ANC commends government decision to expel Israeli diplomat

African National Congress(ANC) has commended Department of International Relations and Cooperation's bold decision to declare Israeli diplomat Ariel Seidman as persona non grata.

Mahlengi Bhengu, ANC National spokesperson said:" The African National Congress(ANC) applauds the Government of the Republic of South Africa, acting through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, for its firm and principled stance in declaring the Israeli Charge d'Affairs persona non grata. This action affirms South Africa's sovereign right to manage its international relations in line with its Constitution, national dignity, and established diplomatic norms."

She stated that the ANC notes that this decision follows repeated and unacceptable violations of diplomatic conduct that undermine South Africa's sovereignty and disrespect its high office. Diplomatic relations are governed by clear, globally accepted rules, including adherence to protocol, respect for host nations, and compliance with the Vienna Convention. Any deviation from these principles cannot be condoned.

She mentioned that the ANC is aware that Israel has declared South African ambassador to the State of Palestine persona non grata because is the occupier and abuse its powers by doing so.

"The ANC further notes the expulsion of South Africa's Ambassador to the State of Palestine and welcomes the clarification by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation that Mr Shaun Byneveldt is the duly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the State of Palestine and not to Israel. While Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations permits a receiving state to declare a diplomat persona non grata without providing reasons, this provision is intended to be exercised in good faith and in defence of diplomatic integrity, not as a tool of political obstruction or retaliation.

“In this instance, Israel's action, directed at a diplomat accredited to the State of Palestine and compelled to operate through Israel solely because of the ongoing occupation, constitutes a misuse of Article 9 and further underscores Israel's persistent refusal to honour international law, United Nations resolutions, and the broad international consensus recognising Palestinian statehood and the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” added Bhengu.

She emphasised that Israel must make sure that its future diplomats conduct themselves in a professional manner because government of South Africa will never tolerate their misbehave.

"South Africa is a sovereign democratic state, and all foreign missions accredited to the Republic are expected to conduct themselves with respect, restraint, and professionalism. The ANC reiterates that diplomatic engagement must take place through recognised and lawful channels, free from insults, interference, or conduct that compromises mutual trust.

“The ANC joins the government's call on the Government of Israel to ensure that all future diplomatic engagements fully respect South Africa's sovereignty and the universally accepted principles of international relations. The ANC reaffirms its support for a principled foreign policy anchored in international law, multilateralism, and the defence of South Africa's dignity and sovereignty,” concluded Bhengu.