South African Embassy | Ankara, Turkey - South African Embassy | Ankara, Turkeyhttp://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php2024-03-19T13:40:31+00:00South African Embassy | Ankara, TurkeyJoomla! - Open Source Content ManagementSouth Africa Vote Day in Türkiye2024-03-13T12:02:51+00:002024-03-13T12:02:51+00:00http://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php/media-menu-item/embassy-activities/974-south-africa-vote-day-in-turkiyeSuper User<img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/SONA2022/test2.jpg" alt=""/><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/test/SAelections2024---Voting-Day-18-May-2024-in-Ankara---Copy.jpg" alt=""/>
<img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/SONA2022/test2.jpg" alt=""/><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/test/SAelections2024---Voting-Day-18-May-2024-in-Ankara---Copy.jpg" alt=""/>
Update3-SA National Elections 20242024-01-19T11:50:33+00:002024-01-19T11:50:33+00:00http://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php/media-menu-item/embassy-activities/973-update3-sa-national-elections-2024Super User<p style="text-align: justify;">The Independent Elections Commission (IEC) of South Africa advised that process of registration of South African Citizens in Türkiye intending to vote in the South African national elections during 2024 will take place through <strong>a manual registration process</strong> from<strong> 26 - 28 January 2024</strong> at the South African Embassy in Ankara at the below address:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY ANKARA<br /></strong><br /><strong>Aloha Building<br /></strong><br /><strong>Kırkkonaklar Mahallesi 298. Cadde No: 4 / D Cankaya / ANKARA</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/SAelections2024_-_Turkiye_Poster_19_Jan_2024.jpg" alt="SAelections2024 Turkiye Poster 19 Jan 2024" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">#SAelections24</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Issued by The South African Embassy in Ankara on <strong>19 January 2024.</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Independent Elections Commission (IEC) of South Africa advised that process of registration of South African Citizens in Türkiye intending to vote in the South African national elections during 2024 will take place through <strong>a manual registration process</strong> from<strong> 26 - 28 January 2024</strong> at the South African Embassy in Ankara at the below address:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY ANKARA<br /></strong><br /><strong>Aloha Building<br /></strong><br /><strong>Kırkkonaklar Mahallesi 298. Cadde No: 4 / D Cankaya / ANKARA</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/SAelections2024_-_Turkiye_Poster_19_Jan_2024.jpg" alt="SAelections2024 Turkiye Poster 19 Jan 2024" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">#SAelections24</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Issued by The South African Embassy in Ankara on <strong>19 January 2024.</strong></p>Extended Closure of the Consular Section2024-01-15T12:56:47+00:002024-01-15T12:56:47+00:00http://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php/media-menu-item/embassy-activities/972-extended-closure-of-the-consular-sectionSuper User<p>Please be informed that the <strong>Consular Section</strong> of The South African Embassy in Ankara has extended the closing period from 16 January 2024 to <strong>Wednesday,</strong> <strong>31 January 2024</strong>.</p>
<p>The reason for this is the South African Embassy is locating to its permanent offices. The South African Embassy hopes to complete the installation of its equipment and facilities with effect from 5<sup>th</sup> of February 2024.</p>
<p>Therefore, the Visa applications will not be accepted during this period (16 Jan – 5 Feb. 2024). Please be informed that the applications from 5<sup>th</sup> February 2024 will be accepted in persons.</p>
<p>The Consular Section will resume normal duties on <strong>Monday, 05 February 2024 </strong>at the following address:</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY</strong></p>
<p><strong>Aloha Building</strong></p>
<p><strong>Kırkonaklar Mahallesi 298. Cadde No: 4/D</strong></p>
<p><strong>06610 Çankaya ANKARA</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>For any emergency case, please contact with the Emergency Number Consular Services Phone: <strong>+90 (537) 912 58 07</strong>.</p><p>Please be informed that the <strong>Consular Section</strong> of The South African Embassy in Ankara has extended the closing period from 16 January 2024 to <strong>Wednesday,</strong> <strong>31 January 2024</strong>.</p>
<p>The reason for this is the South African Embassy is locating to its permanent offices. The South African Embassy hopes to complete the installation of its equipment and facilities with effect from 5<sup>th</sup> of February 2024.</p>
<p>Therefore, the Visa applications will not be accepted during this period (16 Jan – 5 Feb. 2024). Please be informed that the applications from 5<sup>th</sup> February 2024 will be accepted in persons.</p>
<p>The Consular Section will resume normal duties on <strong>Monday, 05 February 2024 </strong>at the following address:</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY</strong></p>
