Hansard: NA: Mini-Plenary 1
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 16 Nov 2023
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UNREVISED HANSARD
MINI PLENARY 1 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 2023
PROCEEDINGS OF HYBRID MINI-PLENARY SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Watch video here: NA: Mini-Plenary 1
Members of the mini-plenary met on the virtual platform at 14:00.
The Acting Chaiperson Ms R M M Lesoma took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon members, before we proceed, I would like to remind you that the virtual mini-plenary is deemed to be in the precinct of Parliament and constitute a meeting of the National Assembly for debating purposes only. In addition, hon members to the rules of virtual sitting; the Rules of the National Assembly, including the Rules of debate apply. Members enjoy the same powers and privileges that apply in a sitting of the National Assembly.
Members should equally note that anything said in the virtual platform is deemed to have been said in the House and may be ruled upon. All members who have logged in shall be considered to be present and are requested to mute their microphones and only unmute when recognized to speak. This is because the mics are very sensitive and will pick up noise which might disturb the attention of other members when recognized to speak, please unmute your microphone and where connectivity permits, connect your video. Members may make use of the icon on the bar at the bottom of their screens, which has an option that allows a member to put up his or her hand for point or points of order; the Secretariat will assist in alerting the Chairperson to members requesting to speak. When using the virtual system, members are urged to refrain or desist from unnecessary points of order or interjections.
Lastly, hon members, I wish to remind you, that we are meeting in a mini-plenary session and therefore any decision will be taken in a full plenary session of the Assembly.
The first order of the day on the Order Paper is a motion in the name of Mr J S Malema. I now recognize hon Malema.
CLOSURE OF THE ISRAEL EMBASSY IN SOUTH AFRICA AND SUSPENSION OF ALL DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL
(Subject for Discussion)
Mr J S MALEMA: House Chairperson, we are here to introduce the EFF motion on the termination of all diplomatic relationship with the apartheid State of Israel, in particular, the removal of its embassy from our land [Interjection.]. Accordingly, we tabulate draft resolution, [Interjection.] understanding that at a later stage when the full plenary of parliamentarian sits, the House will vote [Interjection.] and hopefully do so in our favour.
Our call is based on the brutal and inhumane violence that the apartheid state of Israel has unleashed on the people of [Interjection.] Gaza over the past several weeks ... [Interjection.]
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon Malema... may the Information and communication technologies, ICT, assist me. May the ICT just ... hon Malema, I’m sorry to do this to you. There is a point of order. Hon Groenewald, I think I saw your hand up, there is a hand here in the platform. I recognize the hon remember who had his hand is up. You may speak. If you don’t, then we shall proceed. And I assume that you forfeit your speaking right because I have recognized you. Having no hand that ... the hand has disappeared, hon Malema and my apology for that you may proceed. Hon Malema the hand has gone down.
Mr J S MALEMA: ... this violence has been over 11,000 Palestinians massacred in an unprecedented military bombardment of unarmed, innocent, and helpless civilians in the whole of human history.
In this inhuman bombardment, the Israeli defence forces has murdered 4650 children, 3145 women, 198 medics, 22 civil defence personnel and 51 journalists. Reports also indicate that 29,200 Palestinians in Gaza are injured, above all at least 3600 people remain unaccounted for.
In the devastation of buildings and landscapes, apartheid Israel aggression has forced 25 hospitals and 52 healthcare centres out of service, while 55 ambulances were targeted by Israeli forces.
This this should tell us that indeed Israel has declared war against children, hospitals, ambulances, journalists, and general campaign to wipe Palestinians off face of the earth. Many will try to defend the defenceless situation in that country. But we all know that this is not defensible.
However, this will be deliberate effort to blind us to the true story of Palestine. A story of over 70 of inhumanity that started with a colonial military occupation and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by Zionist forces that established the State of Israel in 1948 as an apartheid state.
A story of what Palestinians called the Nakba, where Zionist colonial forces backed by British and United States of America, USA, governments expect at least 750 000 Palestinians from their homes, lands and captured 78% of historic Palestine. Here is where the remaining 22% was divided into what we now called the occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip.
Since then, even the 22% was never allowed any form of self-determination. Palestinians have lived under Israeli military occupation without basic human rights such as the right to life, the right to equality, the right to a fair
trial, the right to protest, the freedom of speech, the freedom of movement, the freedom of assembly or media freedom.
This has been going on not since October 2023, but since 1948, and that is 75 years of hell, mass murder, ethnic cleansing, and brutal humiliation.
We must remember that over 12 000 Palestinian children have been detained since the year 2000 alone. Of this, over 700 children who are unaccounted for in Israel. In addition, Israel has over 7000 political prisoners, 200 of which again are children.
It is reported by Israel itself that, on average, 204 Palestinian children have been held in custody every month, since 2012. The world is aware of all these facts.
Israel does not see Palestinian children. It hates them the same way the apartheid regime hated children like Tsietsi Mashinini, Hector Petersen and many who were murdered in Soweto in 1976 and beyond.
The world is aware that Israel constructed a wall and fence that separated Palestinian towns and villages from Israel settlements which designated only the occupied West and Gaza.
In Gaza, for over 50 years this has been caused a population of two million people living on top of each other, the most densely populated area on earth.
There are over 100 racially discriminated checkpoints, separate routes in which over 130 occasional roadblocks and searches are conducted, subjecting Palestinians to constant humiliation and dehumanization.
In recent years before the current destruction of Gaza, Israel launched four protracted military assaults on Gaza alone. In 2008, 2012, 2014, 2021. The 2008 assaults involved the use of internationally banned ... 2014 over span of 50 days, Israel killed more than 2100 Palestinians, including 1462 civilians, and close to 500 children. During the assault, they called Operation Protective Edge, about 11 000 Palestinians were wounded, 20 000 homes destroyed, and half a million people displaced.
So, what is happening today is part of over half a century old project to wipe Palestine, and Palestinians off the face of the earth.
It is a systematic and gradual genocide unleashed by the state that established itself as an ethnic, exclusive State of Jews, at the expense of indigenous Palestinian population.
We must therefore reject the idea, that because Israel calls itself a Jewish state, opposing its brutal apartheid system is anti-Semitic. There is nothing anti-Semitic about opposing injustice, particularly apartheid. Zionism does not equal Jewishness or Judaism. No one must manipulate scripture in the Bible or the Torah to promote ethnic cleansing, racism, and the mass murder of people.
There are no special human beings with the right to massacre others, so that they can benefit from the subsequent stolen land. We are all chosen people of God. We all loved by God, and we must oppose any form of inequality and racism, even by those who do it in the name of God.
You must therefore never buy into the lie and propaganda that this is a religious war. This is not a holy war. It is an evil war by an evil regime that is driving an evil agenda.
Israel is a Zionist apartheid regime, seeking to wipe Palestinians off the face of the earth. Palestinians who have all the rights to exist, particularly in the land of their ancestors.
We therefore call on all of the world to isolate Israel through by courts, disinvestment sanctions until they end their military occupation and allow Palestinian refugees, in surrounding countries like Lebanon, Syria, the right of return.
We call on the Ramaphosa ANC-led government to shut down the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria and end diplomatic relations with that brutal apartheid Israel regime.
In the name of our own constitutional values, we must end these relations until human rights of Palestinians are respected, promoted, and protected. Israel must comply with international law and until then, any relations with them must be regarded as an offensive on our Constitution.
The President yesterday said they are going to send a complaint to International Criminal Court against Israel and Netanyahu. In line with what the President has said, and as survivors of apartheid ourselves, we must fight on the side of the Palestinian people and always be on the side of the weak.
We therefore calling on Members of Parliament and the people of South Africa to support the call to remove the Israeli Embassy in South Africa. We can’t share a territory with murderers. We say no to the Embassy of Israel in South Africa. It must go and it must go now. No justice, no peace. Free Palestine. Thank you very much, House Chairperson.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND
CO-OPERATION (Ms K C Mashego-Dlamini): Chairperson, hon members, ladies and gentlemen, the root cause of the war between Israel and Palestine go back to Israel’s systematic oppression of the Palestinians over the past 75 years.
The illegal occupation of their and the ever-expanding web of illegal settlement deep into Palestinian territory, the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians is not travesty that began with the October the 7th attack this year. It has been a constant factor over many decades.
Decades prior to the state of Israel being declared in 1948 based on petition, the Palestinians have been promised their own independent state. The promise was never fulfilled.
Hon members, since the 1998 Oslo Accord, the number of illegal Israel settlers occupying Palestinian land has increased from
250 000 at that time to over 700 000 today. All settlements and outpost are considered illegal under the international law as they violate the 4th Geneva Convention, which bans an occupying power from transferring its population to the area of occupies.
Israel has also build a separation wall that stretches for more than 700km through West Bank, constructed deep into Palestinian territory, cutting Palestinians off from their farmland and water resources. The wall restricts the movement of more than 3 million Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem; as do the 140 checkpoints that Palestinians have to cross in their daily commute to work.
In 2014 the International Court of Justice declared the apartheid wall illegal under the international law.
Hon members, the landmark United Nations, UN, Security Council resolution is unequivocal on the issue of illegal Israel settlement. The resolution confirms that the Israel settlement constitute a flagrant violation under the international law and instructively called for all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, to immediately and completely cease.
Israel continue to undermine the international community in its race to create fact on the ground. The actions that we are witnessing daily by Israel are a violation of international law including the UN Charter, the Geneva Convention and its protocol.
In its attack on civilians and taking hostage, Hamas has also violated international law.
Israel as an occupier does not have the right to defend itself using military means. This fact has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice. An occupying state cannot exercise control over territory it occupies and simultaneously military attack that territory on the claim that it is foreign and possess an ... [Inaudible.] ... national security threat.
The nation of Israel’s right to defend itself through military means has been used erroneously to justify the unlawful use of force by Israel on the people of Gazza and the West Bank.
The International Humanitarian Law includes the obligation not to target civilians’ population and the responsibility to protect civilians’ armed conflict.
Under the Geneva Convention hospitals are considered civilian object and must be protected. Article 12 clearly states that medical unit shall be respected and protected at all times and shall not be object of attack.
Article 14 of the Geneva Convention categorically states that starvation of civilians as a method of combating is prohibited.
It is, therefore, prohibited to attack, destroy, remove and render useless for the purpose object dispensable to the survival of the civilian population such as foodstuffs, agricultural area for the production of foodstuffs, crops and livestock, drinking water installation and supply and irrigation work.
The instructions issued by the Israel authorities for the population of Gazza city to immediately leave their homes, coupled with the complete siege, implicitly denying them food, water, electricity and bombing apartments, schools and hospitals are a grave violation of International Humanitarian Law.
The International Criminal Court, ICC, needs to expedite its investigation of Israel for committing war crimes including genocide by bombarding and besieging Gazza.
Hon members, since 1994 the South African foreign policy position on Palestine has been consistent and has displaced systematically diplomatic support at multilateral, regional and bilateral level, acting both as a catalyst and an amplifier to the Palestinian cause.
To this effect, South Africa has played a role in supporting peace efforts by sharing its negotiated transitional experience, supporting capacity-building and strengthening Palestine itself, facilitating inter-Palestine dialogue including the appointment of a presidential special envoy and support at the African Union, amongst other initiatives.
The South African Parliament voted on the 7th of March this year to downgrade the South African Embassy in Israel and the number of parties have agreed to that motion of the NFP, except being opposed by the DA, ACDP, IFP and FF-Plus.
The National Assembly ultimately voted in favour of the downgrading of the South African Embassy in Israel to a liaison officer, which served to realise the ANC 2017 conference resolution to downgrade the embassy to the liaison officer.
Amidst the continued violation of the Palestinian human rights and the siege of Gazza, South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel in May 2018 in protest against the massacre of Palestinians as they demonstrated peacefully at the
Israel-Gazza border.
Since 2018 the South African Embassy in Israel has been headed by a ... [Inaudible.] ... affair.
South Africa cannot have normal relations with Israel for as long as Israel is committing war crimes and genocide against the Palestinians.
