Cape Town – The South African legal team that presented its case against Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) received a triumphant welcome at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday.
The team, led by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, included John Dugard, Max Du Plessis, Adila Hassim, and Tembeka Ngcukaitobi.
They garnered applause for their efforts at The Hague.
South Africa confronted Israel at the court in The Hague, Netherlands, levelling accusations of genocide and genocidal intent in Gaza.
Israel, however, rejected the accusations, claiming that Hamas was committing genocide against Israel.
Heroes’ welcome at the OR Tambo international airport for SA’ legal team arriving from the ICJ in The Hague #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/gHRP42Noon
— Ditaba Tsotetsi (@tsotetsiditaba) January 14, 2024
Advocate Ngcukaitobi expressed gratitude for the support and said they are awaiting the ruling from the panel of 17 international judges.
South Africa argued that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate the Genocide Convention, citing over 20 000 deaths, including around 10 000 children, since October 7.
“The overall struggle itself will continue beyond this. But we have been very humbled that we have been able to contribute a very small part to an otherwise long and courageous struggle of the Palestinian people,” Ngcukaitobi said.
[WATCH] Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi says South Africa’s appearance before the #InternationalCourtofJustice marks a crucial turning point in having the world look at the Israel and Palestine issue through the legal lens. pic.twitter.com/XNNkWB04W7
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 14, 2024
[WATCH] Justice Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa’s legal team presented a compelling case before the ICJ and that if judgment favours SA, this will make a huge difference on the ground in Gaza#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/iq9ry08CDq
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 11, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
