The recent war between Israel and Hamas has sparked heated divisions and criticism within South Africa. The South African government’s staunch support for the Palestinians has faced criticism from leaders of the country’s Jewish community and other organizations. Amidst the conflict, the government has withdrawn its diplomats from Israel and questioned the sustainability of Israel’s ambassador to Pretoria. As tensions continue to rise, it is crucial to navigate the complexities of this conflict and understand the potential impacts on South Africa.
South African sympathy for the Palestinian cause dates back to the days of Nelson Mandela, the late anti-apartheid icon. Mandela famously declared that the freedom of South Africa is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians. This sentiment has influenced the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party in South Africa, which has consistently expressed solidarity with the Palestinians and advocated for a two-state solution.
While acknowledging the atrocities committed by Hamas, President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC remain steadfast in their support for the Palestinian cause. They argue that the history of the Palestinians parallels South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. However, this stance has drawn criticism from various groups, including the Jewish Board of Deputies, the South African Zionist Federation, and the Democratic Alliance (DA), the largest opposition party.
The South African government’s pro-Palestinian position has led to tensions and divisions within the country. South African talk radio stations have even limited discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict due to the passionate debates and the conflicting views of listeners. Pro-Palestinian protests have taken place across South Africa, while smaller pro-Israel demonstrations have also occurred in Johannesburg and Cape Town. These events reflect the deep divisions and conflicting narratives within South African society.
Notably, South Africa’s Jewish community, which consists of approximately 65,000 individuals, is divided in its response to the government’s support for the Palestinians. While some members condemn the government’s stance, others argue that many prominent Jewish figures within the anti-apartheid movement were critical of Israel’s policies. Award-winning cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, known as Zapiro, highlights the role of Jewish heroes such as Joe Slovo, Arthur Goldreich, Rusty Bernstein, Ronnie Kasrils, and Amy Thornton, who advocated for justice in struggles around the world.
The South African government’s response has garnered international attention and sparked debates on South Africa’s foreign policy. Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor accused Israel of imposing “collective punishment” on Palestinian civilians, while suggesting that the Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip could amount to genocide. However, these allegations have been rejected by Israel. The government’s pro-Palestinian stance has also drawn criticism from the country’s Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, who vehemently opposes the government’s support for Hamas.
Amidst the escalating tensions, there is a call for dialogue and mediation. President Ramaphosa, drawing on South Africa’s experience of conflict resolution, has expressed the country’s openness to mediate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, the Jewish Board of Deputies warns that if South Africa were to expel Israel’s ambassador, it would contradict the government’s claims of engaging with both sides of the conflict.
It is imperative for South Africa to navigate these divisions carefully. While political leaders have the responsibility to express solidarity with marginalized communities, it is essential to foster an inclusive dialogue that acknowledges different perspectives. South Africa’s history and struggle against apartheid provide a unique lens through which to understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By leveraging this experience, South Africa has the potential to play a constructive role in promoting peace and finding a sustainable solution for all parties involved in the conflict.
