Govt's R95m expenditure on ICJ genocide case against Israel approved by National Assembly
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said government remains steadfast in its support of the Palestinian cause which is intertwined with South Africa’s own struggle for freedom.
This general view shows the logo of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on 12 January 2024, prior to the hearing of the genocide case against Israel, brought by South Africa. Picture: Remko de Waal / ANP / AFP
CAPE TOWN - Government’s R95 million expenditure on its International Court of Justice (ICJ) genocide case against Israel has been approved by the National Assembly, despite concerns about constraints on the fiscus to deliver better services to its citizens.
Chairperson of Parliament’s appropriations committee Mmusi Maimane has proposed countries which support South Africa’s case in the world court should also help pay for it.
On Thursday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana once again sought to dispel claims that Iran is helping South Africa to foot the legal costs during a debate on the Special Appropriation Bill he tabled in October.
Wouter Wessels of the Freedom Front Plus said while government’s case against Israel is for a noble cause, he’s questioned whether the expenditure is justifiable, given the shortages to address problems at home.
But the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)’s Natasha Ntlangwini said no amount of money is too much to spend on this case.
The Patriotic Alliance’s Ashley Sauls argued special allocations should also be made for children under attack in gang-ridden areas like Manenberg in Cape Town.
Godongwana said government remains steadfast in its support of the Palestinian cause which is intertwined with South Africa’s own struggle for freedom.
“Our cardinal sin was to use legal instruments created by the United Nations. All our international detractors are signatories to that agreement, to establish that court.”
The Special Appropriation Bill allocates R17 million to the Presidency for the cost of filing the main arguments in a memorial deposited with the international court in October.
“I’m proud to say we are appropriating funds from our own revenue account, no money from Iran. I think that’s a story that must be debunked.”
The Departments of International Relations and Justice have received a further R78 million for costs associated with the legal proceedings in The Hague.