Its intend on removing Palestinians from their land and is unwilling to negotiate a viable peace plan without preconditions, South Africa cannot be party to Israel’s actions that will see the promise of Israel’s statehood reduced into balkanised entities devoid of true sovereignty without territory and with no economic viability.
Our government is in discussion on the matter of closing the Israel Embassy in Pretoria and we’ll need to take into consideration that it may affect our diplomatic presence in Palestine.
The demands from South Africans for the closure of the Israel Embassy in Pretoria have merits and the government is engaging all relevant stakeholders regarding our diplomatic relations with Israel given the war crimes and genocide we are witnessing in Gazza.
Following the outcome of the Cabinet meeting held on the
1st of November this year, South Africa commenced the process of recalling its diplomats from Tel Aviv. This decision was taken in light of the Israel government’s campaign on ethnic cleansing in Gazza which has seen thousands civilian deaths and as a result of the continued bombardment of residential
buildings, hospitals, schools, with over 70% of the victims being women and children.
South Africa is deeply concerned at the report that the number of children killed in Gazza since 7 October has surpassed the number of children killed across all the world’s conflict zone since 2019.
As the crisis has reached a catastrophic proportion, the UN Security Council has proved incapable of stopping the carnage and protecting civilians against the Israel military onslaught.
The South African government is considering further concrete actions to take. The Department International Relations and Co-operation has demarche the ambassador of the state of Israel to South Africa, Mr Eliav, on the 9th of November to express South African grave concerns regarding the current trajectory of events, especially the attacks on Gazza which
have seen over 11 000 civilians including over 8 000 women and children killed by Israel airstrikes.
It was emphasised that, that is a war crime under the international law.
Ambassador Eliav was informed that South Africa intends to request the International Criminal Court to investigate the leadership of Israel for war crimes against humanity and genocide.
South Africa will also request that the Hamas leadership be investigated for its violation of international law when it kidnaped and killed Israel’s civilians.
The UN Security-General has amply stated that “The nightmare in Gaza is more than a humanitarian crisis. It is a crisis of humanity.”
South Africa is calling for an immediate cease fire, urgent entry into Gaza of massive humanitarian aid, the urgent deployment of the UN Protection Force to protect civilians, the release of civilian hostages and for the ICC to expedite its investigation and hold those who have directed this war accountable for their war crimes.
We must also ensure that a comprehensive arms embargo is imposed on Israel.
We fully reject the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from their land and we will not stand by and watch every red line in war is crossed and the region descends into a zero-some game of death and destruction.
The time to act is now. Our common humanity dictates that all human lives matter. I thank you, Chairperson.
Ms E L POWELL: Chairperson, let me begin by extending the DA’s heartfelt condolences to the family of the office head of the Gift of the Givers Foundation in Gaza, Mr Ahmed Abbasi, the DA once again reiterates its call for civilians to be shielded from collective punishment and for international humanitarian law and the protocols of the Geneva Convention to be upheld.
The DA calls for an immediate investigation into the killing of Mr Abbasi, and that those responsible are brought to justice. It is for this very reason that it is vital for South Africa to retain diplomatic channels with both Israel and the Palestinian authority. The ANC’s decision to withdraw diplomats from Tel Aviv and the EFF’s proposed expulsion of the Israeli ambassador will diminish our country’s ability to demand accountability in the region and to influence a swift and peaceful resolution to this war. Sadly, in the face of this brutal war, the political opportunism on display by both
the ANC and the EFF is indicative of their inherent moral bankruptcy.
Having failed to build a prosperous South Africa, these parties must now look for any opportunity to deepen divisions from which they can score cheap political points. This is why when the ANC and their proxies look to Gaza, they do not see human tragedy, rather, they see political opportunity. If their performative sanctimony is convincing enough to temporarily distract the nation from their failure of their government, they could not care less how many more Palestinians must die.
The ANC are not peace brokers, they are agent provocateurs. They do not care about international law or human rights. They care only for their own political survival at whatever cost.
If the ANC were genuinely interested in peace, human rights, and the rule of law, they would have spoken out against the unspeakable tragedy currently unfolding in Sudan, where more than 10 000 civilians have been killed amid some of the most brutal ethnic cleansing the world has witnessed in a generation. They would have stood up for the seven million Sudanese people, three million of them are children who have fled into neighbouring countries seeking refuge from the
violence and now comprised the largest displaced population of children in the world.
Despite the gravity of this tragedy unfolding on the African continent, the ANC has not only remained silent ... [Interjections.
Dr M Q NLOZI: On a point of order!
Ms E L POWELL: ...but has actively worked against advancing peace in the region ... [Interjections.]
Dr M Q NLOZI: On a point of order, Madam Chairperson! Chairperson, may I please proceed? [Interjections.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: It looks like the Chairperson has disappeared. You can proceed, hon Ndlozi.
Dr M Q NLOZI: Thanks, Chair, I think that the Rules are very clear about ... [Interjections.]
An HON MEMBER: There is no Chair at the moment. I think you should wait. [Interjections.]
An HON MEMBER: You must wait.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Yeah, but there is a point of relevance. We are speaking about Palestine and the Israeli conflict. We are not
... [Inaudible.] ... raging elsewhere in the world. [Interjections.] That is a point of relevance. [Interjections.]
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Order! Hon Ndlozi
Dr M Q NLOZI: Oh, you are back, Chairperson?
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): No, but you can’t take the opportunity.
Dr M Q NLOZI: But I was waiting ...
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): No. No. Hon Ndlozi!
An HON MEMBER: Somebody gave him permission to proceed. I don’t know who that person was. [Interjections.]
Dr M Q NLOZI: Why now the Chairperson is talking about the order on me because it is ...
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): No.
Dr M Q NLOZI: Somebody said I must proceed.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): No, you can’t proceed. Okay, now the debate is in order.
An HON MEMBER: He did raise a point of order.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): He did. Okay. Hon Ndlozi, it is humane for me to apologise because the system kicked me out. I think it is proper for me to do that and request hon Powell to proceed.
Dr M Q NLOZI: What about my point of order, Chairperson? [Interjections.]
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon Powell, there is another point of order. There is a point of order here. I had thought its Radebe. I have already apologised to ...
An HON MEMBER: Hon Ndlozi is not finished with his point of order, Chairperson.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Okay, I was apologizing to him, and I thought he would still come in, but it’s fine, let’s allow him to do so. Dr Ndlozi ...
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Yes, Chair, thanks. I am sorry the system kicked you out, and I must repeat this, the Rules are very clear about us discussing a relevant talk on the table. We are talking about Palestine and the motion in relation to the expulsion of Israel. The hon member is speaking about Sudan. I mean, what would happen if we allowed other people to also come speak about gangsterism in Cape Town and other people to come speak about other conflicts? We must stick to the topic on the table.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Okay. Thank you, hon Ndlozi. Relevance is the point you are raising. However, we can’t dictate to the member what to talk about. Let’s allow her to finish. Hon Powell, you may proceed.
Ms E L POWELL: Thanks, Chair. I just want to confirm my time. I stopped my timer at two minutes and 47 seconds, and I will now resume. But despite the ... [Interjections.] ... gravity of this tragedy unfolding on the African continent, the ANC has not only remained entirely silent, but has actively worked
against advancing peace in that region. On 11th October, South Africa abstained from a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council calling for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan.
Why? Because the same resolution called for the establishment of an international fact-finding mission to investigate the root cause of the current conflict, much of which can be traced back to the ANC’s failure to arrest Sudanese dictator Omar Al Bashir when he visited South Africa in 2015 despite a warrant from the International Criminal Court, ICC. The reign of terror dispensed by the paramilitary forces deployed by Bashir during the war is estimated to have killed more than
300 000 civilians. Instead of arresting their ringleader, the ANC turned a blind eye as Bashir fled by a helicopter. And so, as has become their custom, when more than 1 300 Sudanese civilians were butchered in West Darfur last week, the ANC looked the other way.
Hon members, if the ANC were genuinely interested in advancing human rights-based agenda, our Foreign Minister would not be fraternising with Iranian President Raisi, whose own government has ordered the execution of more than 1 200 of their civilians since August 2021. The hon Minister would not have telephoned and pledged her support to the leader of Hamas, who has not had a democratic mandate in Palestine since
2006. And in this process, she has sidelined the Palestinian authority and the millions of Palestinians who want nothing to do with Hamas. If the ANC cared about human rights or international law, they would not have remained silent in the face of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, and the South African Defence Forces would not have been deployed to play war games while Putin’s army continued to kill innocent civilians in Bakhmut. The truth Is that the ANC is only interested in inflaming divisions to score political points.
Make no mistake, over the graves of Gaza, the ANC have spotted an opportunity, and their misinformation machine is now moving ahead full throttle.
The ANC’ secretary-general seems to have forgotten that it was under his party's watch that more than 27 000 of our own citizens were murdered last year. It on his watch that our national rail collapsed and that our unemployment rate soared to 42%. Mbalula and his proxies may have forgotten, but the people of this nation remember. We see you and we will continue to expose you for the hypocrites you are.
In conclusion, Chairperson, let me be clear, despite the constant stream of manufactured propaganda, the DA will continue to stand firm on principle. We will continue to speak
out against radicalism, hatred, and tyranny, and we will continue to call for the protection of innocent civilians and for the right of both Palestinians and Israelis to sovereignty, statehood, and security.
Mr M HLENGWA: Hon House Chairperson, the IFP knows the EFF’s resolution on the removal of the Israeli Embassy in South Africa and the suspension of all diplomatic relations with Israel. At the outset, the IFP condemns the continued violent acts in Israel and Palestine, which have had an adverse and untenable effect on civilians, especially women and children. The war must stop.
As the IFP, we have stated in this House, and today, we reiterate that we do not believe that cutting diplomatic ties with Israel is the best cause of action as relates to the current conflict between Israel and Palestine. I therefore wish to reiterate what we said last week in this House that isolationism in a time of war is not a solution, it is tantamount to running away. Recalling ambassadors or removing ambassadors amounts to regressive diplomacy. It is counterproductive to the clarion call for peace and negotiation. How can South Africa possibly contribute to the Middle East peace process through mediation if it has expelled
one of the parties to the said negotiations from our shores? Diplomacy is not only the professional activity or skill of managing international relations but can also refer to the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and tactful way. Both apply in this situation. The Israeli-Palestine conflict would not be solved by forcefully silencing one of the parties.
On the international stage, South Africa has positioned itself to be a country that believes in equality, democracy, and negotiations. Therefore, all voices need to be given an equal opportunity to state their case to resolve this conflict.
While the IFP is in full support with the EFF on the portion of the resolution which condemns the killing of defenceless children and women in Gaza, no mention is made of the 1 200 Israeli citizens who were killed on October 7th when Hamas attacked Israel. Many of these Israelis were unarmed civilians, including women and children. It is important to note, therefore, that war is never one-sided. As a party that champions nonviolence, the IFP is of the view that brute force, armed aggression, and the bloodshed are not solutions to any dispute, no matter what the circumstances.
We therefore reiterate our call for peace, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and an end to the violence, and
ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches all those that are affected, particularly in Palestine. We call for Israel to restrain itself and to come to the negotiating table as we want Palestine and Hamas at that table. As regards to the Israeli-Palestinian land question, the IFP continues to advocate for a two-state solution as we believe that this is key to peace, justice, and stability in the Middle East. This will require both sides to make concessions in the service of the greater good and their ultimate realization of peace in the region. We will further continue to call upon all parties to come to the negotiating table and to declare an immediate ceasefire. I thank you, House Chairperson.
Dr C P MULDER: Thank you, hon Chairperson, colleagues, good afternoon, the ANC today is again in a rather difficult position. And it reminds me of what we saw a few years ago. The EFF took the initiative when it came to the question of expropriation without compensation. It was the EFF that brought the motion to parliament and then the ANC had to follow. Now we have got the same situation today when the EFF takes the initiative, and the ANC will have to follow.
