Mandela’s Grandson Speech at Anti Israel Protest

Photo: Palestinian Information Center doc

Cape Town, MINA – A series of protests held in Cape Town, in Cape Town, Johannesburg and other South African cities against Israel’s siege on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and recent restriction on movement and religion.

Chief Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, the grandson of South African icon Nelson Mandela, delivered his speech in front of 5000 people in Palestine solidarity protest in Cape Town.

The protest called for the an end of diplomatic relations with Israel and the shutting down of the South African embassy in Tel Aviv.

Zwelivelile is the chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council. In 2007 as the tribe looked to Nelson Mandela to reclaim his clan, he suggested his grandson assume the role. When the younger Mandela became chief, he was only 32 years old. Mandela is also a South African parliamentarian for South Africa’s governing African National Congress.

Also Read: Gaza Starvation Crisis Deepens: 6 More Die, Including Children

Here’s the full text of the speech as quoted from BDS South Africa official site:

Brothers and sisters, 
Mothers and Elders,
Fathers and young people.

Today we raise our voices in protest because Apartheid Israel denies peace justice and dignity to the Palestinian people just as it has done since the day it was created.

Today we raise our voice in protest because what Madiba described as “the greatest moral issue of our time” has become “the greatest disgrace of our time” as the world stands by in silence whilst Palestine bleeds.

Also Read: Israeli Attacks Kill 18 Palestinians Across Gaza, Including Nine Aid Seekers

Today we say to the Zionist State of Israel. Your oppression brutality and cruelty will not deter us nor the brave Palestinian people from fighting for freedom.

Today we say Hands off Al Aqsa….Hands off Al Aqsa…hands off Al Aqsa!

Today we say to our South African government expel the Israeli Ambassador and cut all ties with Israel.

We demand that all ties be cut with Israel. …no trade ties no cultural ties and no travel!

Also Read: Illegal Israeli Settlers Plan Mass Invasion of Al-Aqsa Mosque for Tisha B’Av

We demand that Israel complies with International law and demand the return of 6 million Palestinian refugees driven from the land of their birth

We demand that all occupied land be returned and we condemn the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements on Palistinian land.

Today we call on the International community and all who love justice, peace and dignity in the world. You stood by us through our most darkest moments in our struggle against the brutal South African Apartheid regime. We call on you to stand in solidarity with the suffering Palestinian people.

Today we stand to salute the brave and fearless Palestinian people who are facing the brutal might of the Israeli army to defend Masjidul Aqsa with their bare hands.

Also Read: Seven More Die of Starvation in Gaza, Death Toll Reaches 169

We say to them ….you will never stand alone…our voices will not be silenced…we feel your suffering….we feel your pain…we are united in our goal to free Palestine!

Madiba reminded us that: “our freedom is incomplete until Palestine is free! “(T/RE1/RS5)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

Also Read: Gaza Fighters Share Food with Israeli Hostages Amid Ongoing Blockade