we will not compromise on.”
Lamola spoke at a media briefing after the ANC national executive committee met for three days in Gauteng.
The United States is pressuring South Africa to shift its stance. That pressure has come with serious consequences.
Former US president Donald Trump cut nearly R8-billion in funding for HIV/Aids research and treatment. Military training and joint exercises between the US and the South African National Defence Force have also been scrapped.
South Africa’s place in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is now uncertain. The 10-year trade deal allows local producers to export goods to the US without paying duties, but it expires in 2025.
Countries accused of violating human rights are often kicked out of AGOA. South Africa’s new Expropriation Act, which allows land to be taken without compensation, has raised red flags in Washington.
Trump has openly criticised the law, saying it violates human rights.
In 2023, then-US president Joe Biden removed Gabon, Uganda, Niger and the Central African Republic from AGOA because of human rights concerns.
Despite the risks, ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane said the party is ready for anything, even sanctions on its leaders.
“South Africa also has to show to the world that we are ready for any eventuality,” said Mokonyane.
“On the issues around targeted sanction, we hear that there is a good lobby around that but of course we know that throughout our struggle, leaders and members of the liberation movement had to sacrifice.
“And even in this particular period, we will actually continue to pay the price of standing for justice for humanity.”
Pictured above: Minister Ronald Lamola and ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane.
Image source: @ANC
