Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that South Africa will not stand by and witness the continuation of apartheid being imposed on others.
Ramaphosa declared South Africa’s commitment to oppose apartheid wherever it occurs, referencing the situation in Palestine.
“We South Africans know what apartheid looks like. We lived through it. We suffered and died under it. We will not remain silent and watch as apartheid is perpetrated against others. Through the United Nations and the instruments it wields, we must end this suffering,” the president said.
He called for an immediate ceasefire and the creation of a Palestinian state.
Ramaphosa also emphasised South Africa’s upcoming submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel for alleged genocide.
Additionally, he advocated for UN Security Council reform to include Africa, highlighted the need for global peace efforts in conflict zones like the DRC and Ukraine, and stressed the importance of Africa’s critical minerals for economic growth.
“Africa and its 1,4 billion people remain excluded from its key decision-making structures. The Security Council has not fulfilled its mandate to maintain international peace and security,” Ramaphosa said.
He added: “Africa stands ready to play its part in building a safer global order. The African Union and its member states are engaged in mediation, dialogue, and diplomacy across the continent, to create conditions under which peace and development can take hold.
“There must be greater collaboration between the AU [African Union] and the UN towards resolving these conflicts, and also in addressing their root causes.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