<p><strong>Aloha Building</strong></p>
<p><strong>Kırkonaklar Mahallesi 298. Cadde No: 4/D</strong></p>
<p><strong>06610 Çankaya ANKARA</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>For any emergency case, please contact with the Emergency Number Consular Services Phone: <strong>+90 (537) 912 58 07</strong>.</p>Closure of the Embassy & Visa Applications2023-12-20T09:07:30+00:002023-12-20T09:07:30+00:00http://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php/media-menu-item/embassy-activities/970-closure-of-the-embassy-visa-applicationsSuper User<p>Please be informed that The South African Embassy Ankara will be closed from 25 December 2023 to 01 January 2024.</p>
<p>The Embassy will resume with normal duties on <strong>Tuesday, 02 January 2024</strong>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Please be informed that the <strong>Consular Section</strong> of The South African Embassy in Ankara is closed from 15 December 2023 to 15 January 2024.</p>
<p>Visa applications will not be accepted during this period.</p>
<p>The Consular Section will resume with normal duties on <strong>Tuesday, 16 January 2024.</strong></p>
<p><br />For any emergency case, please contact with the Emergency Number Consular Services: +90 (537) 912 58 07.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /><strong>Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>from all of us at the South African Embasssy Ankara, Türkiye</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/seasons_greetings_2023__SAE.jpg" alt="seasons greetings 2023 SAE" width="500" height="427" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p><p>Please be informed that The South African Embassy Ankara will be closed from 25 December 2023 to 01 January 2024.</p>
<p>The Embassy will resume with normal duties on <strong>Tuesday, 02 January 2024</strong>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Please be informed that the <strong>Consular Section</strong> of The South African Embassy in Ankara is closed from 15 December 2023 to 15 January 2024.</p>
<p>Visa applications will not be accepted during this period.</p>
<p>The Consular Section will resume with normal duties on <strong>Tuesday, 16 January 2024.</strong></p>
<p><br />For any emergency case, please contact with the Emergency Number Consular Services: +90 (537) 912 58 07.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /><strong>Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>from all of us at the South African Embasssy Ankara, Türkiye</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/seasons_greetings_2023__SAE.jpg" alt="seasons greetings 2023 SAE" width="500" height="427" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>Update2-SA National Elections 20242023-12-21T08:24:15+00:002023-12-21T08:24:15+00:00http://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php/media-menu-item/embassy-activities/971-update2-sa-national-elections-2024Super User<p style="text-align: justify;">The Independent Elections Commission (IEC) of South Africa advised that process of registration of South African Citizens in Türkiye intending to vote in the South African national elections during 2024 will take place through a manual registration process at the South African Embassy in Ankara. The registration forms and copies of the valid ID and passport will then be emailed to the IEC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Please note that the registration will start on the registration weekend (<strong>27 – 28 January 2024</strong>). But this is not the only time that registration takes place. After the weekend, registration will continue at the Embassy during normal office hours and days, until the date of proclamation by the President.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Embassy wishes to encourage South African Nationals that have not already registered to vote, to register as soon as possible (between 27 January 2024 until proclamation date).</p>
<p> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/South_Africa_IEC_voters_election_abroad_1-4_Feb_2019.png" alt="South Africa IEC voters election abroad 1 4 Feb 2019" width="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is also important to note the following:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If a South African citizen (SAC) is already registered to vote <span style="text-decoration: underline;">inside</span> South Africa:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>They need <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span></strong> reregister to vote outside of the country.<br /><br /></li>
<li>They will however be required to complete an online <strong>“NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION TO THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER (CEO) FOR SPECIAL VOTES ABROAD” FORM </strong>application to indicate that they will be voting outside of the country.<br /><br /></li>
