President Cyril Ramaphosa said on 3rd of March that South Africa’s liberation icons Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo would have strongly supported efforts to halt the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, arguing that both leaders consistently placed dialogue above prolonged warfare.
Speaking at the unveiling of two statues in Durban commemorating the African National Congress (ANC) stalwarts, Ramaphosa linked their legacy of reconciliation to South Africa’s current diplomatic stance on global conflicts. The statues, built at a cost of R22 million, honour the historical role both men played in the struggle against apartheid.
The President used the occasion not only to celebrate their contribution to South Africa’s democratic transition but also to reflect on how their values might apply to contemporary international crises.
Liberation struggle roots and commitment to negotiation
Ramaphosa acknowledged that Mandela and Tambo had, at certain points in history, endorsed armed resistance against apartheid. However, he emphasised that their long-term objective had always been to create conditions for negotiation rather than to perpetuate conflict.
“They were men of peace,” Ramaphosa said, noting that both leaders ultimately prioritised inclusive dialogue as the path toward sustainable political settlement. He suggested that, were they alive today, they would be “gravely concerned” about the violence unfolding in the Middle East.
According to the President, Mandela and Tambo would likely have called for adherence to the United Nations Charter and for all parties to respect international legal frameworks. He added that they would have supported an immediate ceasefire and meaningful negotiations aimed at ending hostilities.
South Africa has repeatedly advocated for de-escalation in the Middle East, urging that disputes be resolved through diplomatic engagement rather than military action. Pretoria has consistently aligned its foreign policy with principles of multilateralism and international law, drawing on its own history of negotiated transition in the early1990s.
The country’s peaceful shift from apartheid to democracy remains a defining element of its global identity. The negotiation process that culminated in the 1994 democratic elections, following years of conflict and political imprisonment, is often cited by South African leaders as evidence that dialogue can replace entrenched confrontation.
Ramaphosa’s remarks come at a time when international divisions over the Middle East conflict remain pronounced, with global powers split on approaches ranging from military intervention to diplomatic mediation. South Africa has positioned itself among those calling for restraint and renewed talks.
While the statue unveiling was primarily a commemorative event, it also underscored the continued relevance of liberation-era ideals in shaping South Africa’s contemporary foreign policy outlook. By invoking Mandela and Tambo, Ramaphosa framed the country’s appeal for a ceasefire within a broader historical narrative of reconciliation and negotiated settlement.
The President concluded by reiterating that sustainable peace requires commitment to dialogue, adherence to international law and the political will to engage across divides.
