Mabuyane backs Ramaphosa’s call for SA to mediate in Middle East war

Eastern Cape premierOscar Mabuyanehas thrown his weight behind President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call forSouth Africa to mediate in the Middle East war. The conflict started when the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, which retaliated, targeting nations with links to the US in the region. Replying to the state of the province address debate in the legislature in Bhisho this week, Mabuyane expressed concern about the situation.

“When we delivered the state of the province address last week, there were tensions of an imminent war in the Middle East. “That war has become a reality after theUS and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, which claimed the life of, among others, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.” Mabuyane said it was concerning US President Donald Trump’s second term “has been marked by disregard of international law and unprecedented military aggression against other nations”. “I’m raising this issue to highlight that we might be 12,000km away from Iran, but we are affected by what is happening in that region.

“For example, the disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is affecting tankers that transport oil, which will lead to a surge in oil prices.” High fuel transport costs will push up costs for farmers and the car sector, which are heavily export-orientated, he said. The crisis has triggered flight suspensions and cancellations. “This will impact tourism attractions such as Addo Elephant Park.