The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has declared Ariel Seidman, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Israeli Embassy, persona non grata following a series of violations that pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty, and has ordered him to leave the country within 72 hours.
Dirco made the announcement on Friday.
‘Unacceptable challenges’
Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said his department has informed the Government of the State of Israel of its decision.
“This decisive measure follows a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice, which pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.
“These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, and a deliberate failure to inform Dirco of purported visits by senior Israeli officials,” Phiri said.
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72 hours to leave
Phiri added that such actions represent a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention.
“They have systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations. South Africa’s sovereignty and the dignity of its offices are inviolable. Mr Seidman is required to depart from the Republic within 72 hours.”
Phiri said Dirco has urged the Israeli government to ensure its future diplomatic conduct demonstrates respect for the Republic of South Africa and the established principles of international engagement.
Unofficial visits
Officials from the Israeli embassy embarked on an unofficial visit this week to provincial institutions,
The visits, which included stops at healthcare facilities and Walter Sisulu University, occurred without the knowledge or consent of the provincial government and involved Abathembu king Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo facilitating the meetings.
David Saranga from Israel’s Foreign Ministry led a delegation to Mthatha General Hospital and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, to discuss ties with the top-ranked Sheba Medical Centre following Dalindyebo’s December 2025 trip to Israel.
Clashes
The monarch, who recently hosted an Israeli delegation after visiting the Jewish state, has drawn sharp criticism from Mandela and other traditional leaders, who accuse him of making “delusional statements” and betraying South Africa’s pro-Palestine stance.
The king made headlines and trended on social media after announcing his support for Israel and declaring US President Donald Trump as his ally.
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