In Conversation WITH Sonwabo Mbananga (Media Liaison Officer | and Spokesperson to the Premier – EC)
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On 27 January 2026, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane issued a statement condemning what he described as a serious breach of diplomatic protocols. This followed reports that officials from the Israeli Embassy visited provincial institutions — including hospitals and Walter Sisulu University — without the knowledge or consent of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.
The Premier specifically criticized the involvement of AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, asserting that he had no mandate to engage with foreign diplomats or negotiate international cooperation, particularly regarding the sourcing of donations or foreign assistance. Mabuyane emphasized that foreign relations are constitutionally a national competency, and any engagement must go through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in coordination with relevant provincial departments and the National Treasury.
The Premier specifically criticized the involvement of AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, asserting that he had no mandate to engage with foreign diplomats or negotiate international cooperation, particularly regarding the sourcing of donations or foreign assistance. Mabuyane emphasized that foreign relations are constitutionally a national competency, and any engagement must go through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in coordination with relevant provincial departments and the National Treasury.
