On Radio Islam’s Global debate Wednesday (13 March), Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat hosted three guests to discuss the issue. They included the African National Congress’ Manager for international relations Ribbon Mosholi; The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) shadow minister for economic development Hanif Hoosein and the coordinator for the Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA) Naazim Adam.
In what was a heated debate, Mosholi from the ruling party said that having fought against the scourge of Apartheid and racism in South Africa and espousing respect of human rights universally, the ANC is fully behind the restoration of the dignity of the Palestinian people. She said the freedom of the Palestinian people will only be guaranteed by the end of the occupation of Israel through unconditional negotiations and that the Palestinians are not asking for much but just the restoration of the 1967 borders.
“…And to aid a viable, secure and peaceful Palestinian state. We are fully behind that,” said Mosholi. Asked by Moulana Ravat if the ANC looks at Israel as an occupying nation, force or oppressive regime. Mosholi said, “It’s not a question of look, this is reality.”
Speaking on behalf of the DA, Hoosein said that as the DA they have come from a past of bloodshed. South Africa was only able to attain democracy through decent dialogue and responsible leadership. He said that as the DA they don’t believe that taking a stance on the Palestinian issue is going to contribute to a peaceful settlement.
“What we would like to see is the Palestinian leaders as well as Israeli leaders reach a peaceful negotiated settlement for long lasting peace in that region. And taking sides on the matter, we don’t believe is going to solve the problem at this moment. This is a conflict thousands of kilometers away from the borders of South Africa,” said Hoosein.
Hoosein did emphasize that the DA does not condone any act of aggression or violence against citizens or any human rights abuses. “So that is our position, we are neither pro-Israeli, neither pro-Palestinian but what we remain is pro-peace and would like to see a negotiated settlement between both sides,” added Hoosein.
Hoosein could not conclusively state if the DA as a party believes that a stance should be taken with people who are oppressed. Asked by Moulana Ravat if he feels the Palestinian people are oppressed. Hoosein failed to answer the question citing that if the DA says the Israeli’s or the Palestinian’s are being oppressed it would be choosing a side.
Nazeem Adam from the PSA said he wanted to applaud the ANC for taking a positive and brave stand in light of international pressure and diplomacy that needs to play itself out with a very strong American backing a Zionist entity like Israel.
On the DA’s stance, Adam said that Hoosein's comments are far worse than a very right wing Zionist position because the DA is actually whitewashing and trying to create an unfair balance where there is no balance between an oppressor and oppressed.
“Trying to say we are not taking any position is actually undermining the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination and basic human rights,” added Adam.
The DA contradicts itself when it says it won’t take a stance on the Palestinian issue. Yet it’s grossly insulting when the party condemns all human rights violations which is basically sugarcoating the violations perpetrated by Israel which has seen more than six million Palestinians lose their homes, their land, separate busses / bus routes for Israeli’s and Palestinians and people being detained daily without trial.
Mosholi acknowledged that the ANC has diplomatic ties with Israel because without any diplomatic relations, all lines of dialogue will be severed and an attempt to influence Israel would fail. She however dismissed allegations that the ANC led government supplies arms to Israel.
On the many questions posed by listeners via social media, lambasting the DA for not taking a stance on the Palestinian issue, Hoosein said it’s very difficult for the DA to be aware of all the issues. However, once again he made it clear that the DA would not condone any act of human rights violations anywhere in the world.
When asked to comment if the DA had issued any statement condemning any human rights violations by Israel, Hoosein contradicts his previous statement and said, “We have not put out a statement to condemn any side on this matter. ”Hoosein said the DA’s stance of not taking a side on the Palestinian issue does not apply to other areas of conflict but failed to provide a reason why.
On the view of the DA’s stance, Mosholi said the DA has the right to voice their opinions, but the ANC’s involvement in the Palestinian struggle is not a “hobby”. “For us it’s self-liberating. Comrade Nelson Mandela and comrade Oliver Tambo always said ‘the liberation of South Africa without the liberation of other people will be meaningless.’”
Moulana Ravat highlighted that Tony Leon a former DA leader in his autobiography mentions that he convinced former president Thabo Mbeki to convince former president Nelson Mandela not to allow the Hamas leadership to visit the country. He then asked Mosholi why hasn’t the ANC leadership allowed Hamas to visit the country, Mosholi said the ANC has been in talks with both Hamas and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) and it’s the ruling party’s conceded opinion that a rapprocher between the two is essential and is on course.
On Hamas visiting South Africa, Hoosein said South Africa is a free country and anybody must be allowed to visit. Asked if the DA viewed Hamas as a terrorist organisation, Hoosein once again stumbled on his words and failed to answer the question dwelling on the ‘taking no sides’ stance. He was oblivious to the incident of Dr. Saleem Valley, a South African citizen who was harassed, body stripped and searched at the Israeli border and sent back to South Africa purely because he has views on Israel’s regime. Hoosein said that if that was the case it could not be right and although people expect the DA to issue a statement on every issue, it could not be done.
A question posed by listener via SMS to Hoosein asked if his personal views he has on Palestine differ from that of the DA. Hoosein dodged to answer the question and instead said he was invited on Radio Islam as a representative of the DA not an individual and requested that Moulana Ravat invite him as an individual before he can render his views.
In concluding Hoosein said that he respects the views of people on the Palestinian issue and if they feel no satisfaction on the DA’s stance, then they are entitled to their opinion.
Mosholi meanwhile said the ANC would continue to fight for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood, She also reiterated that although that there is trade between South Africa and Israel, South Africa also trades with other countries and the ruling party is on record even as a government that they are considering sanctions against Israel should they continue on their current path.
Adam said that political parties will continue to take positions that propel them forward electorally. He says there is principle in the position taken by the ANC and he respected that. He stressed that the PSA will continue to educate people on the struggles of the Palestinian people and to mobilize until their ultimate liberation is achieved.
To listen to the podcast of the debate titled, click here
0 Comments