Minister Lamola reiterates South Africa’s solidarity with Palestine

Lamola

Cape Town — Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Ronald Lamola addressed attendees of the 47th United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

The event took place at Freedom Park in Pretoria on Monday. It featured several distinguished guests, including the CEO of Freedom Park, Dr Jane Mufumadi, and the Ambassador of Palestine, Hanan Jarrar, among many others. In his address, Lamola discussed the importance of ensuring liberation for the people of Palestine.

“As we commemorate this occasion, ours is to ensure that we achieve a dream expressed 27 years ago by our icon and founding father of democracy in South Africa, the late President Nelson Mandela, when he aptly stated, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”  We dare not fail this vision,” Lamola said.

Lamola was humbled by President Mahmoud Abbas’s decision to bestow the Order of the Order of the Star of Merit to him and the South African Government, while the late Yasser Arafat was honoured. He reiterated the importance of the diplomatic ties and solidarity between South Africa and Palestine.

“February 2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of establishing fraternal and diplomatic ties between South Africa and Palestine. This milestone highlights the long-standing solidarity between the two nations, rooted in South Africa’s struggle for liberation and its commitment to supporting Palestinian rights,” he added.

Lamola said South Africa would continue to reflect on the shared values of freedom, justice and human dignity that binds South Africa and Palestine, drawing parallels to South Africa in 1948 when South Africa became an Apartheid state.

“It was also in 1948 that the Palestine question became vivid. It was in 1948 that Israel consolidated its occupation of Palestinian territory beyond that allotted to it by the partition plan. This underscores South Africa’s continued advocacy for a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, driven by the principle of international law, particularly international humanitarian and human rights law,” Lamola said.

Lamola expressed the importance of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has been joined by several other countries including Nicaragua, Colombia, Türkiye, Palestine, Libya, Mexico, Chile, Spain, Maldives, and Bolivia. Ireland has announced that it intends to join South Africa’s case before the end of the year.

“At the time South Africa filed its case at the ICJ, Israel had killed approximately 15,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Israel’s continuous bombardment has now killed over 43,000 Palestinians, in addition to more than 10,000 who are still missing under the rubble of destroyed buildings,” he said,

He reiterated the call for genocide to be halted and called for urgent intervention from the international community to intervene before Palestinians are driven from their homeland. He also wanted to reflect on the suffering of the Palestinian people in the West Bank who are suffering from oppression and Apartheid, similar to the people of Gaza.

“The ongoing Palestinian peace talks have demonstrated remarkable progress toward a more harmonious future. The commitment to unity through dialogue, negotiation, and ongoing engagement among all parties has been commendable,” he said.

Lamola also recalled Nelson Mandela’s words: “The Palestinians must be allowed to determine their future, in their land, free from occupation and oppression.”

“As we stand here today, we must reaffirm this commitment. Palestine, like South Africa, deserves the right to choose its path, to build its future, and to live in peace and security,” he concluded.

According to The Citizen, Freedom Park CEO, Jane Mufamadi, said the story of the Palestinian people was a reminder of South Africans of the enduring struggle for self-determination. Mufamadi said Arafat symbolised the resilience and hope of people striving for freedom, justice, and recognition as a people.

“This plaque is not just a memorial; it is a call to action for all of us to champion the values of peace, justice, and solidarity in our own lives,” she said.

Gift of the Givers’ Ibrahim Ayesh, said the organisation has successfully delivered three critical aid convoys to Gaza, including food parcels, clothing and blankets. Ayesh added that Gift of the Givers also has another important initiative to bring Palestinian students to South Africa to continue their studies.

“As we mark this International Day of Solidarity, we must remember that solidarity isn’t just a word; it’s an action. It’s standing with those facing unimaginable hardship. It’s amplifying voices that are systematically silenced, and it’s believing in the fundamental human right to dignity, safety, and hope,” he said.

Palestinian Ambassador to South Africa Hanan Jarrar said Lamola and former minister Naledi Pandor are highly appreciated, and their efforts are recognised by the Palestinian people and leadership.

“To say thank you to them is insufficient. It is difficult for me to express our gratitude to them,” she said.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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