THE National Education, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) is calling on the South African government to remove companies from what they call the “apartheid” state of Israel.
This was made known on Thursday, 19 October during their protest in solidarity with Palestinians currently being killed in Gaza and allegedly forced to evacuate their homes by Israeli troops. The protest took place in front of the United States (US) Consulate in Sandton, north of Joburg.
Gauteng provincial deputy secretary Thulisile Msimang read the memorandum outside the consulate and said Israel's "murderous campaign" must end.
"As peace-loving South Africans, led by Nehawu, we protest in solidarity with the Palestinians to condemn the Israeli apartheid state's murderous campaign against the Palestinians," she said.
ALSO READ: USA is against peace in Gaza - EFF
Msimang told the Daily Sun that the government must cut ties with Israeli companies in the country to fully show its support for Palestine.
“We are asking the government if we can reconsider our relations with Israel, because we cannot say we support those who are oppressed and at the same time support the oppressor. We have to make a clear decision. Can the government do away with Israeli companies? We have asked our members to boycott the products of these companies.
She also said that the Israeli embassy in South Africa must be removed.
Mahumed Khaleeq, a Mzansi citizen, said: "We're calling on our own government to say that we don't want the Israeli ambassador in South Africa because things can't go on as they are."
Another Mzansi citizen, Karyn Tyler, called on the public to educate themselves on the history of the war between Palestine and Israel.
“As a mother, I stand in solidarity with all the mothers who have lost their children in Palestine, the families who have been completely wiped out,” Tyler said.
Tumi Molefe, a citizen who took part in the demonstration, said it was unfortunate that those who sided with Israel were advocating apartheid.
"We're all here to protest against Israeli apartheid, oppression of the nation and the terrorist state. We've seen this in our own country as South Africans and people have stood up," he said.
