President Cyril Ramaphosa says Pretoria remains steadfast in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a halt to the “collective punishment” of Palestinians

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says his government has not received any formal request from the US to reconsider its genocide case against Israel at the International Criminal Court.

”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,” Ramaphosa said.

He was responding to EFF leader Julius Malema, who also asked whether he had received any formal communication from US President Donald Trump indicating that he was now persuaded that there was no white genocide taking place in South Africa.

Ramaphosa said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) communicated with the US Embassy through diplomatic channels following the announcement of Executive Order by Trump in February 2025, which accorded refugee status to white Afrikaner South Africans.

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He also said the department had pointed out that the determination of refugee status required a factual assessment, considering the prevailing circumstances and giving due regard to both subjective and objective factors.

”The department asserted that allegations of discrimination are unfounded and that sufficient structures and systems exist within South Africa to address any concerns that any group may have. Even if there are allegations of discrimination, these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law.”

Ramaphosa told EFF MP Nqobile Mhlongo that the official working visit to the United States on May 21, 2025, was aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and promoting South Africa’s economic and diplomatic goals.

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”The expenses for the visit, which covered travel, accommodation, and logistical support for the government members of the delegation, were borne by the respective government departments. The State did not cover the costs of the other members of the delegation,” he said.

He also said Trump and he agreed on the number and composition of the delegation, which included government officials, business and labour leaders, and key stakeholders essential for achieving the visit’s objectives.

Ramaphosa said the meeting with Trump did not address the discontinuation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programmes or reparations for descendants of enslaved people. ”The primary objective of the engagement was to reset the bilateral relationship between South Africa and the United States of America,” he said when responding to EFF MP Thapelo Mogale.

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Meanwhile, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has revealed that the Presidential Envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, has yet to travel to the United States of America to undertake his duties there.

”The special envoy is yet to travel to the US on official business,” Lamola said.

He was responding to DA MP Emma Powell, who asked for a complete list of all travel to the US undertaken by Jonas, including meeting schedules, costs of travel, and travel dates. Lamola stated that the sensitive and confidential work of Special Envoys is never publicised.

In April, Ramaphosa appointed Jonas with the responsibility to advance South Africa’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities. This was after South African ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool was expelled by the US.

Rasool’s replacement has yet to be made. Ramaphosa previously said he will announce the appointment of South Africa’s new ambassador to the US at the appropriate time.

First published by IOL

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