I listened very carefully to the hon Deputy Minister Mashego- Dlamini, and I heard her say that the ANC is currently
discussing this, and they will have to take a decision one way or the other. Well, the fact of the matter is that this resolution will be before the House on Tuesday next week and then we will have to vote on that motion. So, the ANC has got until Tuesday next week to decide what their position is going to be. The fact of the matter is that if you expel the Israeli Ambassador and cut all diplomatic ties with Israel, South Africa will not be in a position to play any role whatsoever in terms of any mediation or any chance to try and play a constructive and positive role to bring this conflict to an end. However, it's interesting to note that not one Arab country that currently does have diplomatic ties with Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, not one of them have severed any diplomatic ties with Israel, despite what is currently going on.
The hon Deputy Minister mentioned the fact that Palestine is entitled to its own homeland, and we all agree with that, but the fact of the matter is that since 1937, six such offers for an independent Palestinian homeland was made to the Palestinians and they were all rejected. It is alleged that during the recent Islamic Arab Summit that Algeria proposed that all diplomatic ties should be cut with Israel, and everything should be cut in that instance. But that proposal
was blocked by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco, Mauritania, and Djibouti. They were not prepared to do that, and South Africa should think very carefully before we go into that kind of approach.
The hon Deputy Minister said that at the moment the ANC is considering their options, but it may have implications for South Africa’s representation in Ramallah. I can assist the hon Minister. Is not a question that it may have implications. It will definitely have implications. Let me try to explain to the House. At the moment, our people that represent South Africa and Ramallah, six diplomats all stay in Israel, in Jerusalem and around those areas and they have diplomatic immunity from Israel to do their jobs in Ramallah. If South Africa cuts all diplomatic ties with Israel, that will come to an end. Currently those diplomats that represent South Africa and Ramallah and the Palestinian side in the West Bank, they fly into Ben Gurion Airport and then they travel to Ramallah and that is where they work. But they don’t stay there. If diplomatic ties are cut, they will no longer be allowed to fly into Ben Gurion Airport. They will have to fly to Jordan. They will no longer be able to stay in Israel. They will have to stay in Ramallah. But first, they will have to enter the West Bank from Jordan across the bridge, which is controlled by
Israel. And it’s most unlikely that they will be allowed to enter the West Bank. So, the South African government must understand that if they take this these steps, it will have definite direct implications for South Africa’s representation in Ramallah.
The fact of the matter is that we must understand that very clearly, Israel is not that dependent on South Africa’s relationship. We can learn more from Israel in terms of Israeli products, etc. At the moment, lists are going around with Israeli products that should be boycotted and Israeli companies. But I’m still waiting for the alternative list of Palestinian products and companies that we should support - I haven’t seen those. It would be a short-sight decision by the South African government. It is opportunistic from the EFF, and we will see on Tuesday if the South African government does the right thing and continue with diplomatic attempts to solve this problem. Thank you, Chairperson.
Rev K R J MESHOE: Chairperson.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: You cannot tell us who to support and who not to support. We have a right to support anyone.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon Chief Whip of the Majority Party.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: I am sorry, presiding officer. I am sorry.
Rev K R J MESHOE: Let us start the clock.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Yes, I am
recognising you, Sir.
Rev K R J MESHOE: On behalf of the African Christian Democratic Party, I hereby wish to reject the EFF motion in the name of Mr J S Malema that we are debating today. The ACDP totally rejects this dangerous motion because it is full of lies, inaccuracies and deceptions. To label Israel as an apartheid state is a lie that was coined by haters of Israel.
Furthermore, to insinuate that Israel does not own land they are living on is another lie that the ACDP rejects. It is only the enemies of Israel, the ignorant and the people, who are allergic to the truth, who stubbornly refuse to accept the fact that the land the Israelis are living on was given by God
to Abraham and his descendants long before the existence of Christianity and the Islam.
The ACDP rejects the EFF’s call to government to close the Israeli Embassy in South Africa and suspend all diplomatic relations with Israel. The EFF is ignorant of the fact that South Africa needs Israel much more than Israel needs South Africa. The EFF and the ANC must stop being hypocrites and accept the fact that South Africa has many needs and Israel has the expertise to meet them in areas such as healthcare, innovation, technology, agriculture, and the economic growth. Without Israel, we risk diplomatic tensions that can hinder communication channels for addressing regional issues and ending business collaborations that would reduce economic opportunities, trade, investments, and job creation.
It is hypocritical for Mr Malema and the EFF to accuse Israel of killing defenceless children and women in Gaza when they know that Hamas, their brutal friend, is using women and as human shield. The ACDP wants to know when is the EFF and ANC going to start wearing scarves in solidarity with South African families whose loved ones are killed daily in this country? The wearing of Palestinian scarves when they come to
Parliament highlights the fact that they love haters of Israel much more than they care for their own people here at home.
In conclusion, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn reminded us the other day that in the Book of Jeremiah, God said “as long as the sun and stars of heaven remain in the sky so long as the order of the cosmos is in place, the Jewish people will remain a nation before him. He further said the enemy has raged against the children of Israel, for thousands of years, the Pharaohs tried to destroy them, Assyria tried to wipe them out, Babylon tried to smash them, Rome tried to eliminate them, the Nazis try to annihilate them. But the nation of Israel still lives because the God of Israel, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is alive. I’m Israel CHAI.
Mr V ZUNGULA: Thank you, Chairperson, the Head of State of South Africa has filed a referral to the International Criminal Court for the war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. The Head of State of the country has stated, South Africa believes Israel is committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza. This is very clear. We cannot as a country refer Israel to the ICC for investigation for what we believe is war crimes and genocide. Yet, on the other side maintain normal relations
with Israel. As a country, we cannot be contradicting ourselves.
We express our support to the South African government’s decision to recall all South African diplomats from Israel. This step underscores our commitment to the principles of justice and human rights. As a nation that has overcome the shackles of apartheid, we must not only empathise but actively support those who yearn their own freedom and self- determination. South Africa’s history in fighting apartheid is defined by courage and resilience. We cannot be silent when we are faced with such human rights violations, the struggle for justice and equality is not bound by borders. Our shared history compels us to take a stand against oppression wherever it occurs. We must learn from our past and use that knowledge to advocate for a just and peaceful resolution to the Israel- Palestine conflict.
In conclusion, the ATM calls Parliament to support the closure of the Israeli Embassy in South Africa and the suspension of all diplomatic relations with Israel. I hear some members, Chairperson, saying we need Israel. I want to tell them this: As a country, we do not need countries that kill innocent women and children, who bombs hospitals of other countries.
Our own history tells us, countries cutting diplomatic relations with the apartheid South Africa helped to isolate the apartheid government which led to its downfall. Let us stand united in condemning violations of human rights, recalling the diplomats from Israel and expelling the Israeli ambassador for his insensitive comments. Together, we can send a powerful message that South Africa remains a bastion of justice, human rights, and solidarity with the oppressed. I thank you, Chair.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Chairperson, allow me to start off by saying, I am not surprised with the comments from some of the members in this House. Sometimes I wonder whether we have a human anatomy or human blood, or do we have blood of a creature or for an animal. Because I’ve even seen some animals feel the pain when they see pain experienced by their fellow members of their breed. But in this particular House, some of them only see what they want to see.
Now the DA made a statement trying to do some damage control the other day ... [Inaudible] ... of the North of Gaza, where all the gases to the South so that they can loot together with the West. And that’s what it is all about. I am not surprised with the FF Plus, that is where they come from. They abused
us, they oppressed us. So, they only know the language oppression and nothing else. You can’t get better from them in any case. They’ve never shown any sympathy or empathy to you or anybody else unless you are white supremacy like themselves.
As far as the ACDP and ... [Inaudible] ... you’re always using religion. Well, let me give you some good news. It is your propaganda that said that ... [Inaudible] ... children were beheaded and ... [Inaudible.]
An HON MEMBER: He keeps going away.
An HON MEMBER: What a wonderful idea.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon Shaik Emam, have you switched off your video now? We have lost connectivity.
You’ve got one minute left. I think the system has kicked him out, I don’t see him anymore. That will allow us then to ... [Interjections.]
Mr W M THRING: Chair, will you please note a point of order from the ACDP as well when Shaik Emam is back.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): No! No! Okay, may I then proceed and recognise hon AIC, hon Cope, hon PAC, hon Al Jama-ah.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Hon Chair, Chairperson.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Oh, you are back.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Yes.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Al Jama-ah please hold on. Let me just say you have got one minute left hon member. You may proceed.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Is that all? Okay. First of all, I said ... [Inaudible] ... children were beheaded with your propaganda. [Interjections]
Mr W M THRING: On a point of order Chair.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon Shaik Emam just give me one second there is a point of order. Hon Thring.
Mr W M THRING: Chair, the hon Shaik Emam says that the ACDP has been spreading propaganda. The ACDP does not spread any propaganda. There’s no propaganda from the side of the ACDP. You need to withdraw that.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon member, now you are talking. No, no hon member, can I assist you. As you do that now, you are getting to the point of debate. You must craft your point of order in such a way that it is clear that it is a point of order. Thank you very much. Hon Shaik Emam proceed.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: You spread propaganda that there are tunnels under the Al Shifa Hospital. It is now proven without a fact that those are images from Sweden. You speak about the Israel Defence Forces, IDF ... [Interjections.]
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): There is another point of order.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: You said the Hamas now kill our people.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Proceed hon member, I thought there was another point of order. My apologies for that.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Alright. And now it has been proven, even by a Jewish settler who says that is the Israel Defence Force that opened fire and killed many of the Israeli hostages. That is exactly what the truth is all about. So, stop coming here and misleading the public as to what is really happening. The truth of the matter is the land belong to the Palestinians.
When the Jews were thrown out all over the world, it is the Palestinians who showed them love and respect and welcomed them on every occasion. So, stop using that.
The truth is, we must shut down this embassy. We must shut it down immediately, kick out the ambassador. Those that are part and parcel of the atrocities in the IDF, let’s charge them and hand them over to the International Criminal Court. There’s no further. Let’s not worry about any further sanctions. Let’s shut it down. Break all times until the barbaric state of Israel is willing to sit down and negotiate and enter into a ceasefire. Nothing less Chairperson that we need in this country.
An HON MEMBER: Your heart, your heart ... [Inaudible.]
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: Hon House Chair, let Al Jama-ah express its horror at the callous killing of the head of Give of the Givers in Gaza and those who helped kill him by supporting genocide in Gaza, and now the hon Tau expresses our condolence in Parliament. President of Ramaphosa announced that he will send humanitarian aid to Gaza and stop trading in arms with Israel. Israel had a war cabinet meeting and declared war on South Africa and the first step was to kill Abbasi as South Africa may have sent aid via the Gift of the Givers with the help of Egypt.
Al Jama-ah calls on the South African government to convene a war cabinet as Israel had the support of America and political parties in this House for regime change and they are not going to wait for the 2024 elections. Al Jama-ah thanks the EFF for the revolutionary call to close the Zionist Embassy. But we must also take legal steps to demolish the buildings in which this embassy is. Al Jama-ah will also feel that South Africa must summon America, India and Britain ambassadors for a ... [Inaudible] ... and South Africa must ban the display of Israeli flags. Al. Jama-ah calls for South Africa to suspend all diplomatic relations. But this call must include for the
removal of the DA, ACDP and FF Plus from Parliament and to take punitive actions against other parties like Action SA... [Interjections.]
An HON MEMBER: In your dreams.
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: ... who support the genocide of Palestine, South Africa does not want genocide mongers.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY): The screen. Is there something wrong with the presiding officer on the screen?
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: South Africa does not want genocide mongers ... [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY): Al Jama-ah, there is something wrong with the screen.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Just a minute hon
... May I request that ... Oh, it was you. Okay, proceed. You may proceed now that it has disappeared. Thank you, Chief Whip of the Majority Party.
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: Hon Chair, I would like to continue that, South Africa must suspend diplomatic relations with Israel.
But this call must also include the removal of the DA, the ACDP and FF Plus from Parliament ... [Interjections.]
An HON MEMBER: Chair, the screen is not right.
