Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
27 June 2025 | 12:09 CAT

📷 South African coal exports quietly power Israel, casting shadows over the country’s principled stance on Palestine.

South Africa’s internationally praised stance on the Israeli occupation and war on Gaza may be losing credibility, as recent revelations expose a glaring contradiction: the continued export of South African coal to Israel, despite the country’s public condemnation of Israeli military actions.

Speaking to Radio Islam, Dr Imraan Baccus of the Auwal Socio-Economic Research Institute (ASRI) expressed deep concern over this inconsistency between South Africa’s diplomatic posture and its economic conduct.

“South Africa has taken a principled position on the global stage, pursuing Israel at the International Court of Justice, condemning the occupation, and championing Palestinian human rights,” Baccus said. “But we must confront the uncomfortable truth that private South African entities are supplying coal to Israel, inadvertently enabling its military and surveillance infrastructure.”

According to vessel tracking data, since 7 October 2023, at least 11 coal shipments, amounting to approximately 1.4 million tons have been dispatched from South Africa to Israel, representing about 25% of Israel’s total coal imports. The bulk of these shipments reportedly departed via Richards Bay, bound for Ashkelon, a critical node in Israel’s energy grid. Analysts estimate that between 17–20% of Israel’s electricity is powered by South African coal.

“This is not a matter of state-to-state trade,” Baccus clarified. “The exporters are private corporations, particularly multinational firms like Glencore, but that doesn’t absolve the South African government of responsibility. In a democratic society, trade policy must be aligned with constitutional values and ethical foreign policy, not dictated by corporate interests.”

Colombia, once a major coal supplier to Israel, has already implemented a complete export ban to the country. Citing ethical concerns about fueling Israel’s war operations, the South American nation now serves as a model for principled action. Colombia is also co-hosting an upcoming conference with South Africa under the Progressive International alliance to discuss strategies for global solidarity and economic justice.

However, as Baccus pointed out, the South African context is complicated by a 30% unemployment rate. “Labour unions such as COSATU are justifiably cautious. There is concern that any sudden disruption in coal exports might threaten jobs, especially in port-linked transport and logistics sectors.”

He stressed the need for evidence-based policy-making: “We must engage unions, researchers, and civil society to determine the economic implications and explore alternative coal markets. Israel is a small consumer of our coal, we can redirect those exports without destabilising our economy.”

Baccus concluded with a warning and a call to action: “Our moral credibility is on the line. We cannot claim to support Palestinian liberation while our natural resources help sustain a regime that is committing grave violations of international law. It’s time to align our economic actions with our diplomatic words.”

Listen to the ASRI Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Dr Imraan Baccus.