South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Candith Mashego-Dlamini Meets with Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Wu Peng
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Candith Mashego-Dlamini, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation has disclosed that there is a high possibility that they will take the ultimate step and close the country’s embassy in Israel.
She disclosed that the South African government is actively considering the closure of its embassy in Israel, citing apprehensions over the potential impact on humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Mashego-Dlamini, who addressed the National Assembly in her response to a motion from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who called for the severance of all diplomatic ties with Israel until it aligns with international law.
Acknowledging the validity of closing the Embassy of Israel in South Africa, Mashego-Dlamini underscored the necessity for a thorough assessment of the situation. The government has already recalled its diplomats from Tel Aviv for consultations.
“Government is engaging all relevant stakeholders regarding our diplomatic relations with Israel, given the war crimes and genocide we are witnessing in Gaza,” declared Mashego-Dlamini. She urged an investigation into alleged war crimes by both Israel and Hamas.
EFF leader Julius Malema, advocating for swift action, rejected succumbing to economic threats and drew historical parallels. “That is swart gevaar. It is what Afrikaner apartheid apologists survived with.
They always created scare mongering and scare tactics for people not to support the genuine struggle,” remarked Malema.
The motion gained support from the National Freedom Party, the African Transformation Movement, and Al Jama-ah ahead of the scheduled vote early next week. However, opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance, the Inkatha Freedom Party, the African Christian Democratic Party, and the Freedom Front Plus, voiced concerns that severing diplomatic ties could impede South Africa’s potential role in peace efforts.
As the South African government carefully weighs its stance, the international community observes closely to see how this decision may unfold amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
