Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read

08 March 2025 | 16:45 CAT

South Africa mobilizes in support of Palestine. (Image – Peoples Dispatch, YouTube)

The recent open letter from the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) to President Cyril Ramaphosa has drawn a strong response from Africa4Palestine. The SAJBD accused the President of lacking empathy for Israel by advocating for Palestinian rights during the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The pro-Palestine advocacy group has dismissed these claims as baseless and reaffirmed that the President’s stance reflects the will of the South African people.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Africa4Palestine’s Ali Komape described the SAJBD’s allegations as “frivolous and without basis.” He emphasized that President Ramaphosa is acting in alignment with the majority of South Africans, stating, “Over 64% of people who voted in the last elections supported parties that are pro-Palestine. He is not only acting in the best interest of the country but also on behalf of the majority of its people.”

Komape further elaborated on the overwhelming support for Palestine in South Africa, attributing it to the country’s history of fighting oppression. “If you ask a South African in a township about Palestine, they might not be able to point it out on a map, but they will tell you they support Palestinians’ right to self-determination. This is the spirit of Ubuntu, and it is why our people stand in solidarity with Palestine.”

He also criticized the SAJBD’s portrayal of the Jewish community in South Africa, arguing that it does not represent all Jewish people. “Jewish people in South Africa have historically stood against apartheid. Many Jewish individuals and organizations, such as South African Jews for a Free Palestine, actively support the Palestinian cause. The SAJBD does not speak for all Jewish people.”

Komape did not hold back in discussing international figures in condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. He labeled Netanyahu as a “war addict” who perpetuates violence for political gain and described Trump as a “lunatic” whose statements exacerbate global tensions.

“The world is beginning to recognize the atrocities committed by Israel,” Komape asserted. “The International Criminal Court is investigating Israel for genocide, and countries like France have refused to sell weapons to Israel. This marks a shift in global sentiment.”

As South Africa leads efforts to hold Israel accountable through international legal avenues, Africa4Palestine continues to advocate for justice, urging the global community to take a stronger stance against human rights violations in Gaza.

With the discourse on Palestine growing louder, the call for solidarity and justice remains unwavering.

Listen to Annisa Essack’s and Alie Komape’s full interview on Your World Today.