President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his eighth (and maybe final) State of The Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening. In the otherwise uninspired speech, he defended South Africa’s role in the Israel-Palestine conflict and its mediation efforts in the Russia/Ukraine conflict.
You will remember that South Africa applied to the International Court of Justice against Israel for its war in Gaza following the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7 2023, which is thought to have killed over 25,000 people. South Africa requested an interim finding to, among other things, stop the Israeli military campaign.
He welcomed the recent ICJ ruling that Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians. “We condemn the killing of civilians on all sides and call on all parties involved in the conflict to commit to a peace process that will deliver a two-state solution,” he said.
“Today, every South African can hold their heads high, confident that we have assumed our rightful place on the world stage. We remain committed to playing a constructive role on our continent and around the globe to realise a better Africa and a better world, ” the president said.
He further praised South Africa’s mediation efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “Through the Africa Peace Initiative, our efforts are progressing. We engage in these peace efforts because we believe that even the most intractable conflicts can be brought to an end through negotiations,” he said.
The president mentioned how South Africa will use its foreign policy to pursue our development goals. ”During our leadership of BRICS last year, we witnessed a new chapter for the BRICS family of countries. The expansion of the group from five to ten members presents opportunities for trade and a strengthening of political and diplomatic ties between countries in the global South,” said Ramaphosa.
The address took place at the Cape Town City Hall, as our Parliament burned down almost two years ago, and the absence of the third largest opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was noticeable. Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula opened the address by reminding MPs of the amendments to the rules. She highlighted that no other business may be considered, and no member may interrupt the president.
Ramaphosa also paid tribute to the late Namibian President, Hage Geingob. “President Geingob was a dear friend of the South African people and a comrade in arms in the struggle for our freedom. He was a champion of African peace, progress and development,” said Ramaphosa.
This is the last State of the Nation Address of the 6th democratic administration, but Ramaphosa has jokingly remarked, “Sizobuya” (We will be back).
