Pretoria warns of global fallout from escalating conflict
South Africa has issued a fresh call for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful dialogue between warring parties in the Middle East, cautioning that the spiralling violence poses a direct threat to global stability, food security and energy markets.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, addressing media in Pretoria on Wednesday, said the intensifying hostilities have fuelled widespread alarm not only across the region but throughout the African continent and the broader international community.
"The escalation of tension in the Middle East heralds great anxiety and uncertainty in the region, the continent and the world."
Lamola pointed to the devastating impact on civilian infrastructure, noting that the destruction has already triggered rising inflation, disruptions to energy supply chains and growing food insecurity. He singled out the interruption of fertiliser distribution as a key factor placing additional strain on the agricultural sector.
Pretoria also renewed its condemnation of actions that contravene international law, warning that continued military escalation risks eroding the foundations of global multilateral institutions. Lamola insisted that the UN Security Council must place humanitarian imperatives above geopolitical manoeuvring in its response 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."
The minister revealed he had been engaging with counterparts across the Gulf region, who share deep concern about the trajectory of the conflict. He noted that no direct negotiations are currently taking place between the United States, Israel and Iran, making the prospect of further escalation increasingly likely. South Africa has reiterated its willingness to support any peace process or ceasefire effort should the country be called upon to do so, maintaining firmly that no military solution can deliver lasting peace.
Citizens urged to register with embassies
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has meanwhile urged all South African nationals present in the Middle East to register with the nearest diplomatic mission so their locations are known should conditions deteriorate further. Travellers heading abroad for work, study or leisure have been similarly encouraged to make contact with embassies or consulates. Lamola called on citizens to download the DIRCO Travel Smart App to log their travel details, next-of-kin information and emergency contacts.
Government also issued a warning to South Africans to exercise extreme caution when evaluating overseas employment opportunities, following reports of individuals being lured by fraudulent recruitment schemes into conflict zones.
Head of Public Diplomacy Clayson Monyela told media that authorities have been actively reaching out to South Africans in the region, particularly those in Gulf states, to ensure officials can identify and assist those in need.
"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 explained that the department has been facilitating the departure of citizens wishing to leave the region through available commercial flights. He noted that airspace across several affected countries had been closed during the initial wave of attacks, making movement impossible. However, partial reopening in recent days has allowed commercial airlines to resume limited operations, with some South Africans already taking advantage of these flights to return home. In instances where air travel remained unavailable, government assisted citizens in crossing land borders into neighbouring countries from where flights could be accessed.
South Africa's deep ties to global commodity markets make the Middle East crisis particularly consequential for ordinary households and businesses already grappling with elevated living costs. Disruptions to fertiliser and energy supply chains risk pushing food and fuel prices higher, compounding existing pressure on consumers and farmers alike. With no direct negotiations under way between key parties, the conflict's economic ripple effects could intensify in the months ahead, testing the resilience of an already strained local economy.
