THE US has joined Israel in bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities in a shocking escalation that might reverberate throughout the world.
In response, multiple nations have condemned Donald Trump’s actions and called for peace.
As fears of a larger war grow, where does South Africa stand?
Iran is militarily weakened, and the major players, including China, have remained relatively silent. The BRICS countries, of which Iran is a member, have also been quiet. South Africa is, economically and politically, a minor player in the broader sphere of global politics.
Professor Theo Neethling, of the Department of Political Studies and Governance at the University of the Free State, points to the country’s official position as one of neutrality, with the aim not to take sides.
However, Neethling argued that the ANC’s stance has historically been pro-Iran.
“The ANC has in the past clearly adopted pro-Iranian positions with regard to the Middle East.
The DA, by contrast, is openly anti-Iran, while the Patriotic Alliance (PA) maintains a strong pro-Israel stance. There is, therefore, no consensus within the Government of National Unity (GNU) on these matters,” he said.
“As a result, South Africa can only raise its voice at the United Nations (UN), which it is likely to do. But ultimately, only the countries of the Middle East, who themselves are divided on the issue and China can truly raise an influential voice or have a meaningful impact on the situation.”
However, former Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi disagrees. His assertion is bolstered by Trump’s erratic decision making and reliance in disinformation.
Ndlozi asked: “What’s next? We in South Africa need to appreciate the gravity of this sitting US president acting on claims that have no basis in facts. We too stand likely to face ‘attacks’, military or otherwise.
He bombed Iran for what he thinks are facilities for ‘building nuclear weapons’.
What will he do, when he believes he must stop a ‘white genocide’ in South Africa?”
On Sunday, the Presidency said that President Cyril Ramaphosa and the administration had noticed with great concern the involvement of the US into the Israel-Iran clash.
“It was South Africa’s sincerest hope that President Donald Trump would use his influence and that of the US government to prevail on the parties to pursue a dialogue path in resolving their issues of dispute,” said Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.
He added that South Africa urges the US, Israel, and Iran to provide the United Nations the chance and space to lead in the peaceful resolution of disputes, including the inspection and verification of Iran’s uranium enrichment status and its overall nuclear capabilities.
