Mapaballo Borotho
- South Africa says it will not participate in any attempt to depopulate Gaza and has cancelled recently issued visa exemptions for Palestinians who arrived on two charter flights.
- Government fears the arrivals may be part of a broader plan to remove Palestinians from their territory.
- Civil society groups have criticised the move, calling it inconsistent with South Africa’s support for Palestinians.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says South Africa has taken a firm stance against any action that could contribute to the depopulation of Gaza.
Briefing the media in Pretoria on Wednesday, she said the Cabinet has officially stated that it will not support the removal of Palestinians from their territory.
Ntshavheni explained that this position is the reason government cancelled the recently granted visa exemptions for a group of Palestinians who arrived last month.
Two mysterious charter planes carrying Palestinians landed at OR Tambo International Airport, raising concerns within the government that the arrivals may be linked to a broader plan to evacuate or “cleanse” Gaza.
Civil society groups have criticised the government for perceived inconsistency, pursuing a genocide case on behalf of Palestinians while simultaneously shutting its borders to those fleeing conflict.
Last month, South Africa granted 90-day visa exemptions to 153 Palestinians who arrived without proper documentation, but these visas have since been revoked.
Ntshavheni emphasised that the arrivals appeared irregular and possibly coerced.
“Any attempt to depopulate Gaza or any part of the Palestinian territories will not be supported by South Africa. There was an abuse of the system because the people who are coming here are not coming of their own will, and their ability to return to Gaza is very much in question,” she said.
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