PRESS STATEMENT: South Africa to “immediately and unconditionally” downgrade Embassy in Israel – ANC

20 December 2017

The human rights and Palestine solidarity organisation BDS South Africa joins fellow South Africans in welcoming the decision by South Africa’s governing party, the ANC, to immediately and unconditionally downgrade SA’s embassy in Israel to a liaison office.

The resolution, also captured in the ANC’s National Conference declaration, reads:

“In order to give our practical expression of support to the oppressed people of Palestine; the ANC has unanimously resolved to direct the SA government to immediately and unconditionally downgrade the South African Embassy in Israel to a Liaison Office.”

This is a huge step in the right direction and a massive gain for the global boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel movement. The ANC, Africa’s oldest liberation movement, which benefited from boycotts and sanctions against Apartheid South Africa, has provided direction and we look forward to others following suit.

ISSUED BY KWARA KEKANA ON BEHALF OF BDS SOUTH AFRICA