Thousands of Palestine supporters took to the streets in Cape Town on Wednesday to demand that government block an Israeli delegation set to visit South Africa next month.
The protest comes in the wake of Israel illegally installing metal detectors and CCTV cameras at Masjidul Aqsa, Islam’s third holiest site, in Jerusalem, resulting in violent skirmishes this week.
More than 4 000 people, donning Palestinian keffiyahs, Palestinian flags and waving placards demonstrated in the CBD, following an urgent call for action by the Muslim Judicial Council and the Al-Quds Foundation.
Among the protesters were Mandla Mandela, the grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, accompanied by his wife Rabia and their baby.
CALL ON: Mandla Mandela, grandson of Madiba, urged government to revoke Israeli delegation's visas. Photo: Noor Slamdien
“We took a flight to Cape Town to be here today because I know this is what my grandfather would have wanted to do,” Mandla told the crowd in front of Parliament.
“Our voices will not be silenced, we feel your suffering, we feel your pain, we are united in our goal for a free Palestine,” he said to shouts of Allah Hu Akbar from the crowd.
“Madiba reminded us that our freedom is incomplete until Palestine is free.”
He then told the crowd that they have just learnt that an Israeli government delegation was due to arrive in South Africa on 14 August.
“We say to our government as we stand here united, they must revoke those visas!”
Protester Mogamat Benjamin, 60, said he is furious at what is happening in Palestine.
“Israel must leave! I’m here in solidarity and I will defend Palestine with my heart and soul.”
In their joint memorandum, the MJC and Al Quds Foundation said: “We categorically state and reiterate that our fight is with Zionism and Zionist occupation and NOT with Jews or Judaism. The illegitimate Zionist Occupiers are intent to build their temple of Solomon on the ruins of the Al-Aq sanctuary. We will not and cannot allow this to happen.”
DEMAND: March against Israeli occupation of an Islam holy site. Photo: Noor Slamdien
The memorandum calls on the South African government to demand from Israel to remove all CCTV cameras, X-ray machines, bridges and other security apparatus in the Al-Aq compound.
Failing which, South Africa must immediately cut all diplomatic ties with Israel and expel its ambassador.