Pretoria, South Africa – Following South Africa’s submission of a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for alleged genocide, the new Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has assumed office with a firm stance. Lamola, who was appointed as Foreign Minister this month, has clearly stated that the country’s foreign policy will not change despite the governmental transition.
The former Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, spearheaded South Africa’s efforts to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza, and Lamola recognizes the importance of continuing this trajectory. “We must not be bullied by anyone. We should be able to mediate in conflicts and work for human rights without external pressure,” Lamola stated in an interview.
South African foreign policy has always emphasized human rights, a point Lamola reaffirmed. As South Africa leads global efforts to prosecute Israel, the country also faces a number of conflicts across the African continent. The new Foreign Minister, who previously served as the Minister of Justice, must navigate a political landscape where the African National Congress (ANC) has lost its parliamentary majority and now seeks to form coalitions with ideologically diverse parties. For instance, the center-right Democratic Alliance has maintained a neutral stance towards Israel’s actions in Gaza, while the right-wing populist Patriotic Alliance has expressed support for Israel.
“South Africa’s principle of non-interference in global conflicts remains steadfast,” insisted Lamola, who also mentioned that the coalition agreement emphasizes a foreign policy rooted in human rights, constitutionality, and multilateralism.
As the current chief diplomat, Lamola is poised to continue efforts to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The ICJ is set to hear arguments from South Africa in the genocide case, where Israel has previously been found responsible for apartheid.
Lamola has committed to ensuring that South Africa continues to demand accountability from individuals and nations. “We welcome the ongoing process led by the ICC prosecutor,” he added.
In addition to issues concerning Israel, Lamola must also address serious conflicts on the African continent. With the goal of “silencing the guns” by 2030, he prioritizes mediation in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where deteriorating conditions have led to significant humanitarian crises.
Lamola is also focusing on economic diplomacy, including negotiating favorable loan terms for African countries to counter the economic challenges many face, especially in light of international loan conditions from institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which are often criticized for their strict requirements.
As South Africa approaches the presidency of the G20, Lamola intends to use this position to promote favorable financing conditions for African development projects. “We advocate for financing terms that support development without undermining sovereignty,” he stated.
Lamola also emphasized the importance of addressing climate change in a manner that does not undermine African development, calling for a fair and inclusive transition to sustainable solutions for the continent.