South Africans and Palestinians share a deep historical bond. Both have fought against systems of racial oppression—apartheid in South Africa and Israeli military rule over Palestinians. This solidarity has remained strong for decades.
A 20-foot-tall statue of Nelson Mandela stands in Ramallah, Palestine, as a symbol of this connection. Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president, made this clear in 1997. He said, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”
Trump’s Retaliation Against South Africa
Earlier this month, former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order cutting aid to South Africa. He cited two reasons: South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its domestic policies addressing racial inequities from apartheid.
Trump framed the decision as a policy move. However, critics say it punishes South Africa for standing by Palestinians. South African leaders have long drawn comparisons between their past struggles and the Palestinian experience.
Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s former ambassador to the US, said, “Whatever we’ve experienced in South Africa is on steroids in Palestine… The template of apartheid has been completely magnified.”
Apartheid Parallels Between Israel and South Africa
South Africans see clear similarities between their past and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Apartheid South Africa and Israel had a close relationship for years.
In 1961, Hendrik Verwoerd, South Africa’s prime minister and architect of apartheid, acknowledged these similarities. He said, “Israel is not consistent in its new anti-apartheid attitude… They took Israel away from the Arabs after the Arabs lived there for a thousand years. In that, I agree with them. Israel, like South Africa, is an apartheid state.”
During the 1980s, when most countries imposed a weapons embargo on South Africa’s apartheid government, Israel continued to supply weapons. These weapons were used to suppress Black South Africans protesting for equal rights.
Elon Musk and South Africa’s Apartheid Wealth
Billionaire Elon Musk, a vocal Trump ally, has roots in South Africa’s apartheid-era economy. Reports suggest his father benefited from investments in emerald mines. These mines exploited Black African workers while investors reaped huge profits.
Musk has supported efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian speech in the US. His influence in political and media circles aligns with Trump’s agenda. Both appear determined to weaken global solidarity with Palestinians.
A Global Movement for Palestinian Freedom
South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel reflects a growing global movement. Nations worldwide have rallied to condemn Israel’s military actions and occupation.
Trump’s administration is not only punishing South Africa but also repressing pro-Palestinian voices in the US. The strategy is clear—break international solidarity so Israel’s policies can continue unchecked.
Despite these efforts, South Africa remains firm in its stance. The country’s history of resistance makes it unlikely to back down. Its leaders and people continue to advocate for Palestinian freedom, just as they fought against apartheid decades ago.
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