South Africa's governing party, the ANC, held its 6th National Policy Conference between 29 and 31 July 2022.

The ANC's International Relations Sub Committee Chairperson, Cde Lindiwe Zulu, in this press briefing outlines some of the resolutions discussed in relations to the ANC's solidarity with the Palestinians against Israeli Apartheid

The human rights organisation #Africa4Palestine joins South Africans, Africans, Palestinians and progressives across the globe in mourning the loss of our formidable mother, sister, comrade and dear leader - Cde Yasmin “Jessie" Duarte.

Duarte (19 September 1953 - 17 July 2022) passed away early this Sunday morning and will be buried later this afternoon in Johannesburg according to Muslim rites.

Duarte was a fierce and unapologetic defender of the Palestinian cause and struggle against Israeli Apartheid. For her role she is celebrated by peace loving peoples the world over. Duarte was an internationalist who stood with the peoples of Palestine, Cuba, Venezuela, Western Sahara and all other oppressed nations.

Duarte was central to the adoption of the resolution by the ANC in 2017 for the "immediate and unconditional downgrade of the South African embassy in Israel to a liaison office". In a protest co-organized last year by the ANC and #Africa4Palestine, Duarte then further called for the complete closure of Israel's embassy in Pretoria and South Africa's embassy in Tel Aviv. We recommit ourselves and will continue to campaign for this and other calls that Cde Jessie made in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

In addition to her political leadership, Cde Jessie was a close friend and ally of #Africa4Palestine and of our Board Members. Someone who we regularly consulted with. We will miss both her guidance as well as her warm and generous presence. We send our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Cde Jessie.

We will miss you, Cde Jessie.

Here is a short 7 minute video of Cde Jessie Duarte speaking at an #Africa4Palestine rally co-hosted with the MJC, ANC and others in Cape Town.

Extract on Palestine by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Extract from a longer speech delivered by Archbishop Tutu at a 2014 rally for Palestine in Cape Town.

The protest march, attended by over 250 000 people, was the largest that South Africa witnessed (on any issue) since the dawn of democracy.

The protest march for Palestine was organized by the MJC, ANC, NC4P and #Africa4Palestine together with other organizations. It was attended by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Chief Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, several government Ministers, MPs and others including members of the South African Jewish community.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu giving a moving address at a 2014 rally for Palestine in Cape Town - the protest march, attended by over 250 000 people, was the largest that South Africa witnessed (on any issue) since the dawn of democracy.

The protest march for Palestine was organized by the MJC, ANC and #Africa4Palestine together with many other organizations. It was attended by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Chief Mandla Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, several government Ministers, MPS and others including several members of the South African Jewish community.