Thousands unite in Cape Town to demand justice for Palestine

Thousands marched through the Cape Town CBD on Saturday, calling for an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The crowd, which included both young children and older citizens, marched from Muir Street to Parliament, braving the scorching sun while chanting “Free Palestine” and “Palestine will be free”.

Among the marchers was uMkhonto weSizwe Deputy President John Hlophe, who said: “The MK Party identifies with the goals of the Palestinian people. Their struggle cannot be separated from our struggle. It is a struggle for dignity. It is a struggle over the land of the Palestinian people. So we are here to support their cause.”

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Carl Niehaus added that his party stood fully with Palestinians and the people of Gaza.

“We call for the immediate removal of the Israeli embassy from South Africa, full financial and economic sanctions against Apartheid Israel, and for the genocide to be brought to an end.

“We support the flotilla currently heading to Gaza, and we call on all people of the world to stand with the people of Palestine. I’m here with my eight-year-old son, joining the struggle. Little kids like him have been killed by the butcher, Benjamin Netanyahu, and we say Netanyahu should be arrested and sent to jail.”

EFF member Nazier Paulsen highlighted growing global awareness of the Palestinian cause.

“Despite attempts by right-wingers to deny it, there is a genocide. This genocide started in 1948, systematically seeking to eliminate all Palestinians from their homeland and create an illegitimate Israeli state. South Africans must hold to our legacy, isolate the apartheid state of Israel diplomatically, and impose economic sanctions so that a free Palestine can become a reality. In this place, Jews, Muslims, and Christians can live together in freedom.”

Mogamad Salie Devajee, who travelled with his family from Kimberley, said: “We came to the march to represent Gaza and condemn what is happening there. The Qur’an teaches that truth will survive, and we are here to raise our voices so the people in Gaza can have freedom against Zionism. We know about Judaism and Christianity, but we do not know what Zionism is.”

Palestinian Malik Mohammed, who fled her home, expressed gratitude for the support.

“They made me feel at home. South Africans are so friendly and sweet. Wherever I go, I feel loved. Our life before the war was perfect, and being here reminds me of that. This march shows that things can change, and that people care.”

The coalition of South African civil society organisations, trade unions, faith-based groups, and political parties submitted a memorandum to Speaker Thoko Didiza, urging urgent government action against Israel over the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

The memorandum calls for the immediate enactment of the Apartheid Bill, which would criminalise apartheid under South African law and provide a legal basis for boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against Israel.

The groups cite findings from the UN Commission of Inquiry, International Court of Justice (ICJ), and International Criminal Court (ICC), which have documented Israel’s acts of genocide, war crimes, and apartheid, including mass killings, destruction of Gaza, and displacement of civilians.

They argue that South Africa’s continued trade and corporate ties with Israel, including coal, arms, and technology, make the country complicit in these crimes.

Key demands include the termination of diplomatic relations with Israel, suspension of economic, cultural, academic, and sporting ties, prosecution of corporations complicit in Israeli apartheid and genocide, and enforcement of ICJ rulings such as reparations, return of displaced Palestinians, and dismantling of settlements.

The memorandum also calls for the prosecution of South African citizens serving in the Israeli Defense Forces and the recognition of Zionism as a form of racial supremacy equivalent to apartheid. They requested a formal government response within 14 days.