Zionist Federation Criticizes South African Government’s R37M Funding for ICJ Case Against Israel
Johannesburg – The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) has criticized what it describes as the South African government’s “outrageous misuse of taxpayer resources to support its politically motivated and unfounded ICJ [International Court of Justice] case against Israel.”
“This recent R37 million expenditure adds to the alarming R95 million that was already allocated to the same legal mission in last year’s Special Appropriation Bill – a shocking total of R132 million wasted on ideological posturing while South Africa stands on the precipice of collapse,” stated Rolene Marks, spokesperson for the SAZF, on Tuesday, (18 March 2025).
“As South Africa grapples with an economic and social crisis – with unemployment soaring to an alarming 35% (60% among youth), a failing healthcare system, debilitating load-shedding affecting the economy, and 2.3 million households lacking proper housing – this reckless expenditure is utterly indefensible.”
Marks further expressed concern, stating: “Schools are in disrepair, crime is rampant, and corruption has drained the country’s resources – yet instead of addressing these pressing issues, the government is diverting much-needed public money into a foreign legal initiative aimed at undermining Israel’s right to defend itself against those who openly seek its destruction.”
Evidence submitted by South Africa to the ICJ alleges that Israel’s “acts and omissions” are genocidal in nature, claiming they are intended to eliminate a significant portion of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group.
Marks pointed out that “importantly,” the ICJ’s preliminary ruling did not affirm that South Africa’s claim of genocide was credible.
“It simply acknowledged that Palestinians have a plausible right to protection from genocide and that South Africa is entitled to present its case,” the SAZF spokesperson remarked.
“The ANC-led government has deliberately misconstrued this ruling as a victory, using it to justify its ongoing legal campaign against Israel while ignoring the fact that Hamas are the true perpetrators of genocide – accountable for the massacre on October 7, where 1,200 Israelis were killed, over 250 hostages were taken, and thousands of rockets were launched at civilians.”
“Instead of reclaiming looted billions or addressing the hardships faced by its own citizens, the South African government prioritizes global theatrics, aligning itself with terrorist organizations over the urgent needs of its populace.
“South Africa is in turmoil.
“It is time for its leaders to cease utilizing foreign distractions as a smokescreen for their failures and fulfill their primary responsibility: to uplift and safeguard their own citizens.”
As of now, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 47,500 Palestinians, including women and children.
At least 111,618 others have been injured.
In the most recent overnight assault, Israeli strikes across Gaza have claimed the lives of more than 350 Palestinians.
RELATED: South Africa Condemns Israeli Airstrikes On Gaza, Breaching 2-Month Ceasefire – The Bulrushes
In November last year, the UN-backed International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, along with a former Hamas commander, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.