Latest news with #InternationalRelationsDepartment
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Dirco slams report SA collaborated with Hamas to attack Israel
Dirco was responding to journalist Paula Slier's blog post published in the Times of Israel on Friday, July 11, 2025. The International Relations Department (Dirco) says assertions that the South African government knowingly collaborated with Hamas ahead of the October 7 attacks on Israel are a 'misstep, granting oxygen to demonstrably unverified assertions.' Dirco was responding to journalist Paula Slier's blog post published in the Times of Israel on Friday, July 11, 2025. 'SA collaborating with Iran' In the post, Slier writes about a $400 million lawsuit being prepared in the United States (US) against President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing the South African government of knowingly collaborating with Hamas ahead of the October 7 attacks on Israel, attacks in which at least 47 American citizens were killed or taken hostage. 'The case, built on recommendations by UK-based consultant Justin Lewis, claims to have uncovered new material evidence of coordination between South African officials, Hamas, and Iran in the months leading up to the massacre. It's a staggering allegation: that South Africa's diplomatic support for Hamas wasn't just rhetorical solidarity, but active complicity,' Slier wrote. 'Bemusement' In an open letter to Slier and the Times of Israel on Sunday, Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said he observed with a 'degree of bemusement Slier's recent forays into the blogosphere of the Times of Israel.' 'On July 11, 2025, you saw fit to amplify the extreme, dangerous, and unsubstantiated assertions of one Justin Lewis. A mere two days later, you claim that this is 'a lobbying and advocacy effort based on unverified allegations'. 'However, instead of apologising to your readers for violating the most basic tenets of ethical journalism, and taking steps to mitigate the damage you have caused, you chose once again to amplify these reckless allegations, vowing to pursue them, notwithstanding the lack of evidence!' Phiri wrote. ALSO READ: Israel strikes Catholic church in Gaza, killing three [VIDEO] Litigation In the blog post referred to by Phiri, written by Slier two days late, wrote that while Lewis had said he submitted recommendations, 'he is not personally involved in any litigation process and cannot confirm that a lawsuit is being filed. He advises third parties who may be considering such action.' 'This does not negate the seriousness of the questions raised, nor the significance of South Africa's diplomatic posture toward Hamas and Iran, which continues to generate global concern. But it does shift the emphasis: this is not yet a legal case; it is a lobbying and advocacy effort based on unverified allegations,' Slier wrote. 'Almost all the responses to my previous blog post were positive. But I've also heard from concerned colleagues and friends in the media, urging me to look again at the man behind these claims. And they're right'. False claims Phiri said the claims against Pretoria are untrue. 'For the record, to say that these claims are unverified and baseless is a perfectly rational response to someone, like Mr Lewis, who clearly has a penchant for misinformation and lies. 'What is not rational is to ignore a growing body of evidence and information from experts in search of non-existent evidence that South Africa could not have possibly conceived on its own, the interpretation of upholding international law by invoking the provisions of the genocide convention,' Phiri said. ALSO READ: Hague group announce steps to hold Israel accountable at Bogotá Summit [VIDEO] Research Phiri outlined desktop research points from LinkedIn that he claims could have been used to verify similar sensational claims made about the First Minister of Scotland by Lewis, who is a non-lawyer but a farmer and entrepreneur by profession. 'The 'information' you are referring to is an email to an organisation referred to as the Media Research Council (MRC) in which Mr. Lewis commenced his missive with a litany of pronouncements'. 'He proceeded to tell the MRC evidence exists confirming that the SA government, led at that time by its main political party the ANC knew about Hamas' intended attack on the state of Israel before it happened in October 2023 and that elements within the SA government, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DIRCO) (sic), actively encouraged and enjoined its support of Hamas political strategy by acting as its agent for access to the ICC and the ICJ, which access to the court (ICJ), Hamas did not have as a non-signatory, as alleged.' SA ICJ case According to Phiri, further details in the email state that as part of a political strategy, preparations were made prior to the October 7 atrocity against Israel, to put in place mechanisms to approach the ICC and ICJ for protection from the state of Israel's anticipated response. 'As a layman, the example I use is that of assisting a neighbour to burn his house down, then rushing to court to claim insurance protection from your insurer (as your neighbour is a non-signatory).' 'Tea One might reasonably be surprised that a mere email from a third party, clearly well-versed in the art of name-dropping luminaries—some, like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson, no longer with us, alongside the rather incongruous mention of British royalty and former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng—could trigger a media inquiry,' Lewis wrote. ALSO READ: Israeli strikes kill children collecting water in Gaza 'Gaping holes' Phiri said his own 'rudimentary desktop research swiftly illuminated the gaping holes' in Lewis's narrative and credibility, including that Lewis styles himself a 'non-lawyer' yet claims to have 'worked with two Chief Justices' of our Republic. 