FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks Represents South Africa at 96th Saudi National Day, Reinforces Diplomatic Ties and Stance on Palestine
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — Representing President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy Minister of Social Development and President of AL JAMA-AH, the Hon. Ganief Hendricks, delivered South Africa’s national address at the official celebration of the 96th Saudi National Day in Pretoria—one of the largest diplomatic events held in the country. Standing in for his Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa—to whom he extended heartfelt wishes for a complete and speedy recovery—Deputy Minister Hendricks articulated South Africa’s international policy and positions on international justice, regional economic collaboration, and long-standing historical ties between the two nations.
Defending International Law and the Rights of Palestinians
Delivering South Africa’s position with conviction, Deputy Minister Hendricks highlighted the ongoing case brought by South Africa to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
* ICJ Filings & Compliance: South Africa submitted a substantial dossier of information to the ICJ on August 25, 2026, to assist the Committee of Judges monitoring the implementation of the court’s Provisional Measures. He expressed deep regret that Israel has failed to comply with these binding orders.
* Plight of Palestinians: The address drew attention to the ongoing severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that an average of one Palestinian child per day has been killed since the announcement of the theoretical ceasefire. Remaining populations are forced into shrinking territories under severe conditions, deprived of clean water, healthcare, and essential supplies.
* Call to Action and Two-State Solution: Deputy Minister Hendricks emphasized that the international community holds an obligation to protect the Palestinian people and prevent genocide. He called for an immediate halt to settlement expansion, civilian administrative powers, and land annexation in both Gaza and the West Bank. Furthermore, South Africa commended Saudi Arabia’s leadership in co-hosting the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and reaffirmed support for a just, lasting two-state solution founded on the principles of the UN Charter and the New York Declaration.
Deep Historical Roots and Hajj Quota Advocacy
Tracing the historical foundations of the relationship between South Africa and Saudi Arabia, Deputy Minister Hendricks highlighted both national heritage and his family’s long-standing dedication to the pilgrimage tradition:
* Historical Pilgrimage Heritage: He reflected on South Africa’s deep-rooted Muslim heritage, referencing early historical figures like Karel du Pelgrim who performed the Hajj.
* Family Legacy of Hospitality: Hon. Hendricks honored his family’s generational history of serving pilgrims, noting that his great-grandfather, Hajji Ozer Ally, hosted visiting Moutoufs and Muallims and helped build accommodation facilities alongside Johannesburg residents—a legacy of hospitality and support for Hujjaj that was faithfully carried forward by his mother and his uncle.
* Hajj Visa Advocacy: Drawing on these deeply rooted family connections and historical precedents—where South Africans maintained pilgrimage access even during the apartheid era—he argued that this enduring legacy should form the foundation for granting accessible Hajj visas to all South Africans today, despite tough quotas set by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League.
* Tribute to King Faisal: Expressing profound admiration for King Faisal (who passed away in 1975), Hendricks recalled the deeply cherished historical telegram acknowledging South African condolences at the time.
Expanding Bilateral Relations, Energy, and Continental Trade
The speech outlined a bold vision for economic collaboration between South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing trade growth and regional integration:
* Expanding Trade and Business Ties: Hon. Hendricks called for accelerating trade partnerships—aiming for a tenfold increase in trade volume—and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to fast-track intercontinental trade, positioning both nations as economic gateways to their respective regions.
* Shared Strategic Priorities: Highlighting Saudi Vision 2030, the address noted synergies in mining expertise, technology, mineral processing, agriculture, and food security.
* Renewable Energy Collaboration: Concrete partnerships were acknowledged through the Bokpoort and Redstone solar power projects in the Northern Cape, led by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power.
* Technological & Medical Advancement: Drawing parallels between Groote Schuur Hospital’s historic 1967 human heart transplant and King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s world-first fully robotic heart transplant in 2024, the speech called for deeper cooperation in AI, the Internet of Things, education, and healthcare innovation.
* Global Events & Regional Security: South Africa extended its congratulations to Saudi Arabia for hosting World Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, offering to share insights from hosting the 2010 World Cup. Additionally, South Africa reiterated the critical necessity of restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait to stabilize global energy markets and food security for developing nations.
ENDS