Pictured: Shaheen Wahab, Naeem Patel, Shakeel Bhaktawar, KK Kurtha, Mandla Mandela, Arif Mohamed 'Giri', and Faizal Moosa
In a show of solidarity, 28 non-government organizations (NGOs) gathered in Erasmia, Pretoria, under the banner of South African Friends of Palestine. The meeting aimed to discuss and strategize effective actions in support of the Palestinian struggle for a free Palestine.
Among the notable participants were Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC), Nomvula Monkonyane, Chief Mandla Mandela, representatives from United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA), Pretoria Muslim Women United (PMWU), Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA), Pretoria North Muslim Education Institute (PNMEI), Justice Alliance and various other pro-Palestinian and Muslim religious organisations from various parts of the province.
From left: Zainub Sattar, T/Dr Aadila Pretorius, Ayesha Osman, Valencia Mabokela, ANC DSG Nomvula Monkonyane, Farida Mahomed and Nicoleen Delawala
Opening the meeting, Naeem Patel, South African Friends of Palestine spokesperson and local Ward Councillor, provided an overview of the organization's objectives and purpose.
During the gathering, attendees urged the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador. This motion was tabled in Parliament by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and received support from the ANC and other political parties. The motion will be voted for this coming Tuesday.
The meeting also focused on concrete steps to sever economic ties with Israel. Mandla suggested action was the cancellation of the flight operating permit for El Al Airlines, seen as a crucial intervention in cutting economic links with what they label as "Apartheid Israel." The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Campaign was highlighted as a vital tool to intensify support for the Palestinian struggle. The participants emphasized the need for mobilization across all sectors of society to ensure the success of the campaign.
Mandla Mandela, grandson of the late President Nelson Mandela, expressed his commitment to building international solidarity with Palestine. Mandela highlighted the importance of a highly effective Global Anti-Apartheid Movement in unison with the Palestinian cause, evoking his grandfather's words during his visit to Gaza in 1995: "Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinian people."
With Mandla Mandela, Shaheen Wahab, Shakeel Bhaktawar, Nazir Thokan, Naeem Patel and Mahdiyyah Patel
KK Kurtha, Chairman of South African Friends of Palestine, outlined five key actions they called upon the government to undertake. These actions included the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador, revoking South African citizenship for those linked to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), implementing a full arms embargo against Israel, recognising Hamas as freedom fighters, and advocating for a one-state solution that encompasses all citizens.
ANC Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Monkonyane listened to the concerns raised during the meeting and expressed her support. She pledged to take the issues back to the ANC for consideration.
As South Africa commemorates the 10th anniversary of President Nelson Mandela's passing, the call for action in support of the Palestinian struggle resonates strongly, mirroring Mandela's belief that true freedom cannot be achieved without freedom for the people of Palestine.
Mufti Yusuf Suliman expressed the view that Israel should be regarded as a terrorist state. He suggested cutting diplomatic and economic ties with Israel. Mufti Yusuf proposed imposing sanctions on Israel. He suggested that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) should block any transfers to Israel or consider them high risk. Additionally, he mentioned expelling the ambassador and called for the NPA to prosecute soldiers and revoke citizenship.
Nazir Thokan on behalf of NGO Amani Inkd, complained about the conduct of South African Under 19 Cricket Captain, David Teeger who has been promoting a narrative that portrays young Jewish South African soldiers as heroes whilst they are engaging in actions that involve the murder of innocent babies and civilians in Palestine. Teeger was quoted saying “I’m now the Rising Star but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel.” Nazir asked for Government to remove Teeger from the U19 squad.
Laudium CPF Chairman, Shaheen Wahab requested an immediate embargo for the supply of arms to Israel.
Mohammed Ebrahim (Bhai): “We’d like Hamas to be recognised as a resistant movement and not as a terrorist organisation.”
Saleem Hassen of Al Fidaa Foundation and Light of the Needy just got back last week from Palestine. “I just want to convey a message from the people of Palestine, they are very very appreciative of the South African government’s stance and they would love South Africans to visit and give them support.”
T/Dr Aadila Pretorius asked to put forward a delegation to visit the various embassies in South Africa that are supporting Israel.
Zainub Sattar said that the pro Palestinian marches have always been peaceful from supporters. “On a few occasions there have been pro zionists that have been disruptive and have threatened pro Palestinian supporters, I feel they need to be prosecuted. We want freedom in our support for Palestine.”
The South African Friends of Palestine will be joining the mass march to the union buildings on the 5th of December led by Mandla Mandela.
