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Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has condemned what he calls a serious breach of diplomatic protocol after officials from the Israeli Embassy reportedly visited public institutions in the province , including Walter Sisulu University and several healthcare facilities , without the knowledge, consent, or involvement of the provincial government.
The Premier says the visit was not coordinated with any official structures and may have been facilitated through a separate arrangement involving traditional leadership. He has rejected the move outright and called it a violation of South Africa’s constitutional processes for managing international relations.
What is happening?
Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has condemned the recent visit by officials from the Israeli Embassy to several public institutions in the province, including healthcare facilities and Walter Sisulu University , without the knowledge or consent of the provincial government.
He confirmed that neither his office nor the Department of Health was informed of the visit and expressed “serious concern” about what he called a breach of diplomatic protocol and an overreach into matters reserved for national government.
The visit appears to have been facilitated through a separate agreement between the Israeli Embassy and King Zwelonke Sigcawu’s traditional leadership structure. Premier Mabuyane described this as a “sinister deal” that undermines South Africa’s sovereignty.
Why it matters to you
The Eastern Cape government believes the Israeli Embassy acted outside of legal diplomatic channels. This could compromise public governance and accountability in key institutions like hospitals and universities.
If left unchecked, similar actions could set a dangerous precedent, allowing foreign governments to influence public institutions without oversight or consent from national or provincial authorities.
The Premier’s response also signals tighter scrutiny of how foreign aid, donations, and international partnerships are handled within the province, especially in the health sector.
What you need to know
- No provincial approval: The Premier says the Eastern Cape was not consulted or informed about the Israeli visit.
- Foreign affairs are national-only: Only the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has the authority to manage diplomatic relations.
- Protocol was bypassed: According to Premier Mabuyane, the embassy’s actions violated South Africa’s constitutional and diplomatic rules.
- Health donations under investigation: The Premier has ordered a probe into how provincial health officials accepted donations without proper clearance.
“No external entity has the right to bypass legitimate governmental structures or to engage with public institutions in a manner that compromises governance, accountability, or public trust,” said Premier Mabuyane.
