South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has emphasized the nation’s commitment to human rights by pursuing legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague. The case is in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza, driven by South Africa’s strong opposition to the violence inflicted upon the people of Gaza.
President Ramaphosa, speaking in Johannesburg, drew parallels between South Africa’s historical struggle against dispossession, discrimination, racism, and state-sponsored violence and the current situation in Gaza. He expressed the country’s determination to stand on the right side of history and urged for a lasting, just peace between Israel and Palestine. Notably, South Africa’s proceedings against Israel at the ICJ have garnered global attention, with hearings set to commence imminently.
In addition to addressing the international legal proceedings, President Ramaphosa paid tribute to the late Dr. Peter Magubane, a prominent photographer known for capturing the hardships endured by black South Africans during apartheid. He highlighted the need to remember the more than 100 journalists and media workers who have lost their lives in Israel’s conflict with Gaza. The President emphasized the crucial role of journalists in bearing witness to truth and advocating for justice, echoing the sentiments of the late Dr. Magubane.
Furthermore, President Ramaphosa underscored the progress made in South Africa’s media and press freedom, emphasizing the robust intellectual property regime that protects the rights of journalists, artists, and cultural workers. He praised the country’s strides in upholding press freedom, ensuring the right to a free press as enshrined in the Constitution, and lauded the media for continuing the tradition of bearing witness to injustices and holding the powerful accountable.
Reflecting on Dr. Magubane’s impactful career, President Ramaphosa highlighted the significant role of the media in shaping public opinion and promoting balanced reporting. He called upon the media to provide the nation with an equally balanced view of South Africa’s progress over the past 30 years, covering areas such as educational outcomes, access to healthcare, basic services, constitutional freedoms, and the fulfillment of the Bill of Rights. He encouraged journalists to be the conscience of the nation, while also being purveyors of hope and guardians of democracy, akin to the legacy of Dr. Magubane.
In closing, President Ramaphosa urged journalists to not only focus on negative narratives but to also highlight stories of transformed lives, improved living standards, and positive societal changes. He emphasized the importance of the media in inspiring and uplifting the nation, serving as the voice of the people and merchants of hope, reflecting the spirit of Dr. Magubane’s legacy.