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: And to take punitive action against parties like Action SA and ... [Inaudible] ... who support the genocide of the Palestinians. South Africans do not want genocide mongers as lawmakers. We had enough of them during apartheid. History and the current situation where the DA rules tell us occupation and apartheid are their trades, and they joined the Israeli government and its military leaders to be on the list like Natsis were on the list after the Holocaust. Something that hon Tau said that all this must be remembered.
Humanitarians not in our lifetime, but they will hunt them down. And many of us will jump in joy after getting the news in heaven that they have been dealt with, just like we are very happy that those with the Holocaust are being dealt with. No one wants vampires on planet Earth. Hon Emam, you said they were less than human beings. The hon chairman of the portfolio
committee pointed very well; they are all vampires. Those who support the genocide in Palestine like the DA, Action SA and ACDP, they behave like vampires and not human beings. I don’t know what scripture ... [Inaudible.] Thank you very much.
Mr S N SWART: Chair, on a point of order.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Thank you hon member. The member used like; he did not say it directly hon member.
Mr S N SWART: Chair, Chair, on a point of order. It is Swart here. I rise on Rule 85, the hon member referred to members of the ACDP and other parties as vampires and cast aspersions on us. I would ask you to rule on that. It’s way beyond right.
Thank you, Chair.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Okay, but please note that he said like he didn’t say they are. So, he was very cautious in terms of crafting his words on that. Now I recognise the hon S O R Mahumapelo. Over to you Sir. No, no, no, it is not you; it is the DA, hon Chetty.
Mr M CHETTY: Madam Chair, I wish to start this debate with a famous quote by the late Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who said: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” And the conflict and claims and counterclaims of one side against the other in this conflict between Palestine and Israel, personifies Gandhi’s quote. Supporters on either side of the conflict are being blinded by their hatred for each other that they cannot see the human rights violations of the elderly, the women and the children. There can be no better place in the world to have this debate than right here in South Africa in this Parliament.
Our experience, our history and the lessons we have learnt from our own divisive past, can become the light that shines across Israel and Palestine to brighten their path for a long- lasting peaceful solution to the conflict. We too as South Africans walked a similar path that the Palestinians and the Israelis are walking today. Let us not forget that right here in our own country, the struggle for freedom, self- determination and democracy did not come without much sacrifice and suffering.
There was a time in our past when South Africa was also burning. Bullets, teargas and bombs were the currency of the
day. Anger, hate and revenge permeated our daily lives as the apartheid government, supported by some governments of the world said everything in their power to keep us divided as a nation because it suited their interests to do so. For decades, South Africa was engaged in its own war and millions of us to this day still suffer the consequences of our unequal past.
It will take many more decades and a few more generations before we completely rid ourselves of our ugly historical past and build a country where every single family can have a home and a decent job. Today, many of us take this democracy for granted. We forget that we would not have been here today if the courageous leaders of our country did not sign a peaceful dialogue and a genuine, sincere attempt to stop the war and division and start talking peace and prosperity. Those leaders at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, Codesa are the ones who brought us here today. It was not easy. There was a genuine willingness to build a better future for all South Africans.
What Israel and Palestine needs right now is their own Codesa. This war has to stop. But it can only stop when the leaders of both sides are prepared to walk the same route that South
Africa did to find peace. South Africa could not have ended this devastation and destruction. It could have been so much worse for us, but our leader, the great late Tata Nelson Mandela, had the courage to say:
Take your guns, your knives and your pangas and throw them into the sea.
It took leaders from all sides of our own war to follow in his footsteps and walk the road to peace. It is now our turn to turn to Israel and Palestine and say, stop this war. Throw your missiles and bombs into the Mediterranean Sea and start the process of talking about peace and not talking about war.
Madam Chair, no amount of bombs and missiles can solve this conflict. Israelis will never bomb Palestine away from the map, and neither can Palestine eradicate the Israelis from the world. We as South Africans all have a role to play to bring them together and not tear them further apart. Not every Israeli citizen is guilty of crime, nor every Palestinian a terrorist. There are innocent women, children and elderly, regardless of whether they are Israeli or Palestinian, who are suffering the consequences of the weak leadership that exists
in that region and the rest of the world is standing, watching and picking a side.
No good will come from doing that, unless the leaders of both sides can start a process of dialogue. This conflict will never come to an end, and the rest of the world will remain divided on this conflict. It has to start with them. That is why we, should be the ones at the forefront to help the Israelis and the Palestinians to find peace. No other country in the world can claim to have walked the path that we have. South Africa should be taking the lead role in helping this come together.
We should not be picking a side. There can be no reason why Israelis and Palestinians cannot be side by side with each other in a peaceful way. When everyone respects each other’s right to dignity and respect for each other’s cultural and religious beliefs ... [Interjections.]
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon Cetty, hon Chetty one minute. May I take Hon hope Papo, your hand is up. I am just noticing now.
Mr A H M PAPO: I am just saying, am I no longer on the speakers list?
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Okay, let me sort it out outside of the debate. I will come back ... [Interjections.]
Mr A H M PAPO: HON ... No but I am on the speaker’s list.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): No, hon Papo can we just allow hon Chetty to finish, then we will deal with that when I come back. Let’s allow him to finish. I thought it was a point of order. I will come back to you.
Mr A H M PAPO: Thank you Chair.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon Chetty you may proceed.
Mr M CHETTY: There can be no reason why Palestine and Israeli cannot live side by side with each other in a peaceful way.
Where everyone respects each other’s right to dignity and respect for each other’s cultural and religious beliefs, as well as equality and human rights for all. If we could do it,
they can too. That can start from this Parliament. This is where our leaders brought unity and peace in our country. It is now our responsibility to do the same for the people of Palestine and Israel.
Madam Chair, I fear that there are many amongst us who are now importing the conflict from Israel and Palestine into South Africa. Right here in this very city, we saw thousands of people, some supporting Israel, some supporting Palestine, demonstrating their hatred for each other. Where are the ones who are supporting peace and unity?
Those who are supporting either side in this conflict are starting to sow the seed of hatred in our own country. We must not allow this to happen. It is our wish that South Africa will play a more active role in helping the people of Israel and Palestine to find a long-lasting solution to this war. We want to see a return to political dialogue, and world leaders must play a meaningful role in promoting the dialogue to bring lasting peace and freedom to the people of Israel and Palestine.
We support the two-state solution that will promote unity and peace amongst both Israelis and Palestinians. On behalf of the
DA, our hearts go out to the millions of people who are suffering the consequences of this war. It has to stop. I thank you.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Thank you, hon member. Hon Hope Papo, I omitted your good self. Now I can see that I have. It’s very unusual for a party to follow each other, but I’ll allow you then followed by hon Mahumapelo. May I recognise hon Hope Papo.
Mr A H M PAPO: House chair, we as the ANC we approach this debate with a sense of grave concern and ... [Inaudible] ... between what is happening between Israel and Palestine. In addition to thousands of people who have died before and from October 2023, we pay our condolences to the family of the head of the Gift of the Givers in Gaza, Ahmed Abbasi who was killed by the bloodthirsty Israel Defence Force. He was a pharmacist by profession and ran all humanitarian projects of the Gift of the Givers in Gaza.
As an organization and movement with experience and a track record of active participation in the progressive international solidarity movement, we also approach this debate with decades of close political relations with the
people of Palestine in their just and ongoing struggle against occupation of their motherland by Zionist Israel 75 years ago. Our deep close relations included joint political and military training with Palestinian freedom fighters before our unbanning in 1990.
As the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Co- operation capably outlined the difficult and painful history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, we wish to highlight the long standing and ongoing flagrant violations of countless United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions by Israel from 1947 to date, on various issues such as the right of protection of Palestinian refugees. The status of Jerusalem, Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the population of the occupied territories.
Permanent sovereignty over national resources in the occupied Arab territories and reaffirmation of previous calls for a full Israel withdrawal from the occupied territories and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The flagrant disregard and undermining of the United Nations and regular violation of its resolution should be firmly challenged, and stopped by the united action of the United Nations Member States and people around the world, so that the
State of Israel and Palestine can ultimately engage in meaningful negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations, leading to peace and harmony among citizens of Israel and Palestine, based on the recognised 1967 borders.
It is a known fact that the recognized 1967 borders have over the years been undermined through occupation of Palestine land, through occupation, confiscation and allowing Israel settlers to take over the land. According to the book titled The Israeli Economy from the Foundation of the State through the 21st Century, Cambridge University Press page 143, I quote:
In the June 1967 Six Day War, Israel occupied the Golan Heights, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Sinai Peninsula. Soon after, it began to build the first settlements for Jews in those areas.
This includes East Jerusalem; all the settlements have always been considered and continue to be considered by the international community to be illegal and established and establish in violation of international law. I will not go into the detail of the numbers of settlers there.
The decisions and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council Report of the amnesty international on the settlements, United Nations Human Rights Council on the settlements, including the State of Israel Court of Justice’s, attitude towards the occupation of Palestine.
In an article published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace dated 07 March 2023 and titled, open quote, “How Israel settlements impede the two-state solution.” Reham Owda, a Palestinian political analyst based in Gaza City, whose is a PhD researcher at the University of Sains Malaysia argues that, open quote:
The settlements pose a number of direct challenges to the establishment of a Palestinian state by violating Palestinian sovereignty, threatening civil peace and security, jeopardizing water resources, and blocking agricultural development.
This is in addition to the many reports which were published by the United Nations declaring the settlements as illegal and against international law. Other members have already indicated the devastation which has been caused before 07 April and after 07 April. And the ANC is very clear, we don’t
condone what happened on 07 April. That was made clear by the Minister of Department of International Relations and Co- operation, Dirco. The Deputy Minister has made it clear, but the proportion of the response of Israel is completely way above what was expected. Murder of 11 000 people, majority being women and children. It is extremely disproportionate.
The ANC remains both as a liberation movement and a democratically elected governing party. Our country has diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine. This was based on our firm belief that instead of walking away from the situation, we must be part of finding a lasting solution to the current and dire situation between Israel and Palestine, coming from our own conflict caused by colonialism of a special type and crime of apartheid system which involved the spilling of blood of many patriotic South Africans. We also believe that after everything is said and done, disputes will ultimately be solved through negotiations.
In response to the dire situation in occupied Palestine and guided by the 2017 ANC Conference Resolution, the Cabinet of our country took a decision to downgrade the status of our Embassy in Israel. The resolution to continue with the
downgrading of our Embassy in Israel was reaffirmed by the 2022 ANC National Conference.
Still guided by the international conference resolution Cabinet, recently resolved to recall all our diplomats from Israel for purposes of consultation about the deteriorating situation, and also summon the Ambassador of Israel to South Africa to Dirco to reprimand him for the undiplomatic and undermining statements against our country.
These are the measures our country has taken so far in response to the situation in Palestine. We’ve been and continue to work hard, politically and diplomatically to convince other countries of our continent and the rest of the world to also adopt all or some of these measures. This is not an easy task to do and requires commitment. That is why we are calling for an immediate cessation, ceasefire, opening of humanitarian corridors, release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners and initiation of peaceful negotiations between Israel and leaders of the Palestinian people under the auspices of the United Nations.
As progressive internationalists, we have been involved in the international solidarity movement for many decades. We know
that our decisions about the situation in Palestine or any part of the world were in solidarity with, have to be informed and based on the interest of people we are in solidarity with and not necessarily our wishes. They should be based on a careful assessment of the balance of social, political and economic forces in our country, our continent and the rest of the developing and developed world. We are revolutionaries, not fanatics.
Every decision we take has to be rational, strategic, tactical and should not result in the weakening and isolation of positions of our country from positions of the rest of the Southern African region and the continent. We should not move alone on difficult matters such as this one. That is why, whilst we support the essence of this motion, we are open for an engagement with the EFF so that there could be some amendments which does not change the essence of the motion but does close the embassy and cut diplomatic relations without putting conditions to that.
