Pro-Palestinian activists are demanding increased government transparency and decisive action regarding South Africa’s trade and diplomatic relations with Israel, following a recent protest at the Port of Durban. The controversy centred on the Indian cargo ship, the MV Ultramarine, which was suspected of transporting military equipment destined for Israel.
Although the vessel was ultimately cleared of these allegations after an official search, the incident has amplified calls for the government to be more open about its dealings and to enforce its stated stance against supporting Israel’s military actions.
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Government response and the call for continued activism
Member of Parliament and Secretary General at United for Palestine, Imraan Subrathie, confirmed that the government did respond to the concerns. He detailed his engagement with multiple government departments, including Transport, International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Defence, and the Police.
“On Wednesday, for example, border police actually did six nautical miles when the ship was away, they went onto the ship… and they did a search and a seizure on the ship to search that are these allegations true,” Subrathie stated. He added that DIRCO was “very, very clear that we will not allow it, if that is the case then we will act.”
Despite this, Subrathie emphasised that the role of civil society is crucial. “The role of activists must never, ever be downplayed, and it must never be underestimated,” he said. “Often government does not respond… until and unless often, you know, activists make a noise.” He urged activists to “keep up the activism” and continue to engage with and write to the government on issues like the supply of coal to Israel.
The initial alert for the protest was issued by the BDS movement, which claimed to have reliable information that the MV Ultramarine was carrying 15 containers of “dangerous cargo” for Israel. Activists mobilised at the port, demanding that authorities investigate the vessel and, if the suspicions were confirmed, “stop the cargo, withdraw any docking permission and prohibit any servicing,” as reported by Al-Qalam. The call to action highlighted South Africa’s obligations under international law, especially given its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
While the ship was cleared, the underlying frustrations among activists remain. There is a growing sense of impatience with what is perceived as a lack of concrete action on long-standing issues, such as South African coal exports to Israel and citizens serving in the Israeli military.
This push for greater transparency comes as activists point to recent international commitments, like the Hague Group agreement, as a “fresh mandate” to hold the government accountable.
Subrathie acknowledged these frustrations, stating, “When I wear my activist hat, we are equally frustrated that, you know, how on one end, we have been the only country that has been bold and courageous to go to ICJ, and yet, we have got all these other areas in which… there is this bilateral relationship taking place.”
He committed to taking these matters forward within his political party and with government executives, reinforcing the need for transparency and decisive action.
Image via Vessel Finder.
