Thousands of South Africans are expected to march on Parliament in Cape Town on 27 September to protest the ongoing genocide in Gaza, as international diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire falter once again. The demonstration aims to pressure the South African government to take decisive action against what organisers call the “extermination of Palestinians”.
This call for local action comes as the United States used its veto power for the sixth time at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, blocking a resolution that demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The draft resolution, which described the humanitarian situation as “catastrophic”, was supported by all 14 other council members. A US official stated the text failed to condemn Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to self-defence.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with the UN’s humanitarian office warning that “the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City” as the Israeli military expands its offensive. According to Al Jazeera, Israeli forces are advancing on the city’s centre from two directions, “sandwiching” the population and forcing them towards the coast. At least 65,141 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, according to the territory’s health ministry.
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A march with a difference
Organisers of the Cape Town demonstration are calling for a broad coalition of support, extending invitations beyond the usual solidarity groups to include churches, sports clubs, political parties, and the general public from across the country.
Shaykh Ebrahiem Gabriels stated a key goal is to diversify participation. “For too long, the marches here in South Africa, it is mostly Muslims,” he said, expressing a desire to see a turnout reflective of international protests where non-Muslims often form the majority. “We are working with the churches, we are working with all sports clubs, civic organizations, schools, universities, youth groups,” Gabriels confirmed.
The objectives of the Gaza march are clear: “We want to appeal to the South African government to do whatever is in their power to stop the starvation, to stop the genocide, and to demand justice for the people of Palestine,” Gabriels explained. He added, “South Africa must take concrete steps to ensure that its policies and trade relations and financial systems do not enable the continued extermination of Palestinians.”
The planned demonstration in Cape Town is being framed as a critical moment for South Africans to show solidarity, with organisers hoping it will be “the largest and the biggest march ever in South Africa”. The event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 from the Mew Street Mosque and will proceed to the South African Parliament. It is seen by supporters as a necessary public response to the escalating humanitarian crisis and the failure of international bodies to secure peace.
The call for a massive turnout echoes global expressions of solidarity, including a celebrity benefit concert in London. The “Together For Palestine” concert, which featured appeals for a ceasefire from stars like Cillian Murphy and Billie Eilish, aimed to raise funds for organisations on the front line of the crisis. The planned march seeks to channel this global sentiment into tangible pressure on the South African government.
