International campaign focuses on plight of Palestinians

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Pretoria - Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela says South Africa will not rest until the people of Palestine enjoy the same freedom as South Africans.

“Just as the world rallied to support South Africa in its struggle against apartheid, we must now give back and support the international movement in solidarity with the indigenous Palestinian people and their progressive Israeli allies,” said Deputy Minister Manamela.

The Deputy Minister joined more than 75 organisations including trade unions, political parties, student bodies and civil society movements that have endorsed International Israeli Apartheid Week in South Africa.

The week-long campaign, which starts on Monday, is aimed at creating awareness among South Africans about the plight of the Palestinians.

“The Israeli regime, just like the apartheid regime before it, is obstinate and uncompromising. But apartheid eventually crumbled under the weight of history.

“The iron will of South Africans eventually triumphed and we remain confident that the yearning for freedom of the Palestinian people will prevail in the end,” said Deputy Minister Manamela.

He called on all progressive forces to continue to garner support for the non-violent boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel campaign, which seeks to bring an end to Israel's apartheid policies and violations of international law.

“We must continue to shout from the rafters and point out the injustices of Israeli policy at every turn,” he said, expressing hope that 2015 would be the final year that Israeli Apartheid Week is observed.

“Together we can ensure that Israel ceases its illegal practices and embraces a two-state solution that will bring lasting peace and prosperity for all.” -  SAnews.gov.za