South Africa has reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian cause at the BRICS 2026 summit, echoing the country's commitment to international justice and solidarity. The BRICS member states, including South Africa, declared that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through peaceful means. This declaration emphasized the fulfillment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including self-determination and return.
The BRICS declaration also highlighted the need for adequate representation of Palestine in international organizations, including multilateral financial institutions, and access to their resources. The member states reaffirmed their support for the State of Palestine's full membership in the UN, based on the two-state solution in accordance with international law. This stance aligns with South Africa's principled position on the Palestinian question, as held by the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African government.
The ANC and the South African government have faced backlash for their pro-Palestine stance, including attempts to undermine the country's sovereignty and economy. However, the ANC and South Africa remain committed to their position, viewing it as essential to the struggle for a just, equal, and prosperous world order. The support for Palestine House – Human Rights Centre in Durban is part of this effort, aiming to advance the Palestinian cause through art, storytelling, and advocacy.
The Palestinian cause resonates deeply with South Africa, given its own history of struggle against apartheid. The ANC and South Africa draw parallels between their own liberation struggle and the Palestinian people's quest for freedom and self-determination. Nelson Mandela, the late ANC President, had stated that South Africa's freedom would remain incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinian people.
South Africa's stance on Palestine is not driven by hostility towards Israel or its people but rather a commitment to upholding international law and human rights. The ANC and South Africa have consistently affirmed the vision of two states living side by side, each secure, sovereign, and free from fear of the other. The criticism of Israel's policies and conduct in Gaza is based on the belief that they violate international law.
The South African government's decision to bring proceedings before the International Court of Justice against Israel reflects its commitment to applying international law equally, regardless of the accused state. This stance gives license and encouragement to the world to stand up for the rights of the downtrodden and persecuted. Solidarity with Palestine is seen as a bulwark against the domination of the weak by the mighty.
The BRICS declaration and South Africa's stance on Palestine underscore the country's commitment to a world order based on international law and human rights. The support for Palestine House and the Palestinian cause is a testament to South Africa's solidarity with the Palestinian people and its commitment to the struggle for a just and equal world.
Key points
- South Africa reaffirms its support for the Palestinian cause at the BRICS 2026 summit.
- The ANC and South Africa view their pro-Palestine stance as essential to the struggle for a just, equal, and prosperous world order.
- South Africa's stance on Palestine is driven by a commitment to upholding international law and human rights, not hostility towards Israel or its people.
