South Africa: Pro-Palestinian march in Johannesburg as a sign of solidarity
In the streets of Johannesburg on Wednesday, November 29, hundreds of people from various South African political parties, civil society organizations and supporters marched in support of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The demonstration, which brought together rival political parties such as the ruling African National Congress and the Left Opposition Economic Freedom Fighters, crossed the Nelson Mandela Bridge to protest the Israeli military offensive in Gaza against Hamas.
In South Africa, several other demonstrations were planned, reflecting a widely held view, including that of President Cyril Ramaphosa, comparing Israeli policy in Gaza and the West Bank to the apartheid regime of racial segregation in South Africa. Veteran anti-apartheid activist Ronnie Kasrils called for a boycott and isolation of Israel from the current conflict, offering full support to the Palestinian people.
Fickle Mbalula, Secretary General of the African National Congress, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of murdering babies and expressed the ANC’s support for the closure of the Israeli embassy.
Last week, a majority of South African MPs voted in favour of a motion calling for the closure of the Israeli embassy and the suspension of diplomatic relations. This decision was preceded by the recall of the Israeli ambassador to South Africa after accusations of genocide and Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Protesters, such as Mohamed Shaahid Mathee, stressed humanity’s duty to show solidarity with the oppressed peoples of the world, recalling the support received by South Africa during apartheid.
