Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Cape Town on Saturday, demanding the closure of Israel’s embassy in South Africa as a show of solidarity with the ongoing attacks in Gaza.
The demonstration, which saw the participation of various political parties and organizations, aimed to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinians and put pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action.
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Among the prominent figures present at the march were Fikile Mbalula, the secretary-general of the ANC, and inkhosi Mandla Mandela, an ANC MP and grandson of Nelson Mandela.
Both Mbalula and Mandela voiced their support for the closure of the Israeli embassy, emphasizing that the conflict between Israel and Palestine was not a war but a genocide of innocent people.
In his speech, Mbalula called on the world to recognize South Africa’s stance on the issue and urged President Ramaphosa to expedite the process of shutting down the embassy. He acknowledged the government’s efforts but stressed the need for more decisive action.
“Our government has shown signs of movements. We are saying, President Ramaphosa, we appreciate this but you must move faster. We are sick and tired of the apartheid Israel and we must demonstrate that with our actions,” said Mbalula.
#FreePalestine 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/IIgZ9sIDIe
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) November 11, 2023
The protest was organized by the Muslim Judicial Council of SA, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Al-Quds Foundation of SA, and the SA Communist Party, among others. The participation of multiple organizations and political parties highlighted the widespread support for the Palestinian cause in South Africa.
As the marchers made their way through the streets of Cape Town, they chanted slogans and carried banners calling for an end to the violence in Gaza.
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The demonstration aimed to draw attention not only to the immediate conflict but also to the ongoing oppression faced by the Palestinians.
The call to close Israel’s embassy in South Africa is part of a broader international movement advocating for justice and equality for the Palestinian people.
Similar protests have taken place in cities around the world, with activists demanding an end to the Israeli occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
