News
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CALLS FOR DIALOGUE IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND CONDEMNS INTERNATIONAL LAW VIOLATIONS
President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of the Republic of South Africa expresses deep concern regarding the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
These developments pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, with far-reaching humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences.
President Ramaphosa calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to act in a manner consistent with international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Article 51 of the UN Charter provides for self-defence only when a state has been subjected to an armed invasion. Anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law and self-defence cannot be based on assumption or anticipation.
Experience has repeatedly demonstrated that there can be no military solution to fundamentally political problems that can and should be resolved diplomatically. Military confrontation has never delivered sustainable peace, nor has it addressed the legitimate grievances that underlie conflict. Long-term peace and stability can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and a genuine commitment to justice and coexistence.
President Ramaphosa therefore, reiterates his call for intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and create space for continued meaningful negotiations. “We urge the international community, including multilateral institutions and regional partners, to redouble efforts aimed at promoting mediation and peaceful resolution. As a nation that has emerged from conflict through dialogue and reconciliation, South Africa remains steadfast in its belief that peace is not only possible, but imperative for the shared future of the Middle East and the world,” said President Ramaphosa.
ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Ellen Ettinger
March 1, 2026 at 2:13 pm
Interesting when the revolutionary guards massacred 30 to 40000 Iranians not a word of condemnation from ramaphosa. Nor a word of condemnation when hamas tortured killed and raped on 7th October. Now with the possibility of no longer being an Iranian proxy and receiver of funds he suddenly asks for dialogue. There were talks in Geneva which failed. Ramaposa only knows about talking.never action.he is a hypocrite.
Joel Friedman
March 1, 2026 at 2:23 pm
Unfortunately ramaphosa and the cANCer have lost their bank manager and financiers in this war , maybe they should worry more about the nearly 100 murders a day and 350 rapes a day in South Africa . Maybe they should worry about keeping the lights on and the water running in South Africa.
yitzchak
March 2, 2026 at 9:36 am
It is not appropriate that Pres Ramaphosa and the right honourable leader of the EFF Mr J Malema ,are given a platform on the SAJR to sprout their ridiculous and unhinged opionions.
Ian Levinson
March 2, 2026 at 6:37 pm
Ramaphosa’s outrage is selective. He condemns “anticipatory self-defence” abroad but turns a blind eye to abuses closer to home and within his own alliances. This isn’t principle—it’s opportunism. South Africa’s foreign policy has become a stage for empty gestures, designed to mask weakness and lost leverage. The collapse of his piggy bank—whether in bribes to take Israel to the ICJ, trade, energy, or geopolitical patronage—has left him scrambling for relevance.
Roy Barnett
March 3, 2026 at 12:10 am
Never mind international law, what about Iran’s Human Rights violations. All ramaphosa is concerned about is where the ANC is going to get their money from now. Obviously not Iran.
yitzchak
March 3, 2026 at 8:22 am
Why would the SAJR give Pres Ramaphosa a platform to disseminate his silly views?
Dirco has issued a pamphlet for all SouthAfricans to take care of themselves wherever they are in the middle East but for Israel in addition they have issued a directive for all south africans to escape Israel ASAP and by any route.(South Africans in the Gulf and Iran were not issued with similar advice)
One wonders what role the MTN cellular network in Iran contributed to the tracking down of Iranian bigwigs and their very sad demise.
Freulige Purim!