ISTANBUL

South Africa’s case against Israel over its genocidal acts in Gaza is in accordance with the Genocide Convention, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his annual State of the Nation Address on Thursday.

“South Africa has acted in accordance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention by instituting proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice,” he said.

Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s solidarity with Palestinians, who have been suffering from decades of illegal occupation and are now experiencing “indescribable suffering.”

He also underscored South Africa’s duty to support those suffering from “colonialism and oppression.”

Ramaphosa also expressed his country’s “full commitment” to the articles of the UN Charter in terms of the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

“As humanity confronts unprecedented challenges, we are determined that a reformed and representative United Nations must be at the center of global affairs,” he said.

He added that the UN Security Council should be reformed into a “more inclusive, more effective body that is able to ensure peace and security.”

In December 2023, South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel, claiming violations of the Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Several countries have since joined the case including Nicaragua, Colombia, Cuba, Libya, Mexico, Spain and Türkiye.

Belize has also indicated that it will join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel.

Resilient South Africans ‘will not be bullied’

Ramaphosa said that in “a multipolar world in which new countries are emerging to play a greater role in global affairs,” “we are seeing intensifying competition over trade, technology and influence in global institutions.”

“There are global fundamental shifts underway that affect every aspect of human life, from the growing impact of climate change to rapid advances in artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions and violent conflicts,” he said.

In the face of these challenges, he said “we are witnessing the rise of nationalism and protectionism, the pursuit of narrow interests and the decline of common cause.”

“But we are not daunted. We will not be deterred. We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied,” he stressed.

US President Donald Trump has warned South Africa over its recently adopted land appropriation law.

However, Ramaphosa rejected any criticism and Pretoria said it was correcting injustices of the apartheid era.

“We will stand together as a united nation. We will speak with one voice in defense of our national interest, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy,” he said.