That we can deal with, because if you to do that and then full stop, then you close the opportunity for continued engagement with other stakeholders and ... [Inaudible] ... on our continent and the Middle East and their ability to continue to
have influence on the situation. Without those necessary amendments to the motion, it’s important that we amend and as I say, we will indicate in our amendments those conditions linked to the closure and the and the cutting of diplomatic relations have to be affected. Otherwise, the motion we will not be carried. But I hope the EFF will accept those amendments we have to make to the motion which does not change the essence of it. Thank you.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Thank you hon Hope Papo and your understanding that I skipped you earlier on.
With that hon and noting that hon Malema left two minutes, that means for closing the EFF has got five minutes. I now recognise hon S O R Mahumapelo. Over to you Sir.
Mr S O R MAHUMAPELO: The esteemed Chairperson of the House, colleagues bestowed with honourability, on behalf of the politically deep-rooted disciplined force of the left, the ANC, our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the fellow compatriots of the Gift of the Givers, who have reportedly been killed yesterday by the Zionist State of Israel defence force. Their blood and many others will not go in vain for one day. The Palestinian people’s struggle shall thrive.
Humanity finds itself in a painful deep anguish and incomprehensible quagmire. The genesis of … by brutal force, lethal and genocidal force by the State of Israel of the land of the people of Palestine. The manifestations of the historical injustice on the Palestinian people are multifold.
They are denied: The right to free movement in their own lands; security and safety in their own lands; religious persuasions in their own lands; ownership of property in their own land; access to trade freely in their own land; access to their own properties in their own lands; access to unhindered medical care in their own land; access information and education in their own land; and visits to relatives and friends in their own land.
The pretext, of course, by the apartheid genocidal state of Israel is that they are extricating Hamas from the Palestinian Gaza population. Israeli military adventurism has resulted in small children, infants, women, disabled people, pregnant women, the sick and many other innocent people, amounting over
11 000 today, been mutilated ... [Interjections.] ... because in the eyes of the genocidal apartheid state of Israel, these people represent or resemble or embedded in their genes is Hamasism and therefore deserves no right to life.
The military adventure by the apartheid Jerusalem State of Israel is an exercise in futility because [Interjections.] seeking to sift Hamas ... [Interjections.]
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon Mahumapelo, hon Swart is raising a point of order. I thought his hand was up, but he still shouting a point. May I recognise him. Hon Swart!
Mr S N SWART: My apologies. I did have my hand up, Chair, but I just need clarity on what is in front of the speaker - a bottle. Is it permissible? It is in the front of the screen. Thank you.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Thank you very much. [Interjections.] Hon Mahumapelo, you may proceed!
Mr S O R MAHUMAPELO: Okay. The military adventure by the apartheid genocidal state of Israel is an exercise in fertility because seeking to shift Hamas from the Gaza people is tantamount to asking and expecting water. To wage a war against the water molecules is an impossible mission.
This inhumane genocidal human carcass inducement and evil adventure by the apartheid state of Israel imposes a
responsibility on the progressive thinking masses of the world to agree with us when we say, Netanyahu, and therefore Netanyahuism and his associates deserve nothing less than an investigation by the International Criminal Court, within its unambiguous principled mandate, which includes crime against humanity and genocide, as examples.
As part of the necessary thee Netanyahuism process, the apartheid state of Israel and Netanyahu himself, had to be made political skunks of the world, for that is what they deserve. Netanyahuism deserves practical action by the world, to make Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates of the apartheid state of Israel pariahs of the world, for the world will be better with him as a global political pariah.
The progressive thinking people of the world in general and South Africa, in particular should in one voice say, “Until the genocidal apartheid state of Israel demonstrate genuine willingness to allow unhindered delivery of humanitarian relief, peaceful negotiations and the need to create conducive conditions for dialogue on coexistence of the two foreign states, the sovereign states of Israel and Palestine, respectively.
The correct political decision by the South African Government, to reground the Ambassador of Israel in South Africa back to the State of Israel, must be maintained. South Africa is a self-respecting country that pursues full human rights. It is, therefore, critical for us as a country, to demonstrate our principled stance, to take a drastic action against the operations of the State of Israel through its embassy here in South Africa.
Political expediency is a manifestation of deep-seated levels of incorrigibility, as demonstrated by the pendulumists DA. They have, without sparing any breath or pause, taken action to demote with urgence, their Mr Cachalia, for a mere Tweeter or X expression of his disgust and pain on the killing of the Palestinian people by the apartheid Israel.
They come here and seek to mislead the people of South Africa. We do not, as the people of South Africa, suffer from memory lapse syndrome as the DA does. This instant demotion of your Mr Cachalia is a clear demonstration that you, the DA, harbour beneficiaries of the same apartheid system which the state of Israel is clinging to.
As the General-Secretary of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, said, and I quote:
While we recognize legitimate security concerns of Israel, I also remind Israel That military operations must be conducted in strict accordance with the international humanitarian law. Civilians must be respected and protected at all times.
Whilst investments are important in any economy, including the economy of South Africa, investments soaked in the blood of the people of Palestine will not be embraced at all costs by the ANC. We will engage in critical necessary principled engagements through the United Nations and all the progressive forces of the world, for all and sundry to understand that, as South Africa, if conditions compel us to arrive at a decision to look at the matter of economic sanctions, it will, among others, be informed by our principal stance that investment soaked in the blood of the people of Palestine will not be embraced or pursued at all costs.
Setswana
Ke a leboga.
Mr J S MALEMA: Hon House Chair, we fully agree with all those who are saying we need to insist on the arms embargo against Israel, and that we must also continue with our withdrawal of our embassy staff from Tel Aviv and Israel. We fully agree that, indeed, parties, such as the DA, will never understand the suffering of the people of Palestine because they have never been in the conditions that those people find themselves in. If anything, they benefited from the suffering and the pain of others, and they will not immediately relate with what is happening in Palestine.
We know what is forced removal. We know what land occupation is. We are still co-existing with land occupiers who come here and want to tell us about political point scoring and political opportunism. We cannot be lectured about human rights by beneficiaries of the butchering of our people - people who still wish that the tables can turn, and that they can perpetuate what they used to do during apartheid days.
So, for the for the fact that they do not have an experience of being victims of apartheid, they will never support this motion. Why should it come as a surprise that their IFP will not support an action to remove an Israeli embassy? They did not support sanctions against apartheid; they did not support
the international isolation of the South African apartheid; and they have always been the collaborators.
They are direct beneficiaries of some of those who are linked with the Zionist apartheid state. So, apartheid, collaborators and the people who oppose apartheid sanctions and international isolation do not send any chance of supporting exactly the same call that we are making. We know the power of international solidarity.
So, we are calling on all progressive forces to reject the blackmail of the FF-Plus when it says: The ANC will support EFF; the ANC cannot support EFF; and the ANC must be bulled. That is how those who benefited from the blood of others will behave. The blood suckers! The vulture! The people who are still longing for the human flesh of Africans, will never see anything wrong with what is happening in Palestine.
Stop scaring us about economic opportunities that are going to be denied when we are removing the Embassy of Israel. That is
...
Afrikaans:
... swart gevaar.
English:
It is what Afrikaner apartheid apologists survived with. They always created scaremongering and scare tactics for people not to support the genuine struggle. A product of the immediate beneficiary and the grandchild of the inventors of swart gevaar is coming with swart gevaar tactics here, that there are certain economic opportunities that, if you remove the Israeli Embassy, you will forfeit those opportunities and certain skills. That is what Afrikaner apartheid apologists survive on, and this will never be a shocking to some of us.
So, we agree that, indeed, the referral to the ICC by the President is a clear direction that we cannot say these people are engaged in violation of human rights and still have them in our territory. They need to go. We need to take a bold move and say these people will go. These people must go with immediate effect.
We are not opposed to any amendment of any motion because, for us, this is not political opportunism. This is not point- scoring. As long, at the end of the day, we will agree that the Israeli Embassy must be dismissed from South Africa, the rest of other gymnastics, which people feel that they need to add on this motion, are more than welcome. This, especially
the ANC, that prides itself of having benefited from international solidarity.
It is an opportunity now, for you to stand on the side of the people of Palestine, who have been on the side of the people of South Africa in the struggle against apartheid. It is our opportunity now to thank the world and teach the international criminals that their crimes will no longer go punished. Our struggle for the self determination of the people of Israel is nothing against the Jewish people. It is everything against Netanyahu? Is everything against the Zionists. It is everything against the violation of human rights.
This morning we were bombarded with SMSs on our phones and emails, as well as social media accounts, because the ad hoc deputies and the Zionist federation sent their members our numbers to insult us and to intimidate us. We will never be intimidated. The people of Palestine will never for one day
... [Interjections.] ... struggle, and today we know our freedom. We will never know true democracy until the world is democratised and people enjoy the freedom. Palestine shall ... [Time expired.]
Thank you. Just for noting, I am the Presiding Officer and not the speaker, but nevertheless, it is fine, we may proceed.
Debate concluded.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EXPANDED BRICS NATIONS TO ADVANCE THE SOUTH-SOUTH AGENDA AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MULTILATERAL INSTITUTIONS
(Subject for Discussion)
Ms P A PHETLHE: Chairperson or the presiding officer for this afternoon, let me thank and greet everyone on the platform.
Hon members of the National Assembly, I stand before you today with a profound sense of purpose and optimism, as we gather to deliberate on a matter of great significance, “The expanded Brics nations and their pivotal role in advancing the South- South agenda and transforming international multilateral institutions.” This discourse is not merely about co- operation, but it is about shaping a future where unity among developing nations takes centre stage. I want to extend my gratitude for sponsoring this motion and providing me with the opportunity to address this august Assembly on 16 November 2023.
The theme I bring before you is one of unity and co-operation, not just within the Brics nation, but also with the broader developing countries. Our world is undergoing unprecedented challenges and in the face of such adversity, it becomes imperative that nations join hands for the greater good of humanity. In reflecting on the recently concluded 15th Brics Summit in Johannesburg, I am reminded of the insightful words shared by the President Cyril Ramaphosa in his opening address of the summit. He eloquently stated and I quote: While an expanded Brics will be an important champion for the Global South, South Africa stands to benefit from its relationship with these countries. Together, these countries make up nearly a third of the global economy and are together home to 46% of the world’s population. These words underscore the profound impact and strategic importance of South Africa’s engagements with the expanded Brics nations.
The immense economic powers and demographic influence with this coalition not only positions South Africa as a key player, but also highlight the potential for shared prosperity and collaborative efforts that transcend borders. As we navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, let us seize the opportunities presented by these powerful allies to foster growth, development, and mutual understanding. In
hosting the recent 15th Brics Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa achieve their resounding success to promote mutual accelerated goals, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism for both the Brics nations and the African continent.
The summit conducted under the theme, “Brics and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”, served as a testament to the commitment of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the nation to the principles encapsulated in the Freedom Charter, particularly the maxim, “There shall be peace and friendship.” The Freedom Charter emphasis on South Africa as an independent state that respected the sovereignty of All Nations Alliance seamlessly with the summit overarching theme, “Reflecting a dedication to promoting world peace through negotiations rather than alignment with the military blocs.
The ANC-led government commitment to equal rights for all underscores its pursuit of fostering peace and friendship on a global scale, paving the way for a multipolar world that prioritises citizens’ interests and ensures a sustainable future. In the face of global transitions and crisis, the urgent need for a more just and inclusive global governance
system cannot be overstated. The outcomes of the Brics conference not only reiterate the ANC’s commitment to any international order that safeguards common interests, but also position South Africa strategically within Brics to advance common development goals with other member countries and the broader world, particularly within the African continent.
Allow me to deliver to the key areas of our co-operation with bricks and the potential benefits that can emanate from such collaboration in social, economic and political spheres.
Firstly, first and foremost, we must recognise the profound impact that the partnership for mutual accelerated growth can have on our collective economic recovery and growth. The Brics nations with their diverse economies and vast resources have the potential to serve as catalyst for a global economic resurgence. By fostering an environment of collaboration and shared prosperity we can collectively overcome economic challenges and chart a course towards sustained growth.
