Botswana Hosts Palestine Solidarity March Led by Mandla Mandela
In an impassioned speech, Chief Mandela drew parallels between the struggles of South Africans during the apartheid era and the current struggle of Palestinians for freedom and self-determination.
Gaborone, Botswana– In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands gathered in Botswana today to participate in a Palestine solidarity march led by Zwelivelile "Mandla" Mandela, Chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council, Amir of the Royal House of Mandela, and grandson of the revered Nelson Mandela, writes Keneilwe Seitheko.
The march, held in the capital city of [City], aimed to raise awareness of the ongoing plight of Palestinians in the occupied territories and to call for an end to the Israeli occupation.
Participants carried placards and chanted slogans in support of Palestinian rights, including #FreePalestine, #EndTheOccupation, and #BoycottIsrael.
In an impassioned speech, Chief Mandela drew parallels between the struggles of South Africans during the apartheid era and the current struggle of Palestinians for freedom and self-determination.
He emphasized that South Africans, having experienced the injustice of apartheid firsthand, stand in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.
"We are South Africans, and we know what it is like to live under apartheid. We will never be silent whenever we see any signs of apartheid anywhere in the world," Mandela declared.
Mandela also announced that South Africa will be hosting a national march to Pretoria on December 5th to commemorate the legacy of Nelson Mandela and to further express solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
He invited people from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region to join the march.
In a significant gesture of solidarity, Mandela announced that 150 Palestinians will be arriving in South Africa on December 2nd to participate in a conference focused on finding solutions to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The conference will take place on December 3rd and 4th.
"On the second of December, 150 Palestinians will be joining us, showing the world that our struggles are interconnected. We stand united in this global struggle," Mandela asserted.
The Palestine solidarity march in Botswana and the upcoming events in South Africa represent a growing international movement in support of Palestinian rights. Chief Mandela's leadership and the participation of people from around the world demonstrate the unwavering commitment to justice and equality for all.