Thousands of activists marched to Parliament in Cape Town on Saturday. They called on the government to implement the proposed Apartheid Bill that would create a legal basis for boycotts against Israel. It would also allow for the creation of “Apartheid-Free Zones” nationwide.
The march follows recent findings from several international bodies that have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
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Demands for government action
Protesters handed a memorandum to House chairperson Cedric Frolick. Their demands include the immediate passing of the Apartheid Bill. They also want the Israeli embassy in Pretoria to be shut down.
The bill was initiated in 2024 by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign. It aims to hold individuals and entities accountable for supporting apartheid. This follows South Africa’s ratification of the UN’s Apartheid Convention in May 2024. Supporters say the bill is a necessary step to ensure the country complies with its international obligations.
Image: Hundreds of people took to the streets of Cape Town on 3 May 2025, marching in support of the Palestinian cause. Picture: Morgan Van De Rede/ Eyewitness News
