Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 28-06-2018

The spokesperson for Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba says comments made by MMC for health Mpho Phalatse calling Israel a friend of the city didn’t necessarily contravene any policies of the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Mashaba reinstated Phalatse after she apologised for comments she made calling Israel a friend of the city.

Phalatse was suspended after making the remarks during a speech at the South African Friends of Israel national conference.

Mashaba has instructed Phalatse to attend a workshop that outlines the better understanding of the complexities of the Middle East.

Speaking to Radio Islam, Mashaba’s spokesperson Luyanda Mfeka says while Phalatse comments was against the policies of the city of Johannesburg, it was not against the DA’s policies.

Mfeka would not be drawn on whether the DA regards itself as a friend of Israel.

“I’ll be the wrong person to ask about that. You need to separate party and state here. I don’t speak for the DA and it would be more appropriate to ask them what exactly are the nuances and nitty gritty of their position in relation to that.”

Earlier this month concerns were raised by the former President of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) Moulana Ighsaan Hendricks about whether the DA has a “romantic relationship” with Israel and Zionists.