Parliamentary diplomacy is another cornerstone of our collaboration within Brics. Strengthening the diplomatic ties is crucial for fostering understanding, trust and co-operation among our nations. As parliamentarians, it is our responsibility to build bridges that transcend borders and
ideologist, laying the foundation for a more interconnected and co-operative world. Moreover, the Brics nations can play a pivotal role in contributing to the global recovery and sustainable development through strategic partnership and co- ordinated efforts. We can address pressing issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation and health care, thereby creating a more equitable and sustainable wealth for future generations.
In the realm of agriculture, there is immense potential for
co-operation to enhance food security and improve nutrition by sharing best practices, technology and resources. Brics countries can bolster agricultural development and promote sustainable practices. This collaboration is not just about securing our nation’s food sources, but also about creating a global ecosystem that prioritises the wellbeing of all.
Lastly, let us not overlook the digital divide that persists in our world. In an era dominated by technology, it is our collective responsibility to bridge this gap by fostering innovation, sharing technological advances and promoting digital literacy. We can ensure that the benefits of the digital age are accessible to all, leaving no one behind.
In conclusion, the expanded Brics nations stand at the crossroads and our choices today will shape the trajectory of international relations and development for years to come. Let us seize this moment to reaffirm our commitment to unity, co- operation and shared progress. Together we can build a world where the South-South agenda is not just a concept, but a reality that transform the very fabric of international multilateral institutions. Thanking you, Chairperson and I look forward to the meaningful discussion that will unfold in this Assembly as the ANC government is this city has made wonders and it has made us to be where we are today. Thank you, Chair.
Mr N P MASIPA: House Chairperson, in 1999 the late Helen Suzman once told her caucus that when in doubt always stick to the principles. Those words inspired many around her and continued to do so to this day. It is a mantra that has been informed the DA values and party philosophy. This in turn has resulted in a principled governance approach in areas where we govern, which has made the DA Western Cape an engine of sustained economic growth and job creation.
Today, we debate the importance of an expanded composition of the Bricks bloc in the face of your political upheaval and
polarisation due to an unrelenting assault on the principles of rule-based international order. South Africa is not an excerpt. The ruling party has no principled position or clear policies and implementation plans for economic growth trajectory have been shelved aside to allow corruption and moral bankruptcy to thrive. The economic policies on land reform have not worked and instead we have noticed all vital organs of state that are meant to be supportive to land reform and rural economic development being destroyed under the corrupt ANC government. The lack of the rational plan to turnaround the economy has left many vulnerable South Africans jobless and unable to fend for themselves while many suffered only the corrupt political elites in the ANC are secured in the comfort of taxpayers funded lifestyles. They remained unbothered by the 60% unemployment rate among the youth of our country.
South Africa can learn much about land regularisation in Brazil, a Brics member which credit Israel for its agricultural technologies has placed a huge focus on regulating the land use and occupation of public and rural settlement plots. Brazil’s agrarian reforms are devoted to the principle of social justice and increased productivity. The expansion of the Brics bloc, House Chair, is yet another non-
event which will add little value to our stagnant economy. Trade between new members and South Africa is very meniscus. Worse, the Bill does not share our democratic value and principle. In fact, some of them are habitual human rights offenders.
Yes, South African farmers require more bilateral treaty and export protocol to grow our foreign exchange revenue but not at the cost of principles, House Chair. In the end, the bloc could bring limited benefit to farmers. In this expanded Bricks bloc, the ANC is pitting South Africa against some of our most important trading partners and this could hurt south Africa in the long run as our products especially agricultural produce could face stiff tariffs, which farmers don’t want.
Since the dawn of democracy, our fruit exports have increased dynamic growth due to export market access to US, EU and UK markets. They declined in livestock and animal product export from 80% to 1% for this important markets have largely been a consequence of the ANC government’s poor economic policies that have compromised animal health institutions.
House Chairperson, for South Africa to realise the benefit from any trading bloc, we should not compromise on principles of the rule of law human rights and democracy. The ANC
government cannot continue to site with the aggressors remain nostalgic about communist Russia comradeship while driving millions of South Africans into poverty.
It is not in South Africa’s best interest in the long term to be in the club of the Russian and Iranian dictatorship, House Chairperson. Aligning with dispose such as Russia, Syria and Iran will actively harm our relations with our important trading partners in the west. Russia’s invention of Ukraine has toppled global food security and left most African countries food insecure and the ANC said nothing. Part of the food inflation that we face here in South Africa has been caused by the disruption of global food supply changed by Russian.
Now many South Africans households, House Chairperson, are struggling to put food on the table. The most devastating story being that of an Eastern Cape mother who killed her two kids before taking her own life because she couldn’t provide for them. May their soul rest in peace.
Under John Steenhuisen, all is not lost. When the DA takes over in 2024 at the Brics level, we will make our voice
[Interjections.] ... [Inaudible.] ... of human right, the rule of law ... [Interjections.] ... [Inaudible.] ...
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Which order, hon member?
Mr N P MASIPA: At the domestic level, the DA will scrap policies that are detrimental to job growth and focus on those that would help our country champion export-led economic growth. I thank you, Chairperson.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: House Chairperson, the EFF welcomes and appreciates the resolution of the 15th Brics Summit, which took place here in South Africa to invite additional six countries to form part of what will be the 16th Summit, which will be held in the Russian Federation will become Bricks plus six.
The 15th Brics Summit progressively and correctly resolved to invite the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Republica Argentina, Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to form part of a progressive group of countries in pursued of common
economic financial, social and political co-operation and prosperity.
Bricks which from 2010 is comprised of the five countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa already accounted for 31% of the global Gross Domestic Product and 41% of the global population. Now the inclusion of these six additional countries, the expansion will then lead to the quantitative and qualitative alright majority in terms of the economic size and the dominance of the global population by this particular bloc.
We believe that this is an important step in a right direction and one which will read the world of colonialism, neo- colonialism and the imperialistic control of the world by countries that are organised under the group of seven.
The reality is that since the First and Second World Wars, a significant component of the world has been under the colonial and neo-political, social and economic domination and exploitation of the countries organised currently under the group of seven, which are the United State of America and its puppet governments and countries of Japan and Canada, Italy, France, the United Kingdom and European Union.
The convergence of the global south under the progressive burner of equal trade, respect and prosperity in what is now Brics plus six counter neo-colonialism domination of the west which continues to plunder and rubbish the natural and economic resources of the world that we live in.
As we resolved in the Brics Parliament forum, we as the EFF believe that the African Union should be officially included and invited into the Brics plus six in the same way the African Union was included and invited into the G20 group and at the same way the European Union is part of the G7.
The inclusion of the African Union to Brics plus six corporations will assist in the common and integrated development of the African economy particularly in the era of African Continental Free Trade Area, which is progressively collapsing the barriers and borders to harness and enhance African Intra Trade. This is due to the fact that Intra Africa Trade faces significantly mutations due to inadequate Intra African and pan continental infrastructure, which impacts the free movement of goods and people within the continent.
South Africa and the entire African continent to lose our participation in Brics plus 6 platforms to achieve maximum
common prosperity and the development of the entire continent, we highlight that in pursuit of such, let us prioritise the programmes that are flagship programmes of Agenda 2063.
Firstly, one of those programmes is a high speed rail train network connecting all African capitals and commercial centres. Secondly, is the formulation of a strategy for transforming the African economy from a supplier of raw materials one that actively uses its own resources. Thirdly, is the introduction of the African Union Passport, the removal of ... [Inaudible.] ... requirements for all its holders within Africa but also to end the wars. We must utilise the participation of South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia but now with the African Union to then reverse the ravages and the remnants of colonialism that have got to define the African continent.
But we also believe that the Brics bloc should create powerful viable alternate financial institutions and developmental financial institutions, which would counter and work outside the framework of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. But also, we need to purposefully push for the reform for the United Nations, which was founded in 1945. There were only three countries in the African geography, which had a relatively economy, which were Egypt, Liberia and Ethiopia, which currently have got more than 50 countries where there
were a population of more than 1,2 billion people as the African continent.
We do not have meaningful participation in the United Nations particularly in the Security Council. The systems that governed are presentative of the geography of the entire world. So, we should utilise our friendship and corporation with all the countries in Brics, Brazil, Russia, India, China, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran to push a progressive agenda. We collectively constitute the majority of the population in the world. We should democratise another nations and make sure that it is represented.
Lastly, we should in the 16th Summit start the process of dedollarisation and move away from utilising the dollar as a free ... [Inaudible.] ... in the develop economy. Thank you very much. We welcome this development. [Time expired.]
Mr M HLENGWA: Acting House Chairperson, on January 1, 2024, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will become members of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Brics. With these new members, the Brics plus grouping, as it will henceforth be known, will have a 29% share of the global gross domestic product, GDP. The
grouping will represent 46% of the world’s population. Oil production within the grouping will more than double to 43% and based on the merchandise trade, the grouping will hold 25% share of the global exports. On paper, with the addition of these new members who are all part of the global south, the Brics plus grouping will wield enormous power on the world stage. It will be in a stronger position to push for much- needed reforms of multilateral institutions to advance the South-South co-operation agenda.
As the world transforms, so too must the worldwide organisations that were created to serve humanity. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, speaking at the Brics forum held in Johannesburg this year acknowledged that today’s global governance structures reflect yesterday’s world, and importantly for multilateral institutions to remain truly universal, they must reform to reflect today’s power and economic realities. Ironically, among the most needed reforms are those of the United Nations itself, particularly as it relates to the composition of the United Nations Security Council and the highly contested veto right held by the five permanent members. This reform is something that the IFP continues to call for as the veto right completely negates the
voting rights of the nonpermanent members and allows for unilateral decision-making.
It is significant that the new members of the Brics plus are all parts of the global south and the additional two African countries, the Ethiopia and Egypt now bolster the African voices in this grouping. Together they can advocate for reforms of other powerful multilateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, IMF, and the World Bank that have long ... [Inaudible.] ... stranglehold on the global economy and whose policies are not structured to benefit developing nations. According to a 2023 September Human Rights Watch report the International Monetary Fund with a global debt crisis looming is setting conditions for its loans that risk undermining people’s economic, social and cultural rights. It is therefore both hopeful and necessary that the new Development Bank once bolstered with contributions from the new Brics plus members should provide a viable alternative to the World Bank and the IMF with financing that is focused on projects that eradicate poverty and promote equality.
However, while the benefits of the South-South agenda are parents, the IFP feels that they need to express concerns about the human rights records of some of the new Brics plus
members. South Africa is one of only three of the original members of Brics who are democracies within the grouping are hard-fought and hard-won democracy one might add. As the IFP we are concerned by the growing trend by government to pursue a foreign policy agenda that find South Africa surrounded by countries that do not share the values and principles as enshrined in our Constitution. In conclusion, as we pursue the South-South agenda, let us do so in a way that guarantees the rights and freedoms of all those who live in the global south. I thank you, Acting House Chair.
Mr F J MULDER: Hon Acting House Chair, after more than 40 countries expressed interest in joining Brics, leaders from the five-nation bloc decided that Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt and Argentina and the United Arab Emirates will join the group starting in 2024. With the addition of these six countries, Brics now represents 42% of the world’s population and 36% of the global domestic product. The primarily economic bloc was originally created as an alternative to the US-led international order with a goal of offering growing countries in the global south the counterbalance to western institutions. The Brics consensus- based approach has hampering its effectiveness in the past, but the geopolitical factors driving its expansion, as well as
the sometimes conflicting strategic goals of its individual members, will have a major role in shaping the future of this international system.
This Brics gathering in Sandton during August 2023, has largely been seen as a diplomatic victory of the Chinese leader. However, above this, China was also able to see through the expansion of the bloc’s membership. This matters because the Brics combination of the Unite States, US, adversaries like Russia and the Iran alongside the US partners like Brazil and India will force the United States to consider the security interests that they may have to come to share. On the negative side for China, its ambitions to reform the world’s financial architecture in favour of the global south interests continue to meet with frustrations.