'In what capacity? South African judges, by the very nature of our judicial system, do not conduct investigations, let alone work with members of the public directly on legal matters.' 'Misstep' Phiri said Slier's July 11 blog entry in the Times of Israel 'regrettably mirrored this precise misstep, granting oxygen to demonstrably unverified assertions.' 'You further compounded the error by endorsing Mr Lewis's contention that the South African media had, in some grand conspiracy, ignored his 'information'. In doing so, you effectively impugned the integrity of our media as a whole, suggesting it functions as a purveyor of misinformation or propaganda.' ALSO READ: Israel accused of starving Gaza 'by design' — South Africa addresses ICJ No politics Phiri added that South Africa's case against Israel has nothing to do with politics, nor with religion or ethnicity. 'It is about the conduct of a State that has signed the UN Charter, the Genocide Convention and numerous international instruments and manifestly and repeatedly violated them. It is about the equal application of international law. 'Our support for the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is predicated on the enduring need to address the manifestation of an illegal settler colonial occupation,' Phiri said. Mandela month However, Slier has continued to ask whether Pretoria knew about Hamas' attack. 'The broader question: what did South Africa know about Hamas's intentions before October 7, and what role has it played diplomatically since? – remains valid and urgent. But it must be pursued through verified facts, credible sources, and balanced reporting. 'I intend to continue reporting on this story. In the coming days, I'll be speaking to a range of analysts and legal experts to assess both the claims and the implications. If evidence surfaces of collaboration, foreknowledge, or financial consequences, I will report on it. But I will do so transparently and carefully,' Slier said. ALSO READ: Israel bombs café during children's birthday party in Gaza — 39 killed
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Dirco slams old travel advisory about terrorism in South Africa
The International Relations Department (Dirco) has slammed an old UK travel advisory warning British nationals about terrorism. The International Relations Department (Dirco) has slammed an old UK travel advisory warning British nationals about terrorism in South Africa, saying it is a 'classic example of disinformation'. Posts on X have revived the terror warning in South Africa, which was first issued in 2022 and again in April 2024. Why now? It is unclear why the warning has erupted again. 'The advisory on the British government website adds that: 'The main threat is from individuals who may have been inspired by terrorist groups, including Daesh, and who may carry out 'lone actor' attacks. 'Attacks could be indiscriminate and could target public spaces and places visited by foreigners, such as: tourist sites, shopping centres, high-profile events or crowded places.' ALSO READ: US level 2 travel alert for SA 'nothing new', Presidency says Aged post International Relations Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told The Citizen that the warning is a regurgitation of a 2022 advisory post. 'It has come to our attention that a 2022 travel advisory concerning South Africa is currently being recycled and amplified by certain social media accounts. These accounts have a documented history of disseminating misleading information about our country. 'This tactic is a classic example of disinformation, where outdated or decontextualised information is deliberately presented as current to create a false narrative and cause undue concern. We urge the public and media to be highly critical of such content,' Phiri said. BREAKING: The UK has issued a "terror alert" for South Africa. Several ISIS terrorists are protected by the SA justice system. July 5, 2025 Verification Phiri has urged the public to verify information before amplifying it. 'To effectively counter these deliberate campaigns, we encourage everyone to always check the date of any information being shared. Is it recent and relevant? 'Verify the source's credibility. Does the account or platform have a track record of accuracy, or is it known for spreading biased or false information? Seek corroboration from official and reputable sources before accepting or sharing claims,' Phiri said. Seeing a 2022 travel advisory about South Africa being recycled by accounts known for disinformation. This is a classic tactic: taking old info and presenting it as current to mislead. Always #FactCheck: Check the date. Verify the source. Corroborate with official channels.… July 6, 2025 'SA vibrant' Phiri added that South Africa remains a 'vibrant, welcoming, and reputable destination for travellers'. 'These disinformation efforts aim to undermine our reputation and sow discord. We stand firm in our commitment to transparency and accurate information.' US warning Last month, the United States also issued a travel advisory for South Africa. The Presidency stated that it did not view the level 2 travel alert issued for South Africa by the US government as a matter of concern. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said it's standard practice for the US to issue travel advisories for countries worldwide. 'With respect to South Africa, the travel alert, just lists the kinds of crimes that most South Africans, if not all South Africans, fall victim to or crimes that confront us as a country. There is nothing new there in that regard,' Magwenya said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Malema should apologise for 'Kill the Boer' chant — Trump advisor
