Hundreds expected at ANC protest in Ermelo against Israel’s Olympic participation
Between 250-600 protesters are expected according to the ANC acting regional secretary
The ANC’s regional leadership is moving forward with plans for a significant protest against Israel’s participation in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Scheduled for today, August 7, the peaceful protest will begin at 10:00 from Cassim Park Hall and proceed to the Gert Sibande District Municipality.
Maqhawe Mlotshwa, the acting regional secretary, has provided further insight into the protest’s objectives and logistics.
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“The primary objective of the peaceful protest is to raise awareness both internationally and locally about the apartheid regime of Israel, which is participating in the Olympic Games while oppressing Palestine and killing innocent people and babies,” Mlotshwa stated.
The ANC and its alliance partners, including the Muslim community, the South African Communist Party, workers under Cosatu, the ANC Women’s League, the ANC Youth League, students under Sasco, learners under Cosas, MK liberation war veterans, and the broader community of Gert Sibande District, will, according to him join forces to call for the removal of Israel from the Paris Olympic Games.
Hundreds said to participate in protest
Mlotshwa emphasised the scale of the protest, anticipating participation from 250 to 600 individuals.
To ensure the event’s safety and orderliness, arrangements have been made for the presence of safety and security officials, including traffic officers and marshals organised by the ANC.
“South Africans are sending a clear message: remove Israel from the international platform, particularly the Paris Olympic Games 2024,” Mlotshwa said.
The protest will also include the presentation of a memorandum listing demands to the Olympic committee and the South African Football Association (Safa).
“The ANC and its alliance partners are clear on Israel occupying Gaza and the West Bank. First, it should be sanctioned and leave the land belonging to the Palestinian society,” Mlotshwa added.
Mlotshwa concluded that the ANC will continue to advocate for sanctions against Israel and the closure of the Israeli embassy in South Africa.
Highvelder also sought comment from the Gert Sibande District municipal manager, Absenia Habile, he said: “As an institution of government we are of an understanding that it will be a peaceful march that wishes to deliver a message to GSDM as an institution of government so that GSDM can pass the message to National Government.”
The Highvelder Newspaper will provide coverage of the protest.
