By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Amidst the global divide, the African National Congress (ANC) has offered a unique perspective, saying it has backed the actions of the Palestinian Hamas militants.
The United States, along with several European nations including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have expressed their unwavering support for Israel and condemned the militant activities.
On the other hand, countries like Iran and Iraq have lauded Hamas, viewing the attacks as a form of resistance against Israeli occupation.
Middle East meanwhile have called for an immediate cessation of violence. Saudi Arabia emphasized the need to protect civilians, while Jordan appealed for calm, self-restraint, and adherence to international humanitarian laws. Egypt, despite its peace treaty with Israel, has called for restraint and urged the international community to implore Israel to halt its attacks.
The party has condemned Israel’s policies and called for international intervention to address the root causes of the conflict.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said Palestinian militants had no choice in choosing the escalation of violence because of Israel.
The ANC has long supported Palestine, believing the country was increasingly facing hostility similar to South Africa’s former apartheid regime, justifying humanitarian support for the predominately Muslim country.
“It can no longer be disputed that South Africa’s apartheid history is occupied Palestine’s reality.
“As a result, the decision by Palestinians to respond to the brutality of the settler Israeli apartheid regime is unsurprising,” Bhengu-Motsiri said in a statement.
She said, the ANC stands with the people of occupied Palestine as it is clear that the degenerating security situation is directly linked to the unlawful Israeli occupation.
Hundreds of people have been reported dead and others injured in what first began as a missile attack by Hamas forces into Israeli territory.
Meanwhile secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has praised disgraced former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize for remaining a loyal member of the ruling party.
The governing party held a manifesto review rally at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday, where it faces tough 2024 elections for the first time since 1994.
Mbalula said Mkhize was a model member of the ANC who never turned his back on the governing party.
I like him because he is still a member even after he lost after running for ANC president.
“He never left, this is a genuine member of the ANC, “Mbalula said to a loud round of applause from party supporters.
Pietermaritzburg is Mkhize’s hometown where he enjoys wide-ranging support from the ANC, traditional leaders and the churches.
Mbalula also blamed Ace Magashule for the regression in service delivery and widespread corruption that has plagued the Free State for years.
“There was a lot of political inference in this area, which is why we had a split in this municipality. Magashule ruined everything. He ruined everything and the ANC in the Free State, even the ANC. He taught people that working for the ANC is working for yourself and not the people. He (Magashule) taught them to steal money for themselves,” Mbalula said.
Magashule served as Free State premier for years and was seen as a strongman whose support was unshakable.
Considering all the heat and smoke over the question of whether the ANC will remain above 50% next year, it is rational to assume that this will focus the party’s attention and streamline its efforts to please the public, or at least keep it from openly rebelling. The fear of losing an election should force party leaders, groups and factions to work together.