We have heard a lot about the possibility of a shared Brics currency in recent months, but this is unlikely to gain traction for many reasons. It implies that Brics members would hold larger amounts of each other’s currencies and it’s unclear that any members of the new or expanded Brics would wish to buy Russian Rubles right now even if they could.
Moreover, Chinese Yuan still struggles to internationalise meaningfully for its closed capital markets. Since the
introduction of the Euro in 2002, the currency has had very little impact on the dominance of the US dollar in the 20 years since, therefore, it seems that unlikely that the middle-income alternative would pose much more of a threat. This expansion may also introduce more challenges than opportunities for the founding members, especially when it comes to creating alternative institutions to the current world order.
The enlarged Brics will undoubtedly serve as an important forum for global conversations amongst middle-income countries, but that may be its biggest impact on global affairs. It remains to be seen what Brazil stands to gain from its concession to China in remarking the nature of Brics.
Brazil is widely considered to have supported the expansion of Brics in returns for China’s support of Brazil’s addition to the United Nations Security Council as a permanent member, alongside fellow countries. The compromise appears lopsided from the start, China walks away with immediate gains and Brazil receives only empty promises. The Brics Sumit itself brought few tangible outcomes for South Africa, whose membership in Brics is largely symbolic.
South African is the smallest and most economically insignificant member of the group. As Russia deals with economic sanctions and international condemnation for its war against the Ukraine, Brics has become an important forum for Moscow. Over a decade in existence, it remains to be seen whether Brics will become a force politically and economically force in any way within the international system. Thank you, hon Acting House Chair.
Mr B S NKOSI: Hon House Chairperson, ... [Inaudible.] ... Brics has emerged as a forum with a potential to change the global political as well as economic outlook substantially.
... [Inaudible.] ... that aims to set both regional and global agendas for democratic economic engagement. There is recognition that there is a long-term structural change in the world economy and this has also resulted in a shift in political influence, alignment and relations. Both China and India have experienced unprecedented economic growth and are expected to do so in the next 30 years. This will constitute a rebalancing of the relations which cannot be ignored by economists, policy-makers and global decision-makers.
As we reflect on South Africa's successful hosting of the summit, the ethos of collaboration, shared goals and
commitment to a more just and inclusive global order still reverberates in our collective conscience. The Brics Summit has served as a beacon of unity, prompting us to reflect on the importance of the South-South agenda and its profound impact on the advancement of African nations. We hope to build on the outcomes of the summit to save our collaborative future and navigate the challenges and opportunities that are presented by the summit. Against this background, we outline our vision and strategies which will propel us towards a brighter, more interconnected and harmonious global landscape. First, we must acknowledge the fundamental significance of South-South Co-operation for the development of African nations. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility, enabling us to address common challenges and design appropriate responses to address issues related to sustainable development. The bonds forced through the South-South Co-operation are essential in realising the African agenda, ensuring that no country is left behind in our collective pursuit of prosperity.
As a country, we will participate in a number of numerous South-South treaties and alliances where a range of issues are discussed, ranging from economic and underdevelopment and the exclusion from important decision-making processes in global
fora on matters of climate change, global economy and no generation and implementation to discussions on intellectual property regimes. A critical aspect of this co-operation is advancing the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals through pooling resources, knowledge and expertise we can make significant strides in achieving these goals bringing about change and improving the quality of life of our people. Notable but unequal progress has been recorded in the areas from renewable to clean energy to the provision of sustainable settlement and water and sanitation. South Africa plays a critical role in ensuring that the Brics prioritises the continent in terms of infrastructure development, regional integration and industrialisation. In this regard, we are committed to developing a unified continental approach to emerging powers and enlisting the input and key collaborators in Africa through our progressive efforts to advocate for the expansion of the Brics to include more African nations.
We recognise the substantial role the fora play in promoting economic growth and development in Africa, particularly through initiatives such as the African Free Continental Trade Area. The collaborative efforts within the Brics create the opportunity for trade, investment and technological exchange contributing to the economic empowerment of African countries.
The Brics member countries are trading with their African counterparts, which has increased over the years, particularly in infrastructure development, such as the construction of harbours, roads and bridges. The endeavours serve as exemplars of that which can be achieved when nations join forces for mutual benefit through shared projects, technology transfer and capability building.
The Brics nations have set a precedent for effective collaboration that we can emulate and build upon for the greater good of the continent. Further, the Brics holds tremendous potential in supporting African countries to achieve their development goals and address global challenges such as climate change and health crises by leveraging the collective strength of the Brics, African nations can access resources, expertise and innovative solutions to tackle the pressing issues that transcend borders. Our participation in this forum provides a platform to amplify the voices of African nations, advocate for unique continental challenges, foster partnerships and amplify our influence on the global stage.
It is a collective responsibility to ensure that the benefits of the Brics membership translate to tangible improvements in
the lives of people of our continent. It is crucial to underscore in this regard the importance of education in our collective journey towards sustainable development. Education is a cornerstone of progress, by investing in accessible and quality education, we empower our citizens to contribute meaningfully to the socioeconomic growth of our nations.
Collaborations between the Brics allow us to share best practices, promote education and exchange programmes and enhance the skills of the workforce, ultimately fostering innovation and productivity across the continent. In addition to education, the health care sector demands that our focus is to recognise the recent health challenges which have underscored the interconnectedness of our world and the need for robust health care systems by pooling resources in health and expertise within the framework of the Brics, we can strengthen our health care infrastructure, enhance disease prevention measures and improve access to quality health care for all. This co-operative approach is not only a response to the immediate challenges but also an investment in the resilience and wellbeing of our communities for years to come.
It is also paramount to emphasise the importance of a cultural exchange. The Brics provide a unique platform for the rich cultural diversity of our nations to flourish by promoting
cultural understanding and appreciation, we can build bridges of tolerance and mutual respect. Cultural exchange fosters people’s connections and lays the groundwork for enduring partnerships that transcend political and economic boundaries, creating a more interconnected and harmonious world.
Technology and innovation in an era defined by rapid technological advances, the Brics collaboration can catalyse the information and technology ecosystems across Africa.
We can position our nations at the forefront of the global technological landscape by fostering research and development partnerships, promoting technology transfer and investing in digital infrastructure. This not only propels economic growth but also ensures that African countries actively contribute to shaping the technological future on a global scale. The importance of the African continent in trade, commerce and industry also means that Africa must influence relationships within its Brics partners to ensure that key advantages of our country's role as a bridge for lasting ties in the natural resources, banking, financial, communication and transport nexus.
The South African agenda, the South-South agenda is not just a theoretical concept, it is a practical framework for
collaboration that holds the key to the development and progress of African nation-states. Through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, a successful South-South Co-operation and the strategic leveraging of our membership, we can collectively chart a course towards a brighter future for Africa, one that is characterised by shared prosperity, sustainable development and global influence. The Brics desire to shape a more democratic and just multipolar world order based on the rule of international law, equality, mutual respect, co-operation, and collective decision-making of all states. I thank you.
Mr W M THRING: Hon House Chairperson, the ACDP, having participated in the Brics Summit and Parliamentary Forum held this year, is keenly aware that the Brics is a grouping of emerging market countries that seek to establish deeper ties between their nations and co-operate on economic expansion, including trade. In this regard, the Brics countries seek to depend on each other for growing influence in the world.
Additionally, they strive to advance the South-South agenda and the transformation of the international multilateral institutions, acting as a balance against traditional Western influence. Goldman Sachs positions that the global economy
will be dominated by the Brics economies by 2050. The main comparative advantage of this group is their low labour costs, favourable demographics, and abundant natural resources.
In 2013, Brics accounted for around 27% of global GDP in purchasing power. Currently, the Brics accounts for 32% of global trade, surpassing the G7. The five countries have a total population of 2,88 billion, accounting for around 42% of the entire global population. The countries in the Brics bloc cover 26% of the total land area on earth. This demographical and statistical information is set to change, as in January 2024 another six countries will be added to the BRICS bloc, namely Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. China has a GDP of
$19,3 trillion, India $3,7 trillion, Brazil $2,4 trillion, Russia $2,240 trillion while SA has a paltry GDP of
$405,87 billion.
We lag behind our Brics counterparts because of the numerous own goals scored by the ruling party. Our manufacturing sector is in decline due to failed economic policies. We have some of the highest crime, unemployment, poverty, and inequality rates in the world, with an inefficient electricity supply and water
infrastructure collapsing, where 50% of all water from bulk suppliers never reaches the end consumer.
While the economies of our Brics partners continue to grow, South Africa has lost its No.1 spot as Africa’s top economy. We are now no.3 behind Nigeria and Egypt and we are set to borrow some R500 billion per annum over the outer lying years. Unless the ANC is replaced by the ACDP, our standing in the Brics, and that as a nation is in jeopardy. I thank you.
ILUNGU ELIHLONIPHEKILE: Hamba uyothandaza.
Mr A H M PAPO: Chair, I had my hand up!
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Oh! Hon Papo, my apology ... [Interjections.] ... yes?
Mr A H M PAPO: I don’t think it is relevant anymore because the member is no longer on the platform. I wanted to ask whether it was parliamentary for the member to insist on calling us rulers when we are elected governors.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Oh! Okay! Thank you very much, hon Hope Papo, and my apologies for the delay in recognising your ... [Inaudible.]
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Thank you very much, Chairperson, protocol, let the Deputy Minister come after me, but let's start with the good news, Woolworths has just announced that they will no longer be stocking Israeli products. Well done, Woolworths. On this very important topic. This is what the leadership of the Brics says, first of all, they want to introduce an Islamic financing system, which simply says goodbye to interest and goodbye to the exploitation of all these banking and financial institutions controlled by the colonialists, and I'm sure you have observed something, Chairperson, in this House, colonialists defend colonialists, without any doubt.
Let's see what else the Brics says besides the financial system and social upliftment for everyone in the world. Now, that certainly doesn't go as far as the colonialists want to continuously control us make us vulnerable and ensure that our people remain poor all their lives. Let's see what else the Brics says, it says a safe and secure world, which means those colonialists, particularly the West and the Zionists, will not
be able to make money out of arms and ammunition and cause chaos and mayhem and division and destruction.
They are talking about a new World Health Organisation, which simply means that what the current World Health Organisation is doing, and you can see what has happened with COVID-19 and all the evidence that's unfolding, how it was manipulated, how it was created, how the vaccines and most of them benefit, of course, were from these colonialist countries and now the evidence is more and more people are dying as a result of that vaccine. So, they're talking about a new currency because the US dollar has been manipulating currencies all over the world. So what does it simply tell us? This is a very positive step in the right direction. A South-South agenda.
The time has come when we need a new world order where there's peace and prosperity, and if ever there is an opportunity for peace and prosperity, then it is indeed going to come from this new Brics initiative. Yes, indeed, only six other countries have thus far been accepted, but the intention and the plan are to accommodate a whole lot more, but they want to follow due process and show they crawl before they walk, so I think indeed the opportunities that are being created by the Brics must be encouraged. If you remember the words of Muammar
Gaddafi, the late leader of Libya, he said, “one Africa, one continent, one currency, one president.” I think we're heading in that direction. The NFP supports this ... [Inaudible.] ... and I think you are there to tell me I must get off, Chairperson, I'll do so. Thank you.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): No, I wasn't going to say that but anyway, thank you very much, hon Shaik Emam.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CO-
OPERATION (Mr A Botes): House Chair, hon Regina Mina Mpotseng Lesoma, hon members of Cabinet and Parliament, fellow South Africans, today, our geopolitical landscape is in a constant state of concern. There is a plethora of challenges for countries, in particular, the global South, which include, but not limited to, a rise in narrow nationalism, right-wing and religious radicalism, violent extremism and terrorism, popularism, racism, xenophobia and other discriminations, including, apartheid as practiced by the state of Israel. In addition, hon House Chairperson, asymmetrical nontraditional and nonlinear warfare, poverty and inequality.
