STAFF REPORTER
THE South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) expressed grave concern over the escalating crisis in Mozambique, which it said poses a direct security risk to South Africa. The unrest, sparked by alleged election rigging during Mozambique’s October 9th polls, has resulted in more than 150 deaths, thousands of arrests, and significant instability in the region.
“Mozambique is teetering on the edge of civil war, and the South African government’s response has been alarmingly inadequate.
“While our government remains distracted by divisive international rhetoric, the real threats to our national security are unfolding on our doorstep,” said Rolene Marks, National Spokesperson of the SAZF.
The crisis intensified after Mozambique’s highest court declared Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo as the election winner, prompting his main challenger, Venancio Mondlane, to return from self-imposed exile.
Amid growing unrest, the Christmas Day revolt at Maputo Central Prison led to the escape of more than 6 000 inmates, including 29 convicted terrorists linked to al-Shabab, a group responsible for the deaths of more than 33 000 people in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province since 2017. Fugitives have reportedly bribed their way across the South African border, exposing critical vulnerabilities.
“The ANC-led government’s neglect of this regional security crisis is emblematic of its misplaced priorities,” Marks stated.
“Instead of allocating resources to secure our borders and address the Mozambican conflict, the ANC has squandered R95 million on an unfounded case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which the court dismissed. This wasteful expenditure reflects a shocking disregard for South Africa’s pressing challenges,” she said.
The ANC’s January 8th statement dedicated just 42 words to the escalating Mozambique crisis, downplaying its significance by grouping it with conflicts in Sudan and the DRC. In stark contrast, the statement allocated 150 words to condemning Israel with baseless accusations of “genocidal slaughter” and “ethnic cleansing”.
Marks challenged these claims, noting: “Israel’s Arab citizens enjoy full voting rights, representation in the Knesset, and equal access to opportunities under laws that prohibit discrimination. Such accusations are not only false but detract from critical regional issues that require immediate attention.”
The SAZF calls for a shift in South Africa’s foreign policy to prioritise evidence-based decision-making and a dehyphenated approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “South Africa’s national interests must come first. A balanced, moderate stance in international relations would demonstrate that we are a peace-seeking nation capable of addressing both local and global challenges responsibly,” Marks asserted.
The SAZF urges the South African government to focus on securing the nation’s borders, addressing regional instability, and protecting its citizens.
“We cannot afford to ignore the threats posed by terrorist groups operating in Mozambique. South Africa’s national security and the wellbeing of its people must be our government’s top priorities,” Marks concluded.