Bravo to Pandor, now time for SA

‘We could not stand idly by and continue to observe the killing of thousands of Palestinians who had no role in the awful act of hostage-taking and killing that was done by Hamas.”

So said Dr Naledi Pandor in her precise and queen-like manner, and I – watching telly in my pyjamas with the dogs – went “yeah!”

It was a proudly South African moment as the country took its case against Israel to the International Court of Justice, without forgetting the Hamas atrocities along the way.

Oh, we can be the best when we put our minds to things. We can be the worst when we forget.

And I want to shout “Naledi for president” because remember, the good doctor has form.

Here is the woman who, as minister for international relations and cooperation, stood up alone when Russia invaded Ukraine.

She issued a statement declaring: “South Africa calls on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine in line with the UN Charter, which enjoins all member states to settle their international disputes by peaceful means.”

For this she earned a Cyril-slap, and backtracked, but I think we all know what she really thinks.

Pandor’s life philosophy boils down to one simple rule: don’t be a mampara.

This leads to the next rule: if everyone else is a mampara, then maybe the mampara is you.

Because who could reasonably argue with her stated need to “protect innocent civilians in Palestine... to ensure humanitarian aid is provided” and that Israel as “occupier and administrator in Palestine” provides “the necessary basic services”?

Also, as the lady herself said: “A report is absolutely imperative... Monitoring is vital.”

Yes indeed! Transparency! Truth! Israel has been given one month.

So let’s see Pandor bring these sentiments back. Let’s see her remind her own government of its obligations as “administrator” of the country to “provide the necessary basic services”.

South Africans need the aid of which she speaks; our leaders need to “reduce the level of harm against persons” – all persons.

“Let’s stop being observers of significant harm,” Pandor told reporters.

“Let’s act – and South Africa has acted.”

Indeed. Acted for “the people of Palestine who are killed every day... who are sleeping in the cold... who are denied food, water and energy”.

Now how about acting for the people at home?