Zuko Komisa
- Israeli diplomat Ariel Seidman has been declared persona non grata and given 72 hours to leave South Africa.
- The decision follows “insulting attacks” against President Ramaphosa and a failure to follow protocols regarding official visits.
- South Africa cited a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention and an abuse of diplomatic privilege as the basis for the move.
The South African government has officially declared Israel’s Chargé d’Affaires, Ariel Seidman, persona non grata, ordering his departure from the country within 72 hours.
This move marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between Pretoria and Jerusalem.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) cited a series of “unacceptable violations” of international diplomatic norms as the catalyst for the expulsion.
Central to the dispute are allegations that Israeli official social media channels were used to launch insulting attacks against President Cyril Ramaphosa, an act the department described as a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.
Further grievances include Israel’s failure to notify DIRCO of visits by senior officials, which South African authorities view as a “gross abuse” of diplomatic privilege and a breach of the Vienna Convention. Officials stated that these actions have systematically eroded the trust necessary for maintaining bilateral relations.
In a stern closing statement, DIRCO emphasised that the dignity of the Republic’s offices is “inviolable.” The Israeli government has been urged to ensure that its future diplomatic conduct aligns with established international principles and demonstrates respect for South African sovereignty.
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