During his speech at the ANC’s January 8 statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s support for the Palestinian cause and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Drawing parallels to South Africa’s history of apartheid, Ramaphosa emphasized the need to address the ongoing violence and injustice in Palestine.
Reflecting on the devastating genocide in Rwanda, which occurred as South Africa was preparing for its first democratic elections in 1994, Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of preventing such atrocities from happening again. Quoting former President Nelson Mandela, he declared, “Never, never and never again” should the world allow such violence to occur.
Ramaphosa condemned the Israeli government’s actions, stating that South Africa stands with Palestine because it understands suffering after experiencing apartheid. He reiterated the ANC’s long-standing support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination, comparing their situation to the brutal apartheid regime that South Africa once faced.
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President Nelson Mandela famously declared that South Africa’s freedom was incomplete without the freedom of Palestine. Ramaphosa echoed this sentiment, stating that South Africans living in a free and democratic society tremble with indignation as they witness the injustice against the people of Palestine.
Highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, Ramaphosa called for the opening of corridors to ensure the delivery of aid to those in dire need. He also emphasized the importance of releasing hostages and political prisoners and urged for the settlement of the conflict based on the two-state solution, following the 1967 borders.
Reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to speaking out on behalf of the oppressed and marginalized, Ramaphosa mentioned the country’s support for the struggles of Cuba and Western Sahara. He emphasized that South Africa believes in peaceful resolutions and advocates for a world where the voices of the oppressed are heard.
Addressing the broader global context, Ramaphosa emphasized that the world’s crises and risks cannot be resolved through a unipolar world dominated by the Global North or through armed conflict. South Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to encouraging peaceful resolutions and fostering a world where justice and equality prevail.
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