Protestors stand against Miss SA in Rivonia
RIVONIA – Africa for Palestine board member Bram Hanekom said the organisation did not have anything against Miss South Africa herself, Lalela Mswane, but rather the organisation ‘putting profits before human rights’.
Several organisations on November 19 called for the Miss South Africa organisation to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and withdraw from this year’s Miss Universe event.
The organisation’s participation in this year’s event sparked controversy as the pageant is set to be held in Israel in December.
Members of Africa for Palestine human rights movement were supported by various political parties, youth leagues, trade unions, the Embassy of Palestine and the Royal House of Mandela as it protested outside the Miss South Africa head offices in Rivonia.
This followed a statement by the Miss South Africa organisation on November 9, stating that it will not be withdrawing from the competition and the reigning Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane ‘will not be bullied as an adult against fulfilling her ambition’.
The government later announced on November 15 the withdrawal of its support for Miss South Africa at the international pageant.
“The atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians are well documented and the government, as the legitimate representative of the people of South Africa, cannot in good conscience associate itself with such,” said Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa.
Africa for Palestine board member Bram Hanekom said that the organisation did not have anything against Miss South Africa herself, Lalela Mswane who was crowned on October 16, but rather the organisation ‘putting profits before human rights.
“It is important for people from all walks of life to rise and make it clear that Miss South Africa does not represent South Africa but instead [the agenda of] a private company.”
Also in attendance at the protest was the grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela, who was proud to see members of the community, no matter their religious, political or cultural backgrounds, take a united stand for human rights.
“We as South Africans can relate, we understand the brutality that was mitted against us [during apartheid] and we continuously witness the brutality being mitted against defenceless Palestinians,” said Mandela.
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/lnn/1160489/do-the-right-thing-organisations-renew-call-for-miss-sa-to-ditch-miss-universe-pageant/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/lnn/1160277/government-withdraws-support-for-miss-sa-over-stance-on-israel/