<li>The online <strong>“NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION TO CEO FOR SPECIAL VOTE ABROAD” FORM </strong>application will be available on the IEC website on the date of proclamation for a period of 15 days thereafter.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Citizens can also check to confirm if they are registered on the IEC website at <a href="http://www.elections.org.za">elections.org.za</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">IMPORTANT: It is only citizens that have never registered to vote, that must register. However, all voters are required to complete the “<strong>NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION TO THE CEO FOR SPECIAL VOTE ABROAD” FORM.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The South African Embassy in Ankara will provide updates on the process on its social media platforms. </strong> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">#SAelections24</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Issued by The South African Embassy in Ankara on 21/12/2023 </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Independent Elections Commission (IEC) of South Africa advised that process of registration of South African Citizens in Türkiye intending to vote in the South African national elections during 2024 will take place through a manual registration process at the South African Embassy in Ankara. The registration forms and copies of the valid ID and passport will then be emailed to the IEC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Please note that the registration will start on the registration weekend (<strong>27 – 28 January 2024</strong>). But this is not the only time that registration takes place. After the weekend, registration will continue at the Embassy during normal office hours and days, until the date of proclamation by the President.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Embassy wishes to encourage South African Nationals that have not already registered to vote, to register as soon as possible (between 27 January 2024 until proclamation date).</p>
<p> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/South_Africa_IEC_voters_election_abroad_1-4_Feb_2019.png" alt="South Africa IEC voters election abroad 1 4 Feb 2019" width="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is also important to note the following:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If a South African citizen (SAC) is already registered to vote <span style="text-decoration: underline;">inside</span> South Africa:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>They need <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span></strong> reregister to vote outside of the country.<br /><br /></li>
<li>They will however be required to complete an online <strong>“NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION TO THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER (CEO) FOR SPECIAL VOTES ABROAD” FORM </strong>application to indicate that they will be voting outside of the country.<br /><br /></li>
<li>The online <strong>“NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION TO CEO FOR SPECIAL VOTE ABROAD” FORM </strong>application will be available on the IEC website on the date of proclamation for a period of 15 days thereafter.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Citizens can also check to confirm if they are registered on the IEC website at <a href="http://www.elections.org.za">elections.org.za</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">IMPORTANT: It is only citizens that have never registered to vote, that must register. However, all voters are required to complete the “<strong>NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION TO THE CEO FOR SPECIAL VOTE ABROAD” FORM.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The South African Embassy in Ankara will provide updates on the process on its social media platforms. </strong> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">#SAelections24</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Issued by The South African Embassy in Ankara on 21/12/2023 </p>10th REMEMBRANCE OF NELSON MANDELA2023-12-06T13:28:35+00:002023-12-06T13:28:35+00:00http://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php/media-menu-item/embassy-activities/969-10th-remembrance-of-nelson-mandelaSuper User<p style="text-align: justify;">On 5 December 2023, which marks 10 years since passing of Nelson Mandela, South African Embassy in Ankara honoured Madiba’s legacy by contributing to the cause of addressing <strong><em>Climate, Food and Solidarity</em></strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Embassy donated several items that comprise joint contributions from African Diplomatic Missions in Ankara including, Cameroon, Burundi, Gabon, Nigeria, Niger, and Zimbabwe to the Ankara Refugee Lunch Support Group (ARLSG), which supports the initiative of catering to the fundamental human needs of the refugees at the UNHCR registration centre in Ankara.