SA calls for ceasefire, dialogue amid Middle East tensions
12 March 2026
South Africa continues to call for an urgent ceasefire and dialogue as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, warning that the conflict threatens global stability and humanitarian conditions.
Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Ronald Lamola said the worsening conflict has heightened anxiety across the region and beyond, while placing pressure on global food and energy systems.
“The escalation of tension in the Middle East heralds great anxiety and uncertainty in the region, the continent and the world,” Lamola said.
He said the destruction of civilian infrastructure across the region has already begun to trigger inflationary pressures, energy insecurity and food shortages, partly due to disruptions in fertiliser supply in the agriculture sector.
South Africa also reiterated its condemnation of actions that violate international law, warning that the continued escalation risks undermining global multilateral institutions.
Lamola stressed that the United Nations Security Council must prioritise humanitarian concerns over geopolitical interests in responding to the crisis.
“The United Nations Security Council, now more than ever, is called upon to prioritise humanity over geopolitical preferences. This is an existential moment for multilateralism, which must reverberate in Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said.
Lamola said he had been in contact with his counterparts in the Gulf region, who have expressed concern about the escalating conflict and its potential consequences.
“At this stage, there is no open discussion happening among the warring parties – the United States, Israel and Iran – which makes the likelihood of further escalation very real,” he said.
South Africa has maintained that dialogue remains the only viable path toward a sustainable solution, adding that no military intervention can deliver lasting peace.
“As South Africa, we have said that if called upon…we remain ready and available to support any process to a peaceful resolution and a ceasefire.
“We have continued to call for opening of a dialogue amongst all the warring parties towards a peaceful resolution, because we always believe that no military solution can be found in this situation that can be sustainable. It is through dialogue that a sustainable solution can be concluded,” Lamola said.
South Africans abroad
The department urged South African citizens currently in the Middle East to ensure they are registered with South African diplomatic missions so that their whereabouts are known should conditions worsen.
Citizens travelling abroad for business, education or leisure have also been encouraged to register with the nearest South African embassy or consulate.
Minister Lamola said South Africans should download the DIRCO Travel Smart App to and register their travel details, provide next-of-kin information and contact diplomatic missions in case of distress.
Government further warned citizens to carefully verify overseas job opportunities after reports of individuals being misled by fraudulent recruitment schemes and ending up in conflict-affected areas.
The Head of Public Diplomacy at DIRCO, Clayson Monyela, said government has called on South Africans in the region, particularly in Gulf states, to register their details with embassies to help officials identify those who may need assistance.
“We’ve been making a call for South Africans, firstly, to register with us so that we know who is there and what type of help they need,” Monyela said.
He said the department has been assisting citizens who wish to leave the region by facilitating evacuations through available commercial flights.
“In the first couple of days when the attacks were happening, the airspaces were closed in all of these countries, so it was impossible to move in or out. But in the last couple of days, airspaces have partially reopened and commercial airlines are beginning to operate again,” he said.
He added that some South Africans have already taken advantage of these flights to return home.
In cases where flights were not immediately available, government has assisted citizens to travel through land borders into neighbouring countries where flights could be accessed.
“We’ve been moving other people through land borders to cross into countries where flights are available, and South Africans have been coming home,” Monyela said.
Importance of US-SA relations
Speaking during the media briefing DIRCO Director-General Zane Dangor said officials met with US Ambassador Brent Bozell to discuss comments that had raised concern. Dangor said the envoy expressed regret that his remarks created the impression that he was not committed to working constructively with the South African government. “He apologised and expressed regret, including for comments that appeared to undermine the judiciary,” Dangor said.
The United States mission has also issued a public apology on social media.
Dangor said during the meeting the Ambassador reaffirmed that South Africa’s history requires redress policies and acknowledged the role of measures aimed at addressing historical inequality.
The Ambassador had recently visited historical landmarks such as the Apartheid Museum and the District Six Museum, where he reflected on the country’s past.
Dangor also clarified that there has been no formal communication from Washington containing the reported “five demands” linked to negotiations between the two countries following unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States.
He further noted that there has been no formal request for South Africa to withdraw from the BRICS bloc, although the grouping is sometimes viewed with concern within sections of the US administration.
Speaking during the briefing, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said government welcomed active public diplomacy but emphasised that engagements must remain consistent with diplomatic etiquette and international protocols.
“While South Africa welcomes active public diplomacy and the strengthening of bilateral ties, such engagements must remain consistent with established diplomatic etiquette and international protocols,” Lamola said.
He reiterated that the United States remains a key strategic partner for South Africa.
Around 500 American companies currently operate in South Africa, employing more than 250 000 people and complying with local legislation, including transformation policies.
Bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at about $15 billion, while South African companies also maintain significant investments in the United States, particularly in the energy and chemicals sectors.
Lamola stressed that policies such as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment are necessary to address structural inequalities created by apartheid.
“B-BBEE is not reverse racism. It is a fundamental instrument designed to address the structural imbalances of South Africa’s unique history,” he said.
SA maintains non-aligned foreign policy stance
Lamola reiterated that South Africa’s foreign policy remains anchored in constitutional principles, multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He said the country’s non-aligned stance allows it to engage with all international partners based on international law rather than aligning with any geopolitical bloc.
“As a sovereign state and a significant middle power, South Africa remains steadfast in its resistance to being drawn into great-power rivalries. South Africa’s non-alignment does not entail a preference for any geopolitical bloc.
“Rather, it represents our ability to engage all international partners and take positions on a case-by- case basis, guided by international law.
“We remain steadfast in our resistance to being drawn into great-power rivalries, prioritising instead, a global governance system that is fair and inclusive,” Lamola said.
SAnews.gov.za