VENUE: Dignity
Date: 22 March 2025 | Time: 14:00 – 15:30 | Presented by: Open Secrets
Assessing South Africa’s Role in the Global Arms Trade in Light of the ICJ Case Against Israel
Exploring Transparency, Accountability, and South Africa’s Political Stance
This panel will engage in a critical discussion on South Africa’s involvement in the global arms trade, particularly in relation to the Arms to Israel Open Secrets investigation, within the broader context of the country’s political and legal stance on Palestine. South Africa has taken a clear and decisive position in support of Palestine, notably through its efforts to seek accountability at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for alleged violations of international law by Israel. This strong political commitment to human rights and international justice has positioned South Africa as a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause on the global stage. The failure to ensure transparency in arms exports from South Africa raises serious concerns about the country’s potential complicity in ongoing conflicts. This inconsistency undermines South Africa’s credibility and moral authority in the international arena and calls into question the effectiveness of its domestic regulatory frameworks.
Ra’eesa Pather
Senior investigator at Open Secrets
Ra’eesa Pather is a senior investigator at Open Secrets. She previously worked as a journalist for the Mail & Guardian, New Frame, Al Jazeera and The Daily Vox amongst others. Ra’eesa’s human rights work includes transitional justice, corporate accountability, housing rights, and feminism.
Abongile Nkamisa
Lawyer at Open Secrets
Abongile Nkamisa is a lawyer at Open Secrets. She previously worked as judicial law clerk at the Constitutional Court of South Africa and for organizations such as Democratic Governance Rights Unit at UCT and the Centre for Applied Legal Studies. Abongile’s legal work spans constitutional law, Administrative law, public interest litigation, corporate accountability, and social justice advocacy.
