The ANC’s executive committee led a march on Thursday (31/10) in solidarity with Palestinians, and to urge the international community to hold Israel accountable for ongoing violence in Gaza. The group marched from the ANC headquarters to the premier’s office in Bloemfontein.

The memorandum, received by ANC deputy provincial chairperson, Koketso Makume, is set to reach the desk of Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa. 

“This march is a pledge of solidarity to the international community against the genocide perpetrated against the Palestinian people. These actions are against humanity, and South Africa has already submitted a comprehensive dossier to the International Court of Justice to ensure accountability and prevent superpowers from acting without consequence,” stated ANC provincial secretary-general, Polediso Mostsoeneng.

Representing the Muslim community, Abeda Charles expressed anger over the ongoing violence, calling it “a disgrace” and denouncing those supporting the attacks. “How can any government think this is okay? I’m outraged that innocent lives are sacrificed for someone else’s agenda.”

Meanwhile, the SACP provincial secretary-general, Bhekumuzi Stofile, called attention to U.S. involvement, criticising the support and arms supplied by America to Israel, which he argues enable the continued violence in Gaza. 

“This is not Israel’s power alone but America’s influence in the region. America seeks global domination and is using Israel to place pressure on the Palestinian people,” Stofile stated.

Stofile also reflected on South Africa’s history, drawing parallels between the struggle against apartheid and the Palestinian experience. He encouraged South Africans to engage in consumer boycotts of Israeli products as a form of protest. 

“The world must put an end to these attacks on Palestinians. The United Nations must become more than a ‘toothless entity’ and take concrete action beyond mere words,” he said.

The memorandum calls for the South African government to escalate diplomatic pressure and for global stakeholders to recognise the Palestinian crisis as a matter of urgent, international concern.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg