Pretoria stresses rules-based international order
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has reaffirmed the country’s support for Iran while urging lawmakers to promote a rules-based international order during diplomatic engagements.
The comments were made during a parliamentary portfolio committee meeting on international relations and cooperation on Wednesday. Although the session was initially convened to discuss the African Renaissance Fund, attention quickly shifted to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Deputy Minister of International Relations Thandi Moraka addressed questions from members of parliament regarding Pretoria’s position following the outbreak of hostilities in the Gulf region nearly two weeks ago.
Moraka indicated that South Africa’s stance has remained consistent since the conflict began. President Cyril Ramaphosa released an official statement during the first weekend of the crisis, while the foreign ministry followed with its own statement on 6 March.
Both statements criticized military actions carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, which South Africa described as violations of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. That provision prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
Moraka said South Africa’s position reflects its long-standing commitment to diplomacy and international law.
“We encourage all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to make use of diplomatic channels to resolve their disputes,” she told the committee.
Historical ties and diplomatic messaging
According to Moraka, South Africa’s support for Iran should be understood within the context of longstanding relations between the two countries.
She noted that Pretoria and Tehran have maintained political cooperation for decades, particularly since the end of apartheid when South Africa expanded its diplomatic engagement with countries across the Global South.
Moraka also encouraged members of parliament to reflect this position during their interactions with foreign counterparts in regional and international forums.
South African legislators frequently engage with representatives from other countries through parliamentary diplomacy, including meetings within the African Union and other multilateral platforms.
“We must ensure that we speak with one voice in these forums and continue building toward a progressive international system based on rules and cooperation,” Moraka said.
The discussion also touched on recent controversy surrounding the newly appointed United States ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III.
Bozell attracted criticism earlier in the week following remarks made during a business conference, which prompted responses from political figures including African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and members of the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Portfolio committee chair Supra Mahumapelo asked the deputy minister to clarify the ambassador’s diplomatic status, suggesting that Bozell had not yet formally presented his credentials to President Ramaphosa.
Moraka confirmed that the ambassador had already submitted copies of his letters of credence to South Africa’s chief of state protocol. However, the formal ceremony in which the original documents are presented to the president will take place at a later date.
Until that process is completed, Bozell remains an ambassador-designate rather than a fully accredited envoy.
Moraka added that South Africa would continue to monitor the conduct of diplomatic missions operating in the country in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Source: The Citizen
