Israel's BDS attack is an attack on South Africans and the ANC
11 January 2018
The ANC in the Western Cape cautions the Israeli government that it's recent blacklist of those who support the BDS movement has only encouraged us to increase our support for the Palestinian struggle and Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions movement. According to a list released by the Israeli government, those cited will not be allowed entry to Israel-Palestine over their support for BDS. The list singles out BDS South Africa, an organization of South African citizens and many of whom are ANC members.
In the ANC-led South Africa many of our Ministers and other senior government officials including Members of Parliament, Premiers, Mayors and others are vocal, public supporters of Palestine and many have addressed BDS events.
Our resolutions and policies mandate our deployees in government to carry out Palestine solidarity within their government portfolios. In 2014 the ANC resolved to support the "call for a cultural, academic and education boycott of Israel.” For two years in a row our January 8th events held a reminder to all ANC officials to boycott travel to Israel. At our most recent elective congress we resolved for the immediate and unconditional downgrade of the SA Embassy in Israel to a liaison office.
According to Israeli media, Mayors and Government officials who support boycotts of Israel will, under this recent blacklisting process, also be prevented from entering Israel-Palestine. This kind of thuggery and attempt to infringe on our freedom to stand against the government of Israel's violation of international law is an affirmation that they are a rogue regime.