Tuesday, 10 December 2024

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes with disdain the cowardly, indecisive, and fence-sitting response by Cyril Ramaphosa to a parliamentary question posed by the President and Commander-in-Chief (CIC) of the EFF, Julius Malema. The question sought clarity on whether South Africa would arrest and surrender the murderous, genocidal, and racist Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the International Criminal Court (ICC) should he step onto South African soil.

In typical fashion, Ramaphosa opted for a feeble response, hiding behind vague commitments to South Africa’s status as a signatory to the Rome Statute. This lack of courage and decisiveness is unsurprising, as Ramaphosa has never demonstrated a spine for principled leadership. Instead, he masks his cowardice with claims of “consultation,” all while engaging in backdoor deals to protect his compromised interests.

We know because the same Ramaphosa whose clandestine machinations led to the bloodbath in Marikana, where 34 mineworkers were massacred. His betrayal of workers through secretive “concomitant action” lobbying not only exposed his cowardice but also his willingness to prioritise the protection of white capitalist establishment profit interests, even at the expense of human lives.

The ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Palestine demand clear, unequivocal, and principled action. While courageous nations around the world have boldly severed diplomatic ties with the apartheid state of Israel, Ramaphosa’s government remains silent, indifferent, and fearful of upsetting Western imperialist forces.

Countries with leaders of integrity stood in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine even before the ICC issued its arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Ramaphosa, however, evades direct questions and refuses to make meaningful commitments, proving once again that he cannot be trusted to lead South Africa in the fight for global justice.

When directly asked whether South Africa would arrest Netanyahu should he set foot in our country, Ramaphosa responded with fear, sheepishness, and indecision. A straightforward confirmation was required, but instead, the President failed to seize the moment to send a clear message to Netanyahu and his apartheid regime. This response undermines South Africa’s historic role as a champion of human rights and global justice, and the pursuit of the Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The EFF reiterates its solidarity with the people of Palestine. We will remain at the forefront of the fight against imperialism and the racist apartheid regime of Israel, even when it is not politically fashionable. Our commitment is guided by ideological clarity, international progressiveness, and anti-capitalist principles. The people of Palestine will only achieve freedom when they can reclaim their land and live under a system that respects their dignity and humanity.

The EFF will continue to lead from the front, exposing cowardice and holding the Ramaphosa administration accountable for its failure to stand on the right side of history. We are happy that South Africans have come to see how indecisive and spineless their President truly is, and we are confident that he will be removed from office long before he ever gathers the courage to take a decisive stand on any matter of national or international importance.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 304 7572