Media Statement

The African National Congress urges all peace-loving individuals in the Western Cape to show their support by attending the Football for Humanity match between the South African Invitational side and the Palestinian National Team. The match will be held at the Athlone Stadium, Cape Town at 17h00, with President Cyril Ramaphosa in attendance. This historic event aligns with a significant moment in our liberation struggle, the release of President Mandela. It is a fitting way to commemorate this day and demonstrate our solidarity with the people of Palestine through the power of sport.

We have noticed that certain parties in the West are determined to unfairly target South Africa due to our steadfast position on Palestine. It is important to emphasize that our stance has been unequivocally supported by the International Court of Justice. October 7th, 2023 does not mark the beginning of Israel’s unjust occupation and dehumanization of Palestine. The regrettable actions committed by Hamas in Israel on that day cannot justify the genocidal actions taken by Apartheid Israel.

Legislators and politicians in the West should take note that our hard-fought sovereignty, gained after enduring the oppression of imperialist and colonial powers whom they aided and abetted, was not intended for us to be their puppets or to conform to their viewpoints. They should also remember that we have never supported actions that offend the conscience of humanity, like the unjustifiable military invasions that have left countries such as Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan in destitution.

The ANC expresses deep concern regarding the threats faced by our comrade, Naledi Pandor, and her family for advocating the principles outlined in our guiding document, the Freedom Charter. Our2 unwavering commitment to promoting Peace and Friendship was fiercely fought for during the apartheid era and will continue to serve as our guiding light.

Similarly, the ANC is troubled by media reports suggesting that Lesego Malaika Mahlatsi, a South African student in Germany, may be facing charges for reaffirming South Africa’s stance on occupied Palestine. If these reports are indeed accurate, we urge our government to safeguard the rights of freedom of association and expression for our citizens.