Dear Honourable Ismail-Moosa,

I hope this letter finds you well. I write to seek clarity on several important aspects of the Implementation of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid Bill, 2025, which you have submitted to Parliament as a private member’s bill.

According to the published summary, the Bill will aim to domesticate the 1973 Apartheid Convention by defining apartheid as a separate offence under South African law. A key proposed feature is extraterritorial jurisdiction, allowing prosecution of alleged apartheid crimes committed anywhere in the world by South African citizens or residents (or by any person who later enters South Africa after committing such crimes abroad).

Given the broad potential reach and international implications of the Bill, I respectfully request your response to the following question/s:

Could the Bill be used to investigate or prosecute alleged acts of apartheid committed in Israel/Palestine? If yes then...

Have the potential diplomatic and international consequences to this been considered - including South Africa’s relations with other states (for example, Israel, the United States, or other foreign partners)?

Given the significance of the proposed legislation and its potential impact on both domestic law and international relations, transparency and clarity are essential for public understanding and confidence. I appreciate your willingness to address these concerns, and I look forward to your detailed response.