Image Source: Salaamedia
Local – Despite the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, Master’s graduate Amaarah Garda said it was important to make a public stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
During her Wits University graduation ceremony, Garda walked across the stage carrying a Palestinian flag bearing the words, “Free Palestine”, making her the only graduate to display a visible political message during the event.
Garda, who completed a Master’s degree in Applied Development and Economics, said her academic journey coincided with Israels ongoing violence in Gaza, which shaped her decision to use the ceremony to draw attention to the issue. She said the ceasefire should not be mistaken for a resolution.
“I thought it was really important to continue making that stand… to show people that just because there is something called a ceasefire doesn’t mean that Palestine is free and doesn’t mean that we should let our guard down.”
University Accountability
Garda also raised concerns about Wits University’s institutional relationships, pointing to the renaming of a campus building as the “Wits ARM Mining Building.”
African Rainbow Minerals [ARM] has faced criticism for continuing to supply coal to Israel. She said the change highlighted the university’s failure to fully address its position on the conflict.
“Wits itself needs to know that it’s not off the hook. There’s still a lot that they need to answer for in relation to this genocide.”
Garda further criticised universities that promote histories of political resistance while avoiding financial or institutional decisions that may have economic consequences.
“When it comes to genocide, neutrality is complicity. There’s no middle ground that you can take. You’re either against genocide, or you’re for genocide.”
Sustaining Public Support
Addressing the growing fatigue around Palestine solidarity, Garda said continued action remained necessary.
She encouraged South Africans to maintain pressure through a range of actions, including boycotts and public accountability measures.
“As long as we never stop, that is what actually matters… We are essentially that miracle, and we have to do whatever we can with whatever resources we have,” she said.
