South African Anti-Apartheid Movement reaffirms support for Palestine amid US diplomatic tensions

The South African Chapter of the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) has restated its steadfast commitment to standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people, drawing parallels between their struggle against systemic oppression and South Africa's own past. In a public statement, the group expressed its principled opposition against apartheid, occupation, and genocide, reiterating a message that resonates deeply within the nation’s historical context.

Central to the AAM’s statement is South Africa’s genocide case against Israel currently pending before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The decision to pursue this case is not simply a reflection of governmental position, but mirrors the moral consciousness of the South African populace, shaped by their historic fight against apartheid, the AAM said.

The statement particularly highlights the concerns over the proposed appointment of Leo Brent Bozell III as the United States Ambassador to South Africa. The AAM - which counts as members the South African Jews for Palestine (SAJFP), South African Christians for Palestine (SACFP) and the South African Council of Churches (SACC ) - believes Bozell's track record raises serious questions regarding his suitability, claiming that such an appointment signifies an escalating campaign to coerce South Africa into withdrawing its case against Israel. They view it as a direct challenge to the country’s sovereignty and its right to pursue an independent foreign policy grounded in international law.

According to the AAM, Bozell's history of disparaging remarks about the African National Congress and Nelson Mandela during the apartheid era illustrate an ideological conflict with the core ideals of South Africa’s liberation movement. They assert that his potential role as ambassador may obstruct the nation’s commitment to uphold justice through international channels.

Amidst these diplomatic tensions, the AAM urges South Africans — across political, religious, and social lines — to unite against what they perceive as intimidation and coercion from external powers. They stress the importance of solidarity with Palestine and emphasise the need for collective action. This call to action extends beyond national borders, appealing to global citizens to join the fight for justice and human rights.

Further reinforcing its message, the AAM has outlined specific calls to action, including:

• Mobilising communities across South Africa to resist external pressures regarding the Genocide Convention.
• Encouraging international support for South Africa’s pursuit of justice at the ICJ against Israel.
• Forming a Global Alliance in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
• Possibly refusing the credentials of the new US ambassador to preserve national sovereignty.
• Demanding that FIFA reconsider the hosting of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, in light of these tensions.

The ongoing violence against Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, coupled with Israel's blatant disregard for international law, constitutes what the AAM describes as an escalating genocide. They assert that merely standing by as such atrocities unfold undermines the moral fabric of justice and human rights on a global scale.

The AAM's stance echoes a broader narrative within South Africa, where collective memory of apartheid stirs a sense of responsibility towards the Palestinian struggle for self-determination. The movement underscores that the call for justice is fundamentally intertwined with a resistance against global imperialism, linking local struggles to a larger fight against oppression.

As tensions rise in international diplomatic relations, the South African Chapter of the Anti-Apartheid Movement stands resolute, promising to hold fast to its ideals and solidarity with Palestine, while fighting against attempts to undermine South Africa’s sovereignty.

IOS