DIRCO responds to backlash over Ramaphosa cuddling with Israel

The people were far from amused by the two-faced display shown by South Africa.

By / / Viral
ramaphosa israel

President Cyril Ramaphosa drew ire on social media when it was announced, on Tuesday, that he was to receive a letter of credence from the State of Israel.

Ramaphosa showered with letters of credence

The president received letters of credence from “13 Heads of Mission-Designate who have arrived in South Africa to serve in diplomatic missions in South Africa.”

The letter is basically a formal introduction made between a head of state and a diplomatic ambassador of an ally.

Ramaphosa was formally introduced to 13 diplomats from countries like the Republic of Congo, Romania, Cuba, Malawi, among others.

However, the outrage came when Ramaphosa accepted a letter of credence from Israel ambassador Eliav Belotsercovsky.

DIRCO responds to Israel backlash

South Africans have long called for the government to distance itself from Israel, a country globally condemned for its treatment of Palestinians.

For the presidency, the relationship between South Africa and Israel has been awkward, to say the least. While, on many occasions, South Africa has spoken out against Israel’s war against Palestine, no decisive action has ever been taken to disassociate from a government that re-established control of an area of land through mass murder.

Perhaps, the greatest irony that drew the most ire from social media came when Ramaphosa was pictured with Ambassador Belotsercovsky, a month or so after his government denounced Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane’s participation at the Miss Universe pageant.

Reacting to the outrage, the Department of International Relations (DIRCO) issued a statement, stating that, more than anything, South Africa’s position is neither for nor against Israel.

“South Africa has maintained diplomatic relations with the State of Israel, whilst at the same time unwavering in our principled support for the struggle of the Palestinian people for self determination.

“South Africa remains in favour of a two-state solution with the peoples of Palestine and Israel existing peacefully side-by-side inline with June 4, 1967 borders,” the statement read.

As expected, the message was not well-received.

Here are some of the reactions that followed: