Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
29 April 2024 | 08:45 CAT

Image: LinkedIn

Political newcomer Rise Mzansi, led by Songezo Zibi, has defended its position on Israel’s war on Gaza amid allegations of “anti-Israel” sentiments within the party. The party emphasises a human rights approach, calling for a ceasefire and advocating for Palestinian sovereignty.

However, Jewish supporters have expressed betrayal and threats to withdraw their support.
Critics have accused Rise Mzansi of promoting “anti-Israel sentiments.”

Responding to accusations of anti-Semitism and ensuring that its support for Palestine is not misconstrued as being anti-Semitic, Rise Mzansi Chief Organiser Makashule Gana said the party was committed to lasting peace in the Middle East.

“We have said and continue to say that there has to be a ceasefire in Gaza. The killing of civilians in Gaza, the starvation and blocking of aid in Gaza must end,” Gana says.

According to Gana, the consistent position of Rise Mzansi has been that there should be an immediate ceasefire, a return of all hostages, and peaceful negotiations aimed at securing lasting peace and the existence of independent and sovereign states of Israel and Palestine.

Meanwhile, the SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) expressed concern about social media comments and posts of some of Rise Mzansi’s senior leaders before the general election.

The SAJBD believes biased views are coming from many political parties, including Rise Mzansi, some of which amount to “antisemitic defamation”.

The organisation singled out Irfaan Mangera, a Rise Mzansi national leadership member whose X (formerly Twitter) handle is #StopTheGenocide.

Last year, Mangera posted on X: “I’m so proud of justice-loving people around the world who have tremendously shifted the BDS movement [Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions – a Palestinian-led movement promoting boycotts, divestments and economic sanctions against Israel] into a new era of direct action. May our efforts continue to grow stronger and stronger as we isolate apartheid Israel and ensure a lasting peace can be secured!”

Gana said Rise Mzansi supports Mangera amidst this scrutiny.

“Irfaan is a colleague, and a fellow leader within Rise Mzansi and he will continue to be leader. We will not be dictated in terms of the leaders of Rise Mzansi, and the country,” Gana says.
He added that Irfaan Mangera knows that he has the full support of rising Mzansi to continue doing the work that he has been doing.

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