CYRIL MATAMELA RAMAPHOSA, President of South Africa, recalled that:  “Thirty years ago, South Africa was born as a new nation; equal, united and free from apartheid.”  It adopted a new Constitution, and its “first democratic elections brought the tyranny of apartheid to an end — a system that this General Assembly declared to be a crime against humanity”.  “The great wave of solidarity of the peoples of the world led by the United Nations turned the tide against apartheid,” he underscored, pointing out that:  “Today, democracy flourishes in South Africa.”  Spotlighting the country’s entrenched human rights culture and strong institutions, as well as its agenda for economic growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development, he said:  “The South African story bears witness to the enduring role of the United Nations in global matters.  In supporting our struggle, the UN affirmed the principles of the UN Charter — fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of every person, and the equal rights of nations large and small.”

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, he said that the violence the Palestinian people are enduring, following the Hamas attack, is “a grim continuation of more than half a century of apartheid that has been perpetrated on Palestinians by Israel”.  “We South Africans know what apartheid looks like […] we will not remain silent and watch as apartheid is perpetrated against others,” he emphasized.  “Through the United Nations and the instruments it wields, we must end the suffering that Palestinians are being subjected to,” he urged, recalling that, in December 2023, South Africa sought an order from the International Court of Justice to prevent Israel from committing genocide against the people of Gaza.  The Court’s orders “make it clear that that there is a plausible case of genocide against the people of Gaza” and that “States must also act to prevent genocide by Israel” and ensure that they are not themselves “aiding or assisting in the commission of genocide”.  He once again called for an immediate ceasefire, and for the release of all hostages.  “The only lasting solution is the establishment of a Palestinian State that will exist side by side with Israel with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he stressed.

He further urged every effort to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and other parts of the African continent, as well as to Ukraine, and to realize the aspirations of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination.  The Security Council must be more representative and inclusive, he emphasized, noting that Africa and its 1.4 billion people remain excluded from its key decision-making structures.  “The UN Security Council must be reformed as a matter of urgency,” he stressed, adding that:  “Africa stands ready to play its role in building a safer global order by participating in the work of the UN Security Council on the basis of respect and acceptance.”  The African Union and its member States are engaged in mediation, dialogue and diplomacy across the continent, to create conditions under which peace and development can take hold.  There must be greater collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union towards resolving these conflicts, and in addressing their root causes, he added.

Turning to other pressing challenges, he voiced concern about the spread of Mpox, particularly in Africa, and urged the international community to mobilize vaccine stockpiles.  On the economy, he said the Africa Continental Free Trade Area is setting the foundation for a massive increase in trade and investment in infrastructure and will accelerate Africa’s industrialization and economic growth.  On the climate crisis, he said South Africa remains committed to contributing its fair share to reduce global emissions.  It has adaptation and mitigation programmes and policies in place and its law on climate change will further support its emissions-reduction targets.  Noting that industrialized nations are not honouring their climate commitments, he reiterated the call for predictable and sustainable climate financing.  He also called on better resourced countries to scale up support to developing countries being stifled by debt.  In 2025, South Africa will assume the presidency of the Group of 20 and will use that important role to advocate for the peoples of Africa and for all the Global South, he said.