Sharjah 24
22-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SCCI, Kazakhstan Consulate to bolster private sect partnerships
The meeting emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships between business communities and private sector institutions to leverage high-potential investment opportunities across diverse industries in both nations. The discussions were held during an official visit by Almaz Tasbolat, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Dubai, to the Sharjah Chamber's headquarters, where he was received by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI. The meeting was attended by Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI, and Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of International Relations Department at SCCI, along with several officials from both sides. During the meeting, both sides explored ongoing cooperation between Sharjah and Kazakhstan, focusing on strategies to advance economic ties through the exchange of trade delegations and the coordination of sector-specific exhibitions and events. These efforts aim to facilitate access to investment prospects for companies and investors in both markets. The discussions also highlighted priority sectors that offer strong potential for collaboration, with the real estate sector taking particular prominence. In his remarks, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais reaffirmed the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to enhancing trade and investment relations with Kazakhstan and facilitating high-quality services that support the success of Kazakh enterprises operating in Sharjah. He encouraged Kazakh companies to explore the emirate's investment landscape, highlighting its pro-business regulatory environment, robust infrastructure, and strategic geographic location as key drivers of sustainable growth.
eNCA
16-06-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Little help for South Africans stuck in Iran
PRETORIA - The International Relations Department is urging South Africans in Iran to register with its embassy. But it says there may be little it can do to help in emergencies. Iran is embroiled in a deadly conflict with Israel. The countries have been lobbing missiles at each other. Ten Israelis were injured on Sunday, while almost 250 Iranians have been killed. There are concerns that South Africans may end up in the crossfire. But, government says it has limited support in the country and may not be able to help. It's urging citizens to assess their safety and security and act accordingly.
The Citizen
03-06-2025
- The Citizen
Dirco confirms death of SA citizen in West Virginia, US
South Africa's embassy in Washington is providing full consular assistance to the family Government has confirmed that a South African citizen has died in the United States (US). International Relations Department (Dirco) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the individual passed away in West Virginia. 'The government of the Republic of South Africa confirms with deep sadness the tragic passing of a South African citizen in West Virginia, United States of America. 'The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, has extended condolences to the bereaved family during this profoundly difficult time,' Phiri said. Consular assistance Phiri added that South Africa's embassy in Washington, D.C., is providing full consular assistance to the family. 'The circumstances surrounding this tragic death remain under active investigation by the relevant United States authorities. 'Out of respect for the ongoing investigative process, the sensitivity of the matter, and the privacy of the grieving family, the South African Government will not be providing further detailed commentary at this time,' Phiri said. ALSO READ: KZN man working in US arrested for allegedly distributing child porn Murder According to Women for Change, the person has been identified as 32-year-old Kim White Towne. Towne was allegedly murdered by her husband, Alexander Towne, in their home in Chantilly, Virginia, United States, on 24 May 2025. In 2023, Towne, originally from Cape Town, moved to the United States with Alexander, a US citizen and military veteran. Argument On 24 May 2025, just two hours before her death, Towne reportedly called a family member, expressing fear and distress over her violent marriage. The family member urged her to contact the police. It is alleged that the argument between Kim and Alexander escalated, and he fatally strangled her. After the alleged brutal murder, the husband reportedly called the police and confessed to assaulting and killing his wife. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Towne's lifeless body. Arrest Alexander was arrested, charged with second-degree murder, and is currently being held without bail. It is reported that their three-year-old child was inside the home when the incident occurred. In 2024, Towne had reportedly obtained a protection order against her husband, which led to his removal from their home. She stayed with a family member for some time, but a few months later, the couple reconciled. ALSO READ: Afrikaners who accepted Trump's refugee offer 'know there's no persecution in SA' – expert
