Johannesburg – Apartheid Israel’s genocide in Gaza, viewed in reel-time by the world, has split the South African political terrain into two camps, those supporting ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and occupation and those opposing it.
Notably, the Patriotic Alliance (PA), led by Gayton Mckenzie and Kenny Kunene, has openly expressed support for Israel, aligning themselves with the murderous actions and rhetoric against the innocent people of Palestine.
As a result, the PA has experienced reduced support from the South African public. This diminishing approval was evident in the sparse attendance at the party’s 10th-anniversary celebration at the Orlando Stadium last month.
While party leaders and spokespeople may offer various explanations for the poor turnout, the underlying reasons are apparent, requiring little deduction to understand.
The Resignation of PA Party Members
The meagre attendance at the event, meant to commemorate the party’s accomplishments and longevity, implies that most South Africans are not willing to align themselves with a party that supports an Apartheid regime, as seen in the case of Israel.
This sentiment was echoed by Fagmedah Edries, a former member of the PA and Eldorado Park resident, who resigned from the party in solidarity with the Palestinians.
She proclaimed that the PA leadership’s supportive posture towards Israel contradicts not only her Muslim beliefs but also her identity as a mother and a human being. Consequently, she found it untenable to remain with the party.
“[God] has given me [guidance] to make my mind. I could not be led by any zionist person group of people … they [Mckenzie and Kunene] said they stand with Israel. I am a Muslim. I cannot do that. It goes against my beliefs.”
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Palestinian March in Eldorado Park
On December 16, Fagmedah, Shakir Baker, and others organised a march in Eldorado Park in solidarity with Palestine. The event is slated to feature prominent speakers, with various political factions and organisations supporting Palestinian solidarity set to participate.
The event’s significance lies in that Eldorado Park is typically considered a “stronghold of the PA”, as noted by Fagmedah.
However, due to the PA’s pro-genocide views, they have stained their standing in the eyes of Eldorado Park residents, a community predominantly supportive of the Palestinian cause. Consequently, there is a collective desire within the community to distance themselves from the group.
“You [Mckenzie and Kunene] are not going to kill children in our name as Eldorado Park … [You are not going to say] South Africa stands behind me or Eldorado Park stands behind me … Please don’t.”
