Cape Town - The ANC in the Western Cape has vowed to push for the downgrading of South Africa’s embassy in Israel during the party’s elective conference which is to take place over the weekend.
Provincial secretary Faiez Jacobs was speaking at Parliament where various religious leaders met to protest against US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city.
Jacobs said: “We are going to the conference on Saturday, and as the Western Cape delegation we will make sure that the resolution is going to be passed because it is the right thing to do,”
Trump announced last week that he was officially recognising Jerusalem as the Israeli capital‚ defying global opposition. He also promised to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Jacobs said the ANC views it important to support the religious groups in their call for a free Palestine.
“We thought it was very important to come and join solidarity with our people here and support the march. South Africa’s liberation has always been partnered with the liberation of our people in Palestine.
Picture: Supplied
“The ANC’s relationship with Palestine has always been unshakable. Its very clear that we have passed revolutions, many branches across our country are supporting the downgrading of the Israeli embassy,” he added.
The Tshwane University of Technology has also cut its ties with Israel. TUT vowed it will not sign agreements or enter into scientific partnerships until such time that Israel ends its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory
Jacobs said the ANC has always supported the plight of Palestinians since it took over office as governing party.
“We are here because it is a human rights issue, we are not here as Muslims, as Christians or Jews but as South Africans because of our love for freedom and equality, and hatred for injustices,” he said.
Western Cape ANC delegates are expected to arrive at Nasrec, where the elective conference will take place, on Friday.
The party will be holding its 54th elective conference where president Jacob Zuma’s successor will be elected.