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">#Mandela10</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_2.JPG" alt="ARLSG 2" width="167" height="223" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images\ARLSG_3.jpg" alt="ARLSG_3.jpg" width="300" height="225" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_4.JPG" alt="ARLSG 4" width="166" height="222" /> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_6.JPG" alt="ARLSG 6" width="167" height="223" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images\ARLSG_1.jpg" alt="ARLSG_1.jpg" width="300" height="225" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_7.JPG" alt="ARLSG 7" width="300" height="225" /> </p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_8.jpg" alt="ARLSG 8" width="300" height="245" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_9.JPG" alt="ARLSG 9" width="324" height="243" /> </p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_10.JPG" alt="ARLSG 10" width="300" height="225" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_5.JPG" alt="ARLSG 5" width="300" height="225" /> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>NELSON MANDELA - THE LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH YOU</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/Mandela1-_eng.jpg" alt="Mandela1 eng" width="500" height="500" /></p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/Mandela2_-_eng.jpg" alt="Mandela2 eng" width="500" height="500" /></p>
<p> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">On 5 December 2023, which marks 10 years since passing of Nelson Mandela, South African Embassy in Ankara honoured Madiba’s legacy by contributing to the cause of addressing <strong><em>Climate, Food and Solidarity</em></strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Embassy donated several items that comprise joint contributions from African Diplomatic Missions in Ankara including, Cameroon, Burundi, Gabon, Nigeria, Niger, and Zimbabwe to the Ankara Refugee Lunch Support Group (ARLSG), which supports the initiative of catering to the fundamental human needs of the refugees at the UNHCR registration centre in Ankara.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">#Mandela10</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_2.JPG" alt="ARLSG 2" width="167" height="223" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images\ARLSG_3.jpg" alt="ARLSG_3.jpg" width="300" height="225" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_4.JPG" alt="ARLSG 4" width="166" height="222" /> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_6.JPG" alt="ARLSG 6" width="167" height="223" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images\ARLSG_1.jpg" alt="ARLSG_1.jpg" width="300" height="225" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_7.JPG" alt="ARLSG 7" width="300" height="225" /> </p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_8.jpg" alt="ARLSG 8" width="300" height="245" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_9.JPG" alt="ARLSG 9" width="324" height="243" /> </p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_10.JPG" alt="ARLSG 10" width="300" height="225" /> <img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/ARLSG_5.JPG" alt="ARLSG 5" width="300" height="225" /> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>NELSON MANDELA - THE LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH YOU</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/Mandela1-_eng.jpg" alt="Mandela1 eng" width="500" height="500" /></p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/Mandela10-2023/Mandela2_-_eng.jpg" alt="Mandela2 eng" width="500" height="500" /></p>
<p> </p>Important Notice: Visa Applications2023-12-06T11:45:04+00:002023-12-06T11:45:04+00:00http://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php/media-menu-item/embassy-activities/968-important-notice-visa-applicationsSuper User<p>Please be informed that the <strong>Consular Section</strong> of The South African Embassy in Ankara is closed from 15 December 2023 to 15 January 2024.</p>
<p>Visa applications will not be accepted during this period.</p>
<p>The Consular Section will resume with normal duties on T<strong>uesday, 16 January 2024</strong>.</p>
<p><br />For any emergency case, please contact with the Emergency Number Consular Services: +90 (537) 912 58 07.</p>
<p><br /><strong><br /></strong></p><p>Please be informed that the <strong>Consular Section</strong> of The South African Embassy in Ankara is closed from 15 December 2023 to 15 January 2024.</p>
<p>Visa applications will not be accepted during this period.</p>
<p>The Consular Section will resume with normal duties on T<strong>uesday, 16 January 2024</strong>.</p>
<p><br />For any emergency case, please contact with the Emergency Number Consular Services: +90 (537) 912 58 07.</p>
<p><br /><strong><br /></strong></p>Update-SA National Elections 20242023-12-05T11:53:19+00:002023-12-05T11:53:19+00:00http://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php/media-menu-item/embassy-activities/967-update-sa-national-elections-2024Super User<p>The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) <span style="text-decoration: underline;">has not</span> confirmed the date on which the online portal for the voter registration for South African Nationals abroad, will be launched.</p>
<p>Neither has the date for manual registration at the Mission been confirmed by the IEC.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/IEC_elections_2023.jpg" alt="IEC elections 2023" width="300" /></p>
<p>The IEC also indicated that should there be any enquiries regarding voting abroad, the clients should be referred to the IEC website to direct their enquiry directly to the IEC until such time and the IEC has provided information that can be disseminated to the Missions.</p>
