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The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) Cape Town, along with an alliance of over 40 supporting organisations, has announced a march to the South African Parliament on Saturday October 5, 2024. MAHMOOD SANGLAY reports on the plan for a mass rally.
The march is scheduled to commence at 10am from the corner of Hanover and Chapel Street, District Six, Cape Town.
The alliance calls on the South African government to legislate the United Nations International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, which South Africa ratified in May 2024. This legislation aims to fulfil South Africa’s international obligations and demonstrate its commitment to justice and human rights.
This march commemorates one year since the genocide began on October 7. The march will proceed to Parliament and the group demands an immediate end to the genocide in Gaza and the invasions in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen by Israel. The group also demands that Parliament implement passing the Apartheid Bill and calls for sanctions on Israel.
The march marks the first commemoration of the October 7, 2023, resistance of Palestinians against Israeli occupation. It also marks the escalation of violence in Gaza, where Israel killed over 41 000 Palestinians, including approximately 16 500 children. The violence has led to significant infrastructure destruction in Gaza, resulting in widespread hunger and lack of medical treatment. Furthermore, the conflict has spread to the West Bank and escalated into neighbouring regions including Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
International legal context
On July 19, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel must end its occupation, dismantle settlements, provide reparations to Palestinian victims and facilitate the return of displaced persons. The court also emphasised that the international community must cease support for Israel’s illegal activities. Despite this, Israel’s actions in defiance of international law have intensified. The PSC therefore is calling for stringent measures against Israel.
In response to the ongoing conflict and international rulings, the PSC Cape Town has drafted the ‘Apartheid Bill.’ This proposed legislation is designed to operationalise South Africa’s commitment to the Apartheid Convention by holding entities accountable for human rights violations and establishing Apartheid-Free Zones within the country. The bill also seeks to support the implementation of Boycotts, Divestments and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel.
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Call to Action
The PSC emphasises the urgent need to pass the Apartheid Bill, aiming to end the genocide against Palestinians and address the broader regional instability caused by Israeli policies. The march is not only a protest but a significant step towards aligning South African laws with its historical role and commitment against apartheid globally.
This call to action and the details of the planned march have been disseminated widely, including through various social media platforms as part of the PSC’s campaign to garner support for their cause.
Contact Information:
Prof Usuf Chikte, PSC Cape Town
Email: umec@sun.ac.za
Phone: 082 877 9522
