Latest news with #Lamola
IOL News
6 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Ronald Lamola calls for urgent recognition of Palestinian statehood at UN conference
During a key UN conference, South Africa's International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola, stressed the critical importance of acknowledging Palestinian statehood. Image: Screen capture: UN Web TV As the world gears up to address one of its most enduring conflicts, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has delivered a poignant statement at the high-level international conference at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, aimed at spearheading practical measures toward achieving a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Lamola said South Africa continues to condemn the horrific events of October 7, where innocent Israeli citizens were killed. In a reaffirmation of its anti-war stance, South Africa outlined key principles necessary to restore the credibility of the two-state solution. 'Firstly, all states must urgently recognise Palestinian statehood, and the territorial integrity and contiguity of Palestine should be established and respected. In this regard, South Africa welcomes the intentions of recognition of the state of Palestine by France as an important step towards achieving a two-State solution,' Lamola said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Secondly, there cannot be peace while the very existence of the Palestinian people is being threatened by Israel's continued genocidal actions in Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank. This is part of a systematic pattern of injustices and oppression of Palestinians since the adoption of Resolution 181 and the subsequent Nakba in 1948. These actions must be condemned, and the UN Security Council must act to protect the Palestinian people in whole and in part. 'Thirdly, preserving the viability of the two-state solution must include promoting safeguards such as the full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, and human rights law. It is necessary for the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations and the provisional measures, as well as Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice,' Lamola continued. The minister said all states, not just Israel, must follow their collective obligations under international law. They all must preserve the sanctity of international law and ensure accountability. Against this backdrop, the Hague Group was established, and the Madrid Group recently convened. Both initiatives aim to elevate the primacy of international law, promote accountability, and ensure a just peace. Lamola said all obstacles to a two-state solution must be removed. This includes an immediate ceasefire and a commitment to a peace process; the release of hostages by Hamas and political prisoners by the state of Israel; the halting of illegal Israeli settlement expansion; the removal of the illegal separation wall cutting across the occupied Palestinian Territory; and the resumption of all internationally reputable humanitarian relief efforts and the reconstruction of Gaza, which of course can only take place once there is peace. 'Global attention is on this conference. There is an expectation that we will deliver an effective response to the destruction of an entire population and a peaceful path for preserving the prospect of a viable Palestinian State existing side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security. This expectation is not misplaced, and it could not be higher,' he said. 'Eighty years since the founding of the United Nations, this is a matter that has plagued our collective conscience. The solution lies with a tangible re-commitment from all of us to the values that bind us.' UN Secretary-General António Guterres said statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward. Denying statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere. 'The only realistic, just, and sustainable solution is two States – Israel and Palestine – living side-by-side in peace and security, within secure and recognised borders, on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both – in line with international law, UN resolutions and other relevant agreements,' Guterres said. He implored the international community not only to keep the two-state solution alive, but to take the urgent, concrete, irreversible steps necessary to make it real.
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
SA pushes for two-state solution in Palestine, peace must prevail'
Israel's closest ally, the United States, was absent from the conference. South Africa has reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution in the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, which has dominated the Middle East. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, speaking at the United Nations International Conference on Tuesday, emphasised that discussions on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine are crucial. Lasting peace 'This conference takes place at a time when we are witnessing the destruction of Gaza and its people in real time, in a brazen and wanton act of genocide in full view of the world,' Lamola said 'Despite this challenging context, in which the international legal and multilateral system has been paralysed and turned into a blunt tool, the focus today on a real path to lasting peace must prevail. 'The might is right doctrine can no longer be justified. It has led to perpetual insecurity, and it justifies an attempt to eradicate the Palestinian people through killing and starvation,' Lamola said. ALSO READ: Trump contradicts Netanyahu, Palestinians in Gaza facing 'real starvation' [VIDEO] Palestinian statehood During the conference, which was not attended by Israel's closest ally, the United States, Lamola said South Africa is 'anti-war and prefers dialogue over violence'. He stressed the following points as fundamental to restoring the credibility of the two-state solution. 