Renowned Palestinian artist and war photographer Belal Khaled touched down at O.R. Tambo International Airport on Thursday, commencing a highly anticipated tour of South Africa hosted by Salaamedia. Upon arrival, Khaled expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging the nation’s leading role in global advocacy for Palestine.
“I’m honoured to be here in South Africa, the first country to have the courage to go and fight against the occupation,” Khaled stated. He arrives with a clear purpose: “to talk more about the experience in Gaza and what’s happening on the ground there.”
The tour, running from 20 to 26 June, is designed to connect South Africans with the human impact of conflict through Khaled’s powerful visual storytelling. His work, forged in the refugee camps of Gaza, merges traditional Arabic calligraphy with contemporary art to document the struggles of displaced people worldwide. The visit by Belal Khaled aims to foster dialogue and amplify marginalised voices, a mission that resonates deeply with his hosts.
SMread: Inspiring resilience through art in SA
A Programme of Solidarity and Dialogue
Khaled’s itinerary is packed with events designed to engage the public and media. The tour kicks off on Friday with a press briefing at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg.
The weekend will see a series of significant activities:
- Palestine Solidarity Walk: On Saturday morning, a walk will take place in Soweto, proceeding from the Dlamini Mosque, a route chosen for its deep historical and spiritual symbolism in the struggle against injustice.
- Exhibition and Screening: Later that evening, the Lakewood Conference Centre in Ormonde will host the opening of Khaled’s photo exhibition and a documentary screening, offering a direct look at his impactful work.
Looking ahead, Khaled shared a powerful message for supporters of the Palestinian cause. “The only message is keep fighting, keep talking about Palestine, keep doing the great job you started, until Palestine gets free,” he urged.
The visit is set to be a poignant reminder of the power of art to transcend borders, foster understanding, and inspire a collective resolve for justice and human dignity.
Image: Nasreen Naidoo/Salaamedia