<p>#SAelections24</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Issued by The South African Embassy in Ankara on 05/12/2023</p><p>The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) <span style="text-decoration: underline;">has not</span> confirmed the date on which the online portal for the voter registration for South African Nationals abroad, will be launched.</p>
<p>Neither has the date for manual registration at the Mission been confirmed by the IEC.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/IEC_elections_2023.jpg" alt="IEC elections 2023" width="300" /></p>
<p>The IEC also indicated that should there be any enquiries regarding voting abroad, the clients should be referred to the IEC website to direct their enquiry directly to the IEC until such time and the IEC has provided information that can be disseminated to the Missions.</p>
<p>#SAelections24</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Issued by The South African Embassy in Ankara on 05/12/2023</p>South Africa’s National Elections 20242023-11-23T12:28:37+00:002023-11-23T12:28:37+00:00http://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php/media-menu-item/embassy-activities/966-south-africa-s-national-elections-2024Super User<p>Kindly note that registration to vote in South Africa’s National Elections 2024 is not yet open for South Africans based abroad.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/IEC_elections_2023.jpg" alt="IEC elections 2023" width="300" height="328" /></p>
<p>The South African Embassy in Ankara will share information for South Africans based in Türkiye, who wish to register and vote in the 2024 National Elections, in due course.</p>
<p>#SAelections24</p><p>Kindly note that registration to vote in South Africa’s National Elections 2024 is not yet open for South Africans based abroad.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.org.tr/images/IEC_elections_2023.jpg" alt="IEC elections 2023" width="300" height="328" /></p>
<p>The South African Embassy in Ankara will share information for South Africans based in Türkiye, who wish to register and vote in the 2024 National Elections, in due course.</p>
<p>#SAelections24</p>Media Statement 30 October 20232023-10-31T08:09:32+00:002023-10-31T08:09:32+00:00http://www.southafrica.org.tr/index.php/media-menu-item/embassy-activities/965-media-statement-30-october-2023Super User<p><strong>Media Statement</strong></p>
<p>30 October 2023</p>
<p><strong>South Africa calls for a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population in Palestine from further bombardment</strong></p>
<p><br /> Save the Children has reported that the number of children killed in Gaza over the last three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across all the world’s conflict zones since 2019. Since 07 October, more than 3257 children have been reported to have been killed. This includes at least 3195 in Gaza, 33 in the West Bank and 29 in Israel. Children make up more than 40% of the 7703 people killed in Gaza. Save the Children estimates that these numbers are likely to go up given that over 1000 children are missing with many trapped under the ruins and rubble as a result of Israel’s indiscriminate airstrikes on Gaza.</p>
<p>All of these children killed since 07 October are non-combatants and those responsible for their deaths must be held accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity and in the case of the scale of deaths in Gaza and increasingly in the West Bank, the crime of genocide must also be investigated. The scale of deaths in Gaza are a direct result of the unlawful actions by Israel on the peoples of Gaza. As South Africa and the majority of countries stated at the United Nations General Assembly on 27 October 2023, as part of the debate on a resolution where more than two-thirds of the General Assembly responded positively to a call for an immediate ceasefire, under the laws of occupation which forms part of the law of armed conflict, Israel does not have the ‘right to defend itself’ using military means as Israel is an occupying power. This is a fact, not an allegation. It has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice. As the occupying power, Israel can use tools applicable to the rule of law, including policing powers to deal with criminal actions. An occupying state cannot exercise control over territory it occupies and simultaneously militarily attack that territory on the claim that it is “foreign” and poses an exogenous national security threat. The notion of Israel’s right to defend itself through military means has been used erroneously by some, and deliberately by others to justify the unlawful use of force by Israel on people of Palestine in Gaza and the West Bank.</p>
<p>Those that have encouraged and materially supported the unlawful use of force by Israel in the current situation should therefore be investigated for aiding and abetting the breaches of international law. The numbers of non-combatants killed, especially the numbers of children killed, requires that the world to show that it is serious about global accountability. The ICC has charged Russian President Vladimir Putin with unlawfully taking children out of Ukraine to Russia. Consequently, the wilful killing of children in Gaza surely requires the ICC prosecutor to use his independent powers to initiate prosecutions urgently. Failure to do so will serve to exacerbate the growing cynicism that international criminal law is applied selectively for political purposes.</p>
