ANC members, pro-Palestinian activists and supporters gathered outside Houghton Golf Club this morning (April 24) to protest the club’s decision to ban Louis Seeco after he displayed a Palestinian flag on his car while visiting the premises.

Dozens of demonstrators gathered at the entrance carrying ANC and Palestinian flags and placards to voice their anger over the club’s decision.

Protesters chanted slogans in solidarity with Palestine while motorists passing by sounded their horns in support.

Read more: EFF pickets in solidarity with Houghton Golf Club guest and the people of Palestine

The controversy has sparked debate around freedom of expression, private club rules and South Africa’s long-standing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

In response to the backlash, the club released statements defending its position. It said Houghton Golf Club is committed to being diverse and inclusive while maintaining a neutral and welcoming environment for all visitors and members.

The club defended its stance, saying it aims to remain diverse, inclusive and neutral. It said overt displays of political, religious or cultural symbols are not permitted on club property as they may provoke reactions and disrupt the calm environment it seeks to maintain.

ANC Greater Johannesburg Region international relations subcommittee head Nandipha Zonela said the party believed the decision went against constitutional rights to freedom of association and freedom of speech.

Also read: Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day

She added that the ANC’s solidarity with Palestine is linked to the legacy of Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s support for the Palestinian cause.

Activist Rina King also joined the picket, saying South Africans should continue speaking out against injustice.

The protest remained peaceful under the watch of police and private security, but the incident has sparked wider debate around free expression, private club policies and solidarity with Palestine.

@caxtonjoburgnorth ANC members, along with Palestinian supporters, stand outside Houghton Golf Club. They are supporting Louis Seeco, who visited the club as a guest and was banned because of the display of the Palestinian flag on his car. Video: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe #caxtonlocalmedia #newsupdate #Localnews #johannesburg #Communitynews #Rosebank ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

The incident has placed one of Johannesburg’s most prominent golf clubs at the centre of a wider global debate, turning a local dispute over a car flag into a flashpoint for politics, identity and freedom of expression.

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