Former South African foreign minister Naledi Pandor has called for public hearings at the International Court of Justice to examine whether a genocide is taking place in Gaza. Speaking to reporters at the TRT World Forum, she stated that the legal process should be held in public view so the global community can evaluate the evidence.
South Africa originally filed the genocide case against Israel in December 2023. The court has issued provisional measures to protect Palestinians, but has not yet delivered a final ruling on whether Israel has violated the Genocide Convention. Pandor stressed the need for open hearings on the merits of the case, though no date has been scheduled.
Written arguments are due from South Africa by 22 November 2027, and from Israel by 22 May 2029. Pandor urged the court to strengthen its existing interim orders, which demand that Israel prevent prohibited acts under the convention and ensure critical humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in Gaza.
Her remarks follow a dossier submitted by South Africa on 25 August, which alleged that Israel failed to comply with three provisional court orders. Pandor revealed that she received extra security protection while in government due to threats and pressure linked to the legal action.
She faces personal attacks in media outlets critical of her stance. Pandor described accusations in Zionist media labelling her a tool of Iran or claiming she operates from Hamas headquarters in South Africa. Responding to these attacks, she said that insults are the last refuge of a scoundrel.
Addressing diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington, Pandor stated that ties deteriorated during the tenure of US President Donald Trump. She pointed to a decision by Trump to revoke South African benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The measure takes effect on 1 January 2027 and removes preferential access to the US market.
Despite this setback, Pandor expressed cautious optimism that the incoming US Congress might adopt a constructive approach. She called on Washington to alter its policy regarding Palestine and the Israeli occupation, saying the core issue is the freedom of the Palestinian people.
Defending South African foreign policy, Pandor maintained that the country is non-aligned while staying committed to human rights, peace, and justice. She argued that international conflicts must be resolved through negotiations rather than armed confrontation.
Pandor also pointed to the role of the BRICS bloc in helping Global South nations build sovereignty and make independent decisions. She cited the New Development Bank as a practical tool for developing nations to finance their own priorities and assert economic independence.
Addressing regional tensions involving Iran, Pandor reaffirmed Pretoria’s policy of supporting diplomatic resolution of disputes. She stated that South Africa condemns attacks by Israel and the US against Iran, as well as Iranian military actions in the region, insisting that nations must learn to talk to each other to avoid armed conflict.
