Mongezi Koko7 October 2024 | 5:19

ANC hosts interfaith prayer in solidarity with Palestine, maintains calls for ceasefire

South Africa has consistently supported the Palestinian cause, with the ANC calling for an end to the violence and oppression and an immediate ceasefire.

ANC hosts interfaith prayer in solidarity with Palestine, maintains calls for ceasefire

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi attends a Candlelight Vigil and Interfaith Prayer in solidarity with the people of Palestine as part of commemorating the innocent lives lost in Gaza, 6 October 2024. Picture: X/@MYANC

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) hosted an interfaith prayer and candlelight vigil in a show of solidarity with Palestine, marking October 7 as one of the deadliest moments in the region’s history. 

The vigil, led by ANC Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Mokonyane, paid tribute to more than 42,000 Palestinian civilians who lost their lives between October 2023 and October 2024 at the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto on Sunday.

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Faith leaders, civic organisations, and community activists highlighted the devastating humanitarian toll of the conflict, and South Africa’s continued call for justice and peace.  

South Africa has consistently supported the Palestinian cause, with the ANC calling for an end to the violence and oppression and an immediate ceasefire.

NETANYAHU 'PLAYING GOD'

Meanwhile, ANC Gauteng Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, accusing him of acting above the law.  
  
Lesufi accused Netanyahu of playing “God” amid the escalating violence in Gaza. 
  
He was joined by other senior ANC leaders, including Ronald Lamola and Thembi Simelane, who all condemned the conflict. 
  
Lesufi stressed that no leader, including Netanyahu, should be beyond the reach of international law: 
  
"We can’t watch when the weak and the vulnerable are denied their basic right to life because someone thinks he can play 'God' and decide who must live and decide who must die, we are saying stop it now," said Lesufi.
  
The conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups continues to draw global concern, with calls from various international leaders for de-escalation and dialogue to end the hostilities.