<p>While we cite numbers, which some world leaders shamefully sought to minimise, as a means to illustrate the scale of the atrocities, this should not mask the very real human tragedy. Entire generations of families have been wiped out in Gaza over the last three weeks. It is estimated that over 80 entire families have been wiped out by Israeli armed action over the last three weeks. On Sunday 29 October, members of the family of one of a senior Palestinian diplomat based in Pretoria were killed in an Israeli air strike in their apartment building in Gaza. Another member of the Palestinian community living in Johannesburg had 25 members of their family killed in an Israeli air strike this morning. South Africa extends its deepest condolences to the families of all victims.</p>
<p>It is in the light of these atrocities that the unethical way the Deputy head of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Mr Zev Krengel’s, commentary on South Africa’s stance on this matter should be condemned. Mr Krengel has repeated discredited information related to the beheading of children in Israel. This disinformation is part of the arsenal of dehumanisation tactics used to justify a ‘by any means necessary’ approach to dealing with Hamas, which has resulted in the huge casualties we see today. He also misled the South African public about the nature and process of Minister Naledi Pandor’s call from Hamas and of her official visit as an envoy to Iran. Given the potential libellous nature of his utterances, more commentary on this will be done at a later stage. It is important to raise it as Krengel and the organisation on whose behalf he represented these views are out of step with the views of most South Africans and people across the world. This include scores of Jewish people in South Africa and across the world who have called out the actions of Hamas and the government of Israel. Millions of people, many under the banners of Jewish Voice for Peace, have marched in New York, London, Turkey and other cities over the last few days. They have all called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and called for investigations into the breaches of international crimes.</p>
<p>One of these crimes, the crime of genocide, sadly looms large. President Lula da Silva of Brazil has called the attacks on Gaza a genocide. Minister Pandor too, reminded the international community not to stand idle while another genocide is unfolding. At the United Nations Security Council debate in New York last week, she stated the following: “We all recall that in 1994 a genocide occurred on the African continent with much of the whole world watching as innocent people were massacred. History cannot keep repeating such cruelty, we should establish a system of global governance that is fair, equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world but that provides protection for the most vulnerable”.</p>
<p>South Africa echoes the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor to provide food, medical supplies and fuel. South Africa also calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.</p>
<p>All countries genuinely committed to a rules-based system underpinned by international law must act immediately.</p>
<p><strong>ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION</strong></p>
<p><strong>OR Tambo Building<br /></strong><strong>460 Soutpansberg Road<br /></strong><strong>Rietondale<br /></strong><strong>Pretoria<br /></strong><strong>0084</strong></p><p><strong>Media Statement</strong></p>
<p>30 October 2023</p>
<p><strong>South Africa calls for a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population in Palestine from further bombardment</strong></p>
<p><br /> Save the Children has reported that the number of children killed in Gaza over the last three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across all the world’s conflict zones since 2019. Since 07 October, more than 3257 children have been reported to have been killed. This includes at least 3195 in Gaza, 33 in the West Bank and 29 in Israel. Children make up more than 40% of the 7703 people killed in Gaza. Save the Children estimates that these numbers are likely to go up given that over 1000 children are missing with many trapped under the ruins and rubble as a result of Israel’s indiscriminate airstrikes on Gaza.</p>
