SA political and church leaders respond to Iran leader killing

The Al Jama-ah party has taken a firm stance against the attacks, framing them within both religious and humanitarian concerns.

“The Al Jama-ah political party is comforted by the wisdom of our faith, Islam, and believes that those killed in the course of God are not dead, but alive with their Lord. Martyrdom occurred at the hands of the executioners of humanity. Al Jama-ah supports the position of the United Nations and the Government of South Africa, as expressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, that respect for international law and diplomacy must take precedence over war. The actions of America and Israel are a blot on humanity. The world can never be led by America. It is time for a new Muslim civilisation, where unilateral coercion by America is ignored, and no missile is fired in a Muslim country during Ramadan,” says Al Jama-ah party leader, Ganief Hendricks.

WATCH | The South African Muslim Council has condemned the recent attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. They called for urgent, continuous diplomatic engagement to resolve misunderstandings and mistrust between involved countries. pic.twitter.com/9TxhWDf9Yd

— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 1, 2026

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised Iran’s track record.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is a rogue state that has repeatedly defied international law, violated nuclear treaties, and funded proxy organisations that have divided and destabilised societies around the world. The current theocratic dictatorship in Iran is also responsible for one of the most brutal massacres of innocent civilians in recent history. These actions make the country one of the biggest threats to the international rules-based order and liberal democracies such as our own. In light of the US attacks on Iran, however, South Africa must adhere to the Government of National Unity’s (GNU)  statement of intent and maintain strategic non-alignment. Our main focus should be upholding the constitution in our foreign policy and maximising trade through non-aligned economic diplomacy,” says DA Spokesperson, International Relations, Ryan Smith.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has strongly condemned the attacks, calling them a dangerous escalation.

“The United Democratic Movement condemns in the strongest possible terms the unprovoked use of force and aggression by the United States of America, working together with Israel against Iran, which resulted in the brutal murder of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. We unequivocally denounce this cold-blooded killing, which constitutes a grave violation of international law, state sovereignty, and the fundamental principles of human dignity. This act represents a dangerous escalation of tensions in the Middle East and underscores a continued disregard for established international laws. The resort to unilateral military action undermines global stability and poses a serious threat to international peace and security. We call on the United Nations Security Council to act decisively to facilitate meaningful dialogue aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region,” says UDM MP, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa.

Meanwhile, religious leaders have also weighed in on the matter, with the Anglican Church calling for urgent global prayer and restraint.

“I call upon the global church to join us in urgent, unceasing prayer. We implore God to protect the innocent, the mothers, the children, and the elderly. We pray for a sound mind for the leaders of the United States, Israel, and Iran, that they may turn back from the precipice of a global catastrophe,” says Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba.

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