Western Cape – Stickers, billboards, and murals conveying support for Palestinians are widespread throughout the country, with a notable concentration in the Western Cape. However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has taken significant measures to paint over these murals, symbolising South African solidarity.
What adds to the dismay, echoing sentiments expressed by activist Moeshfieka Botha, is the fact that the DA is removing Palestinian murals with a police presence in areas plagued by crime, gangsterism, and violence.
Botha highlights the irony that the people residing in these areas are already living in fear and appalling conditions. Yet, the DA prioritises using law enforcement and resources to erase murals rather than addressing the daily struggles faced by the residents.
“In what Universe does it make sense that we have the resources and the allocation of law enforcement officials to be watching people take down a mural, but we do not have the allocation of law enforcement officials when we are trying to stop drug crime and violence in our society.”
Globally, art has played a crucial role in capturing the attention of the state, the public, and the international community on specific issues affecting particular populations.
In the context of South Africa’s anti-apartheid resistance, various art forms such as graffiti, photographs, and public murals served as powerful mediums to communicate the dire circumstances faced by oppressed people. More importantly, these artistic expressions were acts of defiance that showcased collective strength, bringing together diverse groups for a shared cause.
Across different forms of media, artists challenged the state by spotlighting injustices, fostering solidarity, and inspiring a united resolve for change.
Following a longstanding tradition and a shared empathy for the Palestinians, South African artists initiated their work prominently through public paintings and graffiti that were both aesthetically moving and emotionally impactful, emphasising the ongoing nakba and genocide faced by the Palestinian people.
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The DA Supports Israel
Regarding the DA’s stance on international conflicts, Botha highlights a stark contrast in their positions on the Russia/Ukraine war and Israel’s genocide in Gaza and occupation in the West Bank.
As Russia initiated its military operation in Ukraine, the DA, echoing Western rhetoric, strongly condemned Russia’s actions and criticised the ruling party’s neutral stance on the matter.
In contrast, when addressing Israel’s actions in Gaza, the DA adopted a more subtle tone, maintaining a neutral position despite the evident breach of international laws and a growing tragic death toll among civilians.
Despite claiming neutrality, the DA’s actions tell a different story. The party has consistently demonstrated a lack of empathy towards the sentiments of its voters, suspending members who express support for Palestine in any form. Additionally, there is a noticeable increase in police presence at Palestinian demonstrations.
The removal of a supporter displaying a Palestinian flag from a stadium, as well as the ongoing efforts to erase Palestinian murals, further illuminate the DA’s actual stance and the side of history to which they seem inclined.
“The DA has made it abundantly clear where they stand on the issue of Palestine. They can sugarcoat it as much as they want and call for neutrality in the situation. They can call for anything as much as they want to. They can try and make people think and feel and really try to convince people otherwise.”
They not only object to the pro-Palestinian stance of the current government and our nation’s history, but they also stand against the Palestinian people and the courageous lawyers who recently represented them at The Hague.
Furthermore, they are in opposition to the citizens of South Africa who, for decades, have been advocating for the Palestinians while simultaneously facing and fighting their challenges at home. These individuals have been supporting the Palestinian cause long before October 7 and they will continue to do so until Palestine achieves freedom.
“The Democratic Alliance has to stop playing both sides. We see them for what they are, and I’m hoping our communities see them for what they are. Which is a party that is selective in the allocation of resources, selective in the implementation of bylaws and selective in the compassion of children who die.”