'All states must urgently recognise Palestinian statehood, and the territorial integrity and contiguity of Palestine should be established and respected. In this regard, South Africa welcomes the intentions of recognition of the State of Palestine by France as an important step towards achieving a two-state solution.' Lamola stressed that there cannot be peace while the very existence of the Palestinian people is being threatened by Israel's continued genocidal actions in Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank. 'This is part of a systematic pattern of injustices and oppression of Palestinians since the adoption of Resolution 181 and the subsequent Nakba in 1948. These actions must be condemned, and the UN Security Council must act to protect the Palestinian people in whole and in part.' South Africa is anti-war and prefers dialogue over violence. Global attention is on this Conference. There is an expectation that we will deliver an effective response to the destruction of an entire population and a peaceful path for preserving the prospect of a viable… — Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) July 29, 2025 ALSO READ: Israel accused of starving Gaza 'by design' — South Africa addresses ICJ Two-state solution Thirdly, he said, preserving the viability of the two-state solution must include promoting safeguards such as the full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, and human rights law. 'It is necessary for the immediate and full implementation of resolutions of the United Nations and the Provisional measures, as well as Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice.' Lamola reiterated that not only Israel, but all states, must comply with the collective obligations under international law. 'We all have a duty to preserve the sanctity of international law and ensure accountability. It's against this backdrop that we have seen the establishment of The Hague Group, and the recent meeting of the Madrid Group to elevate the primacy of international law, promote accountability and ensure a just peace.' Obstacles Lamola added that all obstacles to the two-state solution should be removed. 'The halting of illegal Israeli settlement expansion, the removal of the illegal separation wall cutting across the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the resumption of all internationally reputable humanitarian relief efforts and the reconstruction of Gaza, which of course can only take place once there is peace.' Reminder Lamola reminded his counterparts that global attention was on this Conference. 'There is an expectation that we will deliver an effective response to the destruction of an entire population and a peaceful path for preserving the prospect of a viable Palestinian State existing side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security. 'This expectation is not misplaced, and it could not be higher. Eighty years since the founding of the United Nations, this is a matter that has plagued our collective conscience. The solution lies with a tangible re-commitment from all of us to the values that bind us,' Lamola said. UK to recognise Palestine On Tuesday, the British prime minister announced that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state should Israel not agree to a Gaza ceasefire by September. 'I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,' British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a press briefing after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. 'I can confirm the UK will recognise the State of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.' France France commended Starmer's announcement on Tuesday, with the country's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot saying the UK 'joins today in the momentum created by France for the recognition of the State of Palestine.' Israel's foreign ministry said the move harms efforts to implement a ceasefire in Gaza and release the remaining hostages held in the territory. ALSO READ: Israeli strikes kill children collecting water in Gaza
Eyewitness News
a day ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
SA govt throws weight behind 2-state solution for peace in Middle East
CAPE TOWN - Government has thrown its weight behind a two-state solution for peace in the Middle East at a high-level conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Addressing the assembly on Tuesday, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola praised France for recognising a Palestine state and called on other UN members to do the same. Lamola said it was not only Israel that had to abide by international law but other member states too. Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference aims to adopt an action plan that will lead to the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation a two-state solution. Minister Lamola told the gathering that South Africa preferred dialogue over war. He said that the security council must condemn genocidal acts in Palestine that threatened to wipe out an entire population. Lamola appealed to Hamas to release all hostages in Gaza, for Israel to release all political prisoners and for it to stop its expansion into the occupied territories. "All obstacles to a two-state solution should be removed. This includes an immediate ceasefire and a commitment to a peace process." Lamola said that last week's motion by the Israeli Knesset to annex the West Bank could bury the goal of a two-state solution. "Peace must reverberate in the Gaza Strip, in the West Bank and the whole of the Palestinian territories, and this is in our hands." Lamola said there was high expectation that this conference will deliver a framework for lasting peace.
