South Africa: "No Retreat on Israel Genocide Accusations"

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his government’s position in its genocide case against Israel at the International Criminal Cour ( ICC ), insisting Pretoria remains committed to pursuing the matter.

Speaking in parliament, Ramaphosa said his administration had not received any formal request from the United States to reconsider the case.

“South Africa remains steadfast in its call for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian assistance, an end to the ongoing occupation, and the collective punishment of Palestinians,” he stated.

The president’s remarks came in response to questions from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, who also raised whether Ramaphosa had been contacted by US President Donald Trump regarding alleged “white genocide” in South Africa.

Ramaphosa confirmed that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) had engaged with the US Embassy after Trump issued an executive order in February 2025 granting refugee status to white Afrikaner South Africans. According to Ramaphosa, South Africa rejected the allegations, asserting that its legal and institutional framework adequately addresses discrimination claims and that such allegations fall short of the persecution threshold in refugee law.

Addressing further questions, Ramaphosa explained that his official visit to Washington in May 2025 aimed to improve bilateral relations and promote economic ties. The trip, he said, was funded by relevant government departments, with business and labour leaders joining the delegation at their own expense. He stressed that the meeting with Trump did not cover topics such as the discontinuation of diversity initiatives or reparations, focusing instead on “resetting” relations between the two nations.

Meanwhile, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola revealed that Mcebisi Jonas, appointed in April as South Africa’s Presidential Envoy to the US, has yet to travel to Washington to take up his duties. Jonas was tasked with advancing South Africa’s diplomatic and trade interests after the US expelled ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. The position remains vacant, with Ramaphosa indicating that a new appointment will be announced in due course.