Pretoria – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola to report Iran to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for what it describes as “flagrant human rights abuses” amid a brutal government crackdown on anti-regime protests.
In a letter dated 14 January 2026 addressed to Lamola, DA MP Ryan Smith, spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation, highlighted reports of nearly 3,000 deaths as Iranian authorities under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei suppress widespread uprisings.
“The death toll from the violent crackdown by the Iranian government… is reportedly nearing 3000 as rampant anti-government protests and demonstrations sweep the country,” Smith wrote.
He labelled the response “nothing short of bone-chilling” and “one of the most egregious forms of human rights abuse witnessed anywhere in the world.”
Smith drew parallels to South Africa’s apartheid-era struggles, including the Sharpeville massacre of 1960 and the Soweto uprising of 1976.
“The Iranian uprisings echo South Africa’s own struggle for freedom… when peaceful civilian protest was met with brutal state violence,” he stated.
He argued that DIRCO and the ANC now face a “moral test” to side with Iran’s people, not its repressors, especially given Iran’s recent BRICS+ accession and South Africa’s “public and unapologetic proximity” to Tehran.
The DA emphasised South Africa’s constitutional duty to champion freedom and human rights globally.
“It is your responsibility as South Africa’s Minister of DIRCO to uphold them on the international stage. Anything less would be an abdication of your sworn constitutional duty,” Smith told Lamola.
As part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the DA vowed not to tolerate silence on such issues.
“We will not tolerate South Africa’s proximity to brutal authoritarian regimes, and we certainly will not tolerate South Africa’s silence in the wake of their violent assault on innocent civilians.”
The DA’s GNU page underscores its role as the second-largest party in the coalition, focused on economic growth and jobs, but Smith framed the Iran issue as a core values clash.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@joy_zelda
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