The Star
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Lihle Lamola on building a brand that embraces identity and purpose
Entrepreneur and founder of Freckle Eyewear, Lihle Lamola, is celebrating a significant milestone, 10 years of building a luxury brand that champions authenticity, purpose, and bold innovation. As Lamola reflects on her journey, she shares insights into the origins of her business, the challenges that shaped her, and the values that continue to guide brand into the future. Speaking to Saturday Star , she also opened up the lessons she's learnt, and how staying rooted in her vision has enabled the brand to thrive, even through adversity. How did your journey of entrepreneurship start, and how has it evolved over the years? My entrepreneurial journey began a decade ago when I made the bold decision to leave the corporate world to pursue my passion in an uncharted territory. With a background in business development and further studies in financial and business management, I was well equipped to take the leap. That foundational background gave me the strategic insight, financial discipline, and customer service ethic needed to build a unique luxury eyewear brand — and that's how Freckle Eyewear was born. Describe some of the difficulties you have faced and the things that have enabled you to continue. One of the early challenges was rapid expansion. After launching Freckle Eyewear in 2015, we experienced fast growth and began opening multiple branches and diversifying into new industries. What I didn't fully grasp at the time was how aggressive scaling can strain cash flow. Some of those decisions were hard and costly lessons. I learnt that steady growth does not mean stagnation; it's strategic precision. In 2020, like many businesses, we faced our toughest challenge yet; Freckle Eyewear had to shut down for 6 months at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. With no sales during that time, we had to be extremely prudent with our limited resources. Resilience and adaptability helped us survive and emerge even stronger. As you continue to dominate the female entrepreneurial space, what are some of the lessons you have learnt? I have learnt the importance of staying true to my values. Trends may come and go, but your vision and integrity will keep you steady through the toughest seasons. It may sound like a cliché, but always remember why you started. Also, never feel intimidated in a boardroom full of male counterparts. Know your business, own your space, and back it up with strategy, leadership, and innovation. Embrace technology, be future-forward, and compete boldly, locally and globally. What inspired Freckle Eyewear to be created, and how has the company expanded over time? I've always been drawn to fashion, and I've followed international trends for years. When I started my entrepreneurial journey, it felt natural to gravitate toward an industry I love and understand. Growing up, I was often teased for my freckles, but instead of hiding them, I decided to embrace them. I wanted to create a luxury brand that resonates with authenticity, uniqueness and rarity, and that's how Freckle Eyewear was born. Today, through a strong omnichannel presence and strategic brand collaborations, we've expanded our reach and cultivated a loyal, fashion-savvy customer base. What do you intend to achieve with your brand and journey? I want Freckle Eyewear to be a gateway, a channel that gives aspirational and luxury consumers access to global, high-quality eyewear and offers luxury experiences that are defined by world-class customer service. Beyond the brand, I am passionate about empowering and mentoring the youth. [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
21-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Lihle Lamola on building a brand that embraces identity and purpose
Entrepreneur and founder of Freckle Eyewear, Lihle Lamola, is celebrating a significant milestone, 10 years of building a luxury brand that champions authenticity, purpose, and bold innovation. As Lamola reflects on her journey, she shares insights into the origins of her business, the challenges that shaped her, and the values that continue to guide brand into the future. Speaking to Saturday Star, she also opened up the lessons she's learnt, and how staying rooted in her vision has enabled the brand to thrive, even through adversity. How did your journey of entrepreneurship start, and how has it evolved over the years? My entrepreneurial journey began a decade ago when I made the bold decision to leave the corporate world to pursue my passion in an uncharted territory. With a background in business development and further studies in financial and business management, I was well equipped to take the leap. That foundational background gave me the strategic insight, financial discipline, and customer service ethic needed to build a unique luxury eyewear brand — and that's how Freckle Eyewear was born. Describe some of the difficulties you have faced and the things that have enabled you to continue. One of the early challenges was rapid expansion. After launching Freckle Eyewear in 2015, we experienced fast growth and began opening multiple branches and diversifying into new industries. What I didn't fully grasp at the time was how aggressive scaling can strain cash flow. Some of those decisions were hard and costly lessons. I learnt that steady growth does not mean stagnation; it's strategic precision. In 2020, like many businesses, we faced our toughest challenge yet; Freckle Eyewear had to shut down for 6 months at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. With no sales during that time, we had to be extremely prudent with our limited resources. Resilience and adaptability helped us survive and emerge even stronger. As you continue to dominate the female entrepreneurial space, what are some of the lessons you have learnt? I have learnt the importance of staying true to my values. Trends may come and go, but your vision and integrity will keep you steady through the toughest seasons. It may sound like a cliché, but always remember why you started. Also, never feel intimidated in a boardroom full of male counterparts. Know your business, own your space, and back it up with strategy, leadership, and innovation. Embrace technology, be future-forward, and compete boldly, locally and globally. What inspired Freckle Eyewear to be created, and how has the company expanded over time? I've always been drawn to fashion, and I've followed international trends for years. When I started my entrepreneurial journey, it felt natural to gravitate toward an industry I love and understand. Growing up, I was often teased for my freckles, but instead of hiding them, I decided to embrace them. I wanted to create a luxury brand that resonates with authenticity, uniqueness and rarity, and that's how Freckle Eyewear was born. Today, through a strong omnichannel presence and strategic brand collaborations, we've expanded our reach and cultivated a loyal, fashion-savvy customer base. What do you intend to achieve with your brand and journey? I want Freckle Eyewear to be a gateway, a channel that gives aspirational and luxury consumers access to global, high-quality eyewear and offers luxury experiences that are defined by world-class customer service. Beyond the brand, I am passionate about empowering and mentoring the youth. Saturday Star
