by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – African citizens and political groups are demanding the immediate expulsion of Israeli Ambassador to South Africa, Ariel Seidman, following what they call a deeply insulting comment directed at President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Their outrage stems from a social-media post on X (formerly Twitter), in which Seidman praised what he called “a rare moment of wisdom and diplomatic clarity” from Ramaphosa, adding: “Boycott politics doesn’t work. We (Israel) totally agree …”
The controversy dates back to remarks made by President Ramaphosa, who had reaffirmed South Africa’s firm support for the Palestinian cause and its backing for legal action at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), including a genocide case against Israel.
Seidman’s tweet was widely interpreted as condescending — an affront to South Africa’s sovereignty and a belittling of Ramaphosa’s leadership.
The call for the ambassador’s expulsion has drawn support across the political spectrum.
The African National Congress (ANC) issued a statement condemning Seidman’s “undiplomatic and disrespectful” conduct, arguing that his remarks undermine the dignity of the South African presidency.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) also weighed in, asserting that Seidman’s message reflects a superiority complex and demands “a forceful diplomatic response.”
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) insisted the ANC-led government is too weak, urging that stronger action be taken – including recalling the ambassador.
Civic voices have joined in the condemnation.
Veteran journalist Hopewell Chin’ono called Seidman’s praise “shameless arrogance,” saying that a foreign mission should not imply that wisdom from the country’s head of state is “rare.”
“That phrasing alone exposes the contempt behind the tweet,” he added, calling for respect, dignity, and restraint in international diplomacy.
Critics also pointed to the broader context: Israel’s sustained and devastating assault on Gaza.
Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has soared past 60,000, with a disproportionate number of civilian casualties — especially women and children.
Reports suggest that much of Gaza’s population is facing famine, displacement, and mass suffering.
Further commentators argued that Seidman’s remarks should be understood not simply as an insult, but as part of a larger pattern: Israel’s disdain for South Africa’s legal and moral efforts to hold it accountable.
Lindani Sikiti noted on social media that “Israel doesn’t like Ramaphosa for standing up for Palestine,” while Oscar Mabuela warned that the ambassador’s contempt is a show of disrespect not only to Ramaphosa, but to all South Africans.
As the debate intensifies, calls for concrete diplomatic action are growing louder — with political leaders and ordinary citizens demanding that South Africa assert its sovereignty and demand accountability from a foreign envoy who seems to mock rather than engage respectfully.
– CAJ News