Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
18 February 2024 | 08:06 CAT

Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Photo/Elmond Jiyane/GCIS

A special event organized by United for Palestinian Solidarity highlighting the events of Gaza and South Africa’s role by taking the State of Israel to the ICJ was held in Durban on Friday at the Riverside Soofie Masjid, featuring a message on Palestinian Solidarity and the relationship with South Africa has with the Palestine people, from Deputy President Mr Paul Mashatile.

Event Organiser Imraan Soobrathi, with various organizations and The Palestinian Solidarity Movement spoke to Radio Islam International.

Soobrathi underscores two significant aspects of having Deputy President Paul Mashatile deliver a message on Palestinian Solidarity.

“Firstly, We have to acknowledge what the ruling party and government has put on the line for the people of Palestine,a sense of acknowledgement and showing gratitude,” says Soobrathi.

According to Soobrathi, the second aspect could be activism fatigue.

“Against the back of what is happening in Rafah, there needs to be a greater drive worldwide for governments to speak out against the oppression, the pending genocide and final countdown that is going to take place,” he said.

Meanwhile, Soobrathi pointed out that the Palestinian Solidarity felt the need to take full advantage of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s presence in Durban, allowing him to connect with the community and explain why South Africa put so much on the line for the people of Palestine.

Activism fatigue, which many may say is a natural cause of events, but in the case of the Palestinian cause and highlight of the ongoing atrocities and genocide taking place, activism fatigue has no room. Soobrathi hopes that the arrival of the Deputy President and his delegation will reignite and revitalize the Palestinian cause in its discussion.

“The story needs to be spoken to, because the government has been criticized while we all know it’s the right thing to have been done. I think this needs to be articulated and those who are destructive need to listen,” Soobrathi says.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.