South Africa not planning to quit ICC – Presidency

This clarification came hours after remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC that the country would be pulling out of the ICC. 

The Presidency's issued a statement saying it wants to clarify that South Africa remains a signatory to the Rome Statute. 

Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says in December, it was decided to revoke an earlier decision to withdraw from the ICC. 

"In remaining a signatory to the Rome Statute, South Africa is guided by the importance of strengthening institutions of global governance. Accordingly, South Africa will work to invigorate the Malabo protocol that would establish a continental criminal court that would complement the ICC as a court of last resort."

READ: Ramaphosa says ruling party wants country to quit ICC

"Furthermore, South Africa is considering a legislative amendment that would domesticate the Rome statute so that it reflects all the articles of the Rome Statute. 

"This includes the provision of article 98 of the statute that requires a waiver of immunities for persons charged by the ICC from third-party countries where there is no referral by the United Nations Security Council."

South Africa's ICC membership is a hot topic, because of a planned visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the country for the BRICS summit in August. 

The ICC last month issued an arrest warrant against Putin over the war in Ukraine. 

On whether South Africa would detain the leader, Ramaphosa said that the matter is under consideration.