Ngcukaitobi 'humbled' to represent South Africa at ICJ
Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, who was part of the South African legal team at the International Court of Justice in the country's 'genocide' case against Israel, says representing the country at the Hague was an “inspirational experience”.
South Africa formally accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians at the UN’s top court last week. It presented its case on Thursday, asking the ICJ to order an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza.
During his presentation on Thursday, Ngcukaitobi used video evidence to demonstrate the alleged genocidal intent of the Israeli government.
He said it was clear that soldiers on the ground in Gaza repeated genocidal utterances by the Israel leader.
Ngcukaitobi and his legal team colleagues received a warm welcome from South Africans at the OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday.
"It has been an inspirational experience because efforts that have gone into resisting an injustice of the Palestinian people is itself a source of great inspiration. Our ability to speak in court is not as significant as the struggle of the people on the ground," he said.
He emphasised that the overall struggle will continue beyond the case at the ICJ.
"But we have been very humbled that we have been able to contribute a very small part to an otherwise long and courageous struggle of the Palestinian people," said Ngcukaitobi.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services' Director-General, Advocate Doctor Mashabane, thanked South Africans for the support given to the legal team.
Mashabane emphasised the amount of hard work that went into the case.
"The team worked very hard throughout the festive season preparing for the case, I know most have only seen them appearing in court, but they have put on a lot of work.
They have finally made it, and everything has been left to the hands of the judges. We are hoping that in the coming days, they will come out and deliver the outcome," he said.
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