The root causes of which includes, but are not limited to, food, water and energy insecurity. These challenges,
inevitably, results in a price, global, continental and regional conflicts, including the genocidal conflicts, which we see today in Gaza. We hope through these collective efforts of Brazil, India, China and South Africa, BRICS, family, with the vision of building a world that is fairer, just, impartial, inclusive and more prosperous, it will enable that for Africa, in particular, for the global South. Hon members, our commitment to a fair and just world, requires us to confront the existing inequalities, discrimination, unbiases, injustice, unfairness, exclusivity and unipolar conduct, which more than often engage in weaponisation of multilateral institutions.
Importantly, hon House Chair, the central topology and posture of BRICS was a significant consensus on the need to change the global architecture, including, Britain with institutions and a number of key United Nations, UN, institutions, including the UN Security Council, which should obviously be in terms of the Common African Agenda, as it is capsulated in when the consensus and the declaration. So, the BRICS family have been consistent in championing the transformation of the global governance architecture on the three pillars based on political, financial and economic co-operation, and has become
a very reliable voice and an ally of the global South when we engage in international politics.
Importantly, Chair, the BRICS leaders committed themselves in the Johannesburg II Declaration, to strengthen co-operation on issues of both common interests, both within the BRICS family and with needs, the broader multilateral forum, including at the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, and the United Nations Human Rights Council, UNHRC. It has commented, obviously, to perfect key priorities for the global South in advancing the South-South Agenda, including the African Agenda 2063 premise on the seven aspirations, which speaks about the inclusive South Africa that are stable and that are more prosperous as envisaged by our forefathers during the Organisation of African Unity, OAU, founded in 1963.
The BRICS family, hon members, has agreed to oppose the attempts by some states to use human rights agenda to pursue the narrow national interest on the pretext of promoting human rights, for an example, the weaponisation of the United Nations Human Rights Council and what we have agreed upon, in relation to the multilateral human rights ecosystem, is in particular, to give equal attention to all human rights, and our approach of equality of state for first, second and third
generation rights is, obviously, juxtaposed the approach of some states in the Northern Hemisphere to continue to emphasise this supremacy of civil and political rights over economic, social and cultural environmental rights, which is the key right. Obviously, it is embedded within our programme.
Hon members, the BRICS wants to ensure that global governance is substitutions remain faithful to multilateral and a rules- based approach premise on international law and to human rights. Furthermore, the human rights and institutions that supports them, are not abused and weaponised by states in pursuit of their unilateral action and the imposition of unilateral cohesive measures under the rubric of the protection of human rights. In particular for us, hon House Chair, will be the co-operation as it relates to the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, with the specific emphasis on the comprehensive implementation of and the follow up, to the different declaration and programme of action.
Hon members, I think that as we seek the national unfolding disasters on human and error level that are taking place in an increased violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including war crime. What we are enjoining
the BRICS nations for, is to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire, to call for the establishment of a humanitarian foreigner for humanitarian aid and an embargo for the military state of Israel by all countries, and we are supporting the substantive call made by President Ramaphosa for the International Criminal Court, ICC, to urgently issue a reprimand that should lead, ultimately, to an arrest warrant that should be levelled against Prime Minister, Netanyahu, for war crimes, crimes against humanity and the genocide committed, in particular, against women and children, and those crimes does not only relate to since 7 October 2023, we are speaking here about the 75 year process which he accumulated as the chief representative of the Israeli state, and which he should take responsibility for.
Hon House Chair, on the multilateral system, we want to acknowledge the state’s unprecedented challenges, but our view and optics as the South African government, is that the World Trade Organisation, WTO, remains a key instrument within the multilateral arena, and what is needed is for us transform the WTO as a central point for the development trajectory of, in particular, countries of the global South. I wish to indicate, hon members, that the BRICS partners have committed themselves to strengthen international co-operation and collaboration
against the fight against corruption and international financial flows, because it is antithesis to the development paradigm in the BRICS family nation are actually advancing.
One of the key areas that we highlighted about is that there is a decision that BRICS have agreed to call for the
transformation of the United Nations Security Council, UNSC, where we are going to have South Africa, Brazil and India, amongst others, to play a key and a greater role in international affairs. The second strategic political outcome was obviously the expansion of including the Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Europe, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. We are of the opinion that it will substantially change the scales of international security, international financial and economic co-operation, international co-operation as relates to cultural co-operation and people’s content.
Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA)
The third key aspect, Madam Chair, is a consensus that there is an unfair financial architecture and the summit have decided that there should be a consideration of the BRICS payment and settlement system. That is quite significant,
given the fact that as we advance the Abuja Treaty through the Continental Free Trade Area, CFTA, it will become a critical instrument which speaks to build an inclusive prosperity as envisaged by the forefathers of the OAU ... [Interjections.]
... Hon Chair, I want to conclude.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon Deputy Minister, one second. Hon Shelembe, please switch off your mic. Before you conclude, hon Shelembe, switch off your mic or you decide you’re going to be out of the system, that will assist. Thank you very much. You may proceed, hon Deputy Minister.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CO-
OPERATION (Mr A Botes): Yes, hon House Chair, I think what we are saying as BRICS is that South Africa has always stressed the value of BRICS to advance our Pan-African outlook. We do acknowledge the task before us is monumental, but the resolve for the BRICS nations is unwavering in that regard. Hon Chair, Antonio Gramsci, have reminded us that it is important to tell the truth, because to tell the truth is revolutionary. There must be an acclimation on the leadership provided by President Ramaphosa, which has been unprecedented, unparallel, substantive and qualitative to the 15th BRICS Summit.
I conclude with the quote, hon House Chair, by Le Duan in the seminary works entitled, Some Present Tasks, I paraphrase. He says:
The revolution needs a contingent of cadres who are equal to
I submit that President Ramaphosa conforms to that characterisation. Thank you very much, hon House Chair.
Mr D BERGMAN: Hon Chairperson, the recent expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, BRICS alliance was seemingly aimed at promoting south/south co-operation and raises serious concerns about its potential to undermine South Africa’s interests and eroded strategic standing within the block. Many questions arose on the establishment around Brics. It was concerning to know what the commonality was between the states. It was not economy size. It was not political ideology, and there was hardly any other obvious or clearing commonality that would draw one to an instant conclusion.
And if I was a conspiracy theorist, I would have said that it could have been the exploitive and fertile ground that South Africa has to offer that made us an equal but ideal partner. Of course, I would have been proven correct just by looking at the initial investment costs into the bank and the fact that we were the first country within their alliance that would borrow from this newly developed BRICS Bank. As the Union has developed, it has been more critical to question the motive of BRICS, whether the motive was economic, trade, political or bold enough to be an alternate to the G7. It has always been our understanding that it would be more a trade arrangement.
But as time has shown, it seems to have been a political alliance with unlikely allies.
The war in Ukraine was its biggest test, and I think the response has been quite telling. I think it is safe to say that the world is not divided into East and West anymore. I would rather say that there are free countries and ruled states. These two axis are evidently polarizing more and more with the US and the UK Europe headlining the one side and on the opposite side is the China, Russia, Iran, et al axis.
Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, BRICS is possibly the UN of this axis, or with the increasing numbers of membership it is fast competing with the G20. With 11
countries of its membership, it is now covering 36% of the world GDP, and that is 42% of the world population under it. This can now be considered a world order. The new Development Bank can be seen as an economic tool that can compete with the US Dollar and the International Monetary Fund, IMF in borrowing money. None of this would be problematic if the reasons were just and had growth and development as its objective. On the surface, the expansion of the BRICS block appears as an opportunity to strengthen the South/South agenda and amplify the voices of the developing nations. However, I fear that such a move could lead to dilution of the block score values. The few that actually unite the countries in the trade pacts and the weakening of its ability to effectively represent the interests of its members.
Adding new members with costly different economic structures, political systems and foreign policy priorities has created a high potential for internal divisions and lowers the chance of consensus building. Also having such an extreme mix is certain that some countries may have their voices drowned out, and with Egypt and Ethiopia included in BRICS, we have diluted our own strategic importance and more importantly our value. It must also be noted that the timing of the extension, whilst the global landscape is currently experiencing unprecedented
turbulence with geopolitical tensions rising in economic uncertainties looming is highly questionable and concerning. This is in consideration of the domestic fiscal pressures that creates the vision, especially due to lack of transparency on contributions and pressures placed on member states and their domestic obligations.
Considering our membership fees, our borrowing rates and possibly the cost of African Growth and Opportunity Act, Agoa, the intensifying of the grain listing due to polarizations of these axis, our new friends could make the most spectacular extravagance yet for which we will have no return except for some Russian power ships, Chinese dams and malls, Iranian ethylene and petroleum. Our Zimbabwean brothers will be climbing this washing line home in droves to get home to safety, some others will be going to paradise in Namibia.
The UN development report on quality of life will drop from making us on par with the Palestinian territories currently, which it is, to thinking well below the states of Cuba, Sudan and Liberia. So, when we debate something like BRICS and its new path to the economic development, surely it is the tale of Robin Hood, but it might not be the script you think it is and we might not be the actors in the story that we think we are.
You see, I think there are less Robin hoods in the story and more brother Johns and that is not the wealthy that are necessarily being stolen from to give to the poor.
Therefore, the DA believes that it is time that the ANC takes its already embarrassing and outdated foreign policy and stop looking backwards. It is time to prepare for a new country, a country where they might not even be governments at all. It is time that they start governing this country as if it belongs to everyone that lives in it and not just the executive and the few people really feeding at the through. It seems the one thing that BRICS and their ANC have in common is the lack of diplomacy. It is the one thing that they could learn together to make the experience as well. If they cannot do it, let them not just have the elections in Johannesburg, let them have an early election nationally too, I thank you.
Ms P A PHETLHE: We have observed after this whole debate that there are still those who are immune to development, such as DA and ACDP. I so wish that they come back from the dreamland and realized that ANC has done wonders. It has done the good that they could not do for the past 100 years by their forefathers then. Having said that, honourable Chair, honourable members, as we conclude this substantive debate
throughout our deliberations, it has become evident that BRICS nations play a crucial role in influencing global social, political and economic dynamics. The collaborations and shared values within BRICS have positioned these nations at the forefront of international discourse, stirring the narrative towards a more conclusive, inclusive and equitable world order.
Equally significant, is BRICS’s central role in advancing the South/South agenda. The partnerships within this block exemplify the spirit of solidarity among developing nations. Transacting geographical boundaries to address common challenges and foster mutual developments. BRICS stands as a practical example of the potential for collective action in reshaping international relations.
Furthermore, let us emphasise the importance of BRICS in driving the economic development of countries in global south with a special focus on Africa. At the recent BRICS summit, the member nation collectively affirmed their recognition of the vital role women play in the promotion of peace and stability globally. In a resounding declaration, the leaders acknowledge:
We recognize the importance of the increased participation of women in peace processes, including in conflict, including in conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping, peace building, post conflict, reconstruction and development, and sustain peace.
That that is the what the summit has noticed that around in BRICS. This statement underscores the commitment of the BRICS state nations to fostering inclusivity and gender equality in all facets of peace initiatives. It signifies a shared belief in the transformative power of women, women’s engagement and in addressing the complex challenges of conflict and post conflict scenarios.
As we move forward, it is imperative that we translate this recognition into a concrete action that empowers and elevate the contributions of women in the persuade of flashing peace and global security chair. In conclusion, as we reflect on today’s discourse, let us carry forward the understanding that BRICS is not merely an association of nations, but it is a catalyst for positive change and a promoter of a more interconnected, critical, interconnected and co-operative world.
The affirmation we make today regarding the critical role of BRICS in global dynamics is significant for South Africa’s agenda and its pivotal role in the economic development of countries in the South, particularly Africa, will resonate in the halls of international co-operation. I extend my gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions and I look forward to witnessing the continued impact of BRICS on the world stage. With these thoughts, I officially close the debate, hoping that our shared vision for a better future remains steadfast in the days and years to come, especially that the ANC in 2024 will still come back as a ruling party and take government so that it can teach and lead DA for free. Thank you, Chair.
Debate concluded.
The mini-plenary session rose at 16:40.
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