Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi: 63rd Annual Session of the Asia-African Legal Consultative Organisation

President / Vice President
Distinguished Delegates

I thank you, Madam President.

South Africa welcomes AALCO's continued consideration of the legal issues in outer space. This is both timely and essential, as outer space activities are expanding at an unprecedented pace, raising legal, environmental, and security challenges.

The principle that outer space is the province of all humankind, not subject to national appropriation or unilateral exploitation, remains a cornerstone of the outer space legal framework. Any emerging legal framework, including on space resource utilisation, must be based on equity and the principle of non-appropriation.

South Africa remains deeply concerned by the proliferation of space debris. These pose grave risks to astronauts, satellites, and the sustainability of outer space, including equitable access to outer space by developing countries.

We support the further development of both binding and non-binding frameworks, building on the UNCOPUOS and IADC guidelines, but stress that voluntary measures alone are insufficient. A comprehensive international legal regime is required to ensure long-term sustainability, grounded in principles such as common but differentiated responsibilities and the polluter pays principle.

We also raise concern about the impact of mega-constellations and "dark and quiet skies" on astronomical observation, including the Square Kilometre Array hosted in South Africa. Protection of scientific research must remain a priority.

South Africa strongly opposes any moves towards the weaponization of outer space. We caution that the placement of weapons or the initiation of an arms race in space would undermine international peace and security.

South Africa further urges greater participation and coordination by African and Asian states in COPUOS, particularly in its Legal Subcommittee, where the shaping of norms and frameworks must reflect the voices of the Global South, especially in the Space Resources Working Group.

Finally, South Africa supports AALCO's proposal to advance dialogue through regional workshops and capacity-building programmes, ensuring that developing countries can shape the evolving legal architecture of outer space.

Honourable Chair, South Africa stands ready to work with AALCO Member States to ensure that outer space remains a peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive domain, for the benefit of all humankind and for future generations.

I thank you, Chair.

Enquiries:
Terrence Manase
Spokesperson: Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development
Cell: 082 338 6707

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