<p>All of these children killed since 07 October are non-combatants and those responsible for their deaths must be held accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity and in the case of the scale of deaths in Gaza and increasingly in the West Bank, the crime of genocide must also be investigated. The scale of deaths in Gaza are a direct result of the unlawful actions by Israel on the peoples of Gaza. As South Africa and the majority of countries stated at the United Nations General Assembly on 27 October 2023, as part of the debate on a resolution where more than two-thirds of the General Assembly responded positively to a call for an immediate ceasefire, under the laws of occupation which forms part of the law of armed conflict, Israel does not have the ‘right to defend itself’ using military means as Israel is an occupying power. This is a fact, not an allegation. It has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice. As the occupying power, Israel can use tools applicable to the rule of law, including policing powers to deal with criminal actions. An occupying state cannot exercise control over territory it occupies and simultaneously militarily attack that territory on the claim that it is “foreign” and poses an exogenous national security threat. The notion of Israel’s right to defend itself through military means has been used erroneously by some, and deliberately by others to justify the unlawful use of force by Israel on people of Palestine in Gaza and the West Bank.</p>
<p>Those that have encouraged and materially supported the unlawful use of force by Israel in the current situation should therefore be investigated for aiding and abetting the breaches of international law. The numbers of non-combatants killed, especially the numbers of children killed, requires that the world to show that it is serious about global accountability. The ICC has charged Russian President Vladimir Putin with unlawfully taking children out of Ukraine to Russia. Consequently, the wilful killing of children in Gaza surely requires the ICC prosecutor to use his independent powers to initiate prosecutions urgently. Failure to do so will serve to exacerbate the growing cynicism that international criminal law is applied selectively for political purposes.</p>
<p>While we cite numbers, which some world leaders shamefully sought to minimise, as a means to illustrate the scale of the atrocities, this should not mask the very real human tragedy. Entire generations of families have been wiped out in Gaza over the last three weeks. It is estimated that over 80 entire families have been wiped out by Israeli armed action over the last three weeks. On Sunday 29 October, members of the family of one of a senior Palestinian diplomat based in Pretoria were killed in an Israeli air strike in their apartment building in Gaza. Another member of the Palestinian community living in Johannesburg had 25 members of their family killed in an Israeli air strike this morning. South Africa extends its deepest condolences to the families of all victims.</p>
<p>It is in the light of these atrocities that the unethical way the Deputy head of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Mr Zev Krengel’s, commentary on South Africa’s stance on this matter should be condemned. Mr Krengel has repeated discredited information related to the beheading of children in Israel. This disinformation is part of the arsenal of dehumanisation tactics used to justify a ‘by any means necessary’ approach to dealing with Hamas, which has resulted in the huge casualties we see today. He also misled the South African public about the nature and process of Minister Naledi Pandor’s call from Hamas and of her official visit as an envoy to Iran. Given the potential libellous nature of his utterances, more commentary on this will be done at a later stage. It is important to raise it as Krengel and the organisation on whose behalf he represented these views are out of step with the views of most South Africans and people across the world. This include scores of Jewish people in South Africa and across the world who have called out the actions of Hamas and the government of Israel. Millions of people, many under the banners of Jewish Voice for Peace, have marched in New York, London, Turkey and other cities over the last few days. They have all called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and called for investigations into the breaches of international crimes.</p>
<p>One of these crimes, the crime of genocide, sadly looms large. President Lula da Silva of Brazil has called the attacks on Gaza a genocide. Minister Pandor too, reminded the international community not to stand idle while another genocide is unfolding. At the United Nations Security Council debate in New York last week, she stated the following: “We all recall that in 1994 a genocide occurred on the African continent with much of the whole world watching as innocent people were massacred. History cannot keep repeating such cruelty, we should establish a system of global governance that is fair, equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world but that provides protection for the most vulnerable”.</p>
<p>South Africa echoes the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor to provide food, medical supplies and fuel. South Africa also calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.</p>
<p>All countries genuinely committed to a rules-based system underpinned by international law must act immediately.</p>
<p><strong>ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION</strong></p>
<p><strong>OR Tambo Building<br /></strong><strong>460 Soutpansberg Road<br /></strong><strong>Rietondale<br /></strong><strong>Pretoria<br /></strong><strong>0084</strong></p>