US consulate says it respects South Africans’ right to assemble peacefully amid protest

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign said that a protest outside the US consulate in Cape Town signalled the beginning of a movement against imperialism and Zionism. 

More than 300 protesters gathered at the consulate in support of the Unite Against Imperialism and Zionism coalition. 

The coalition is made up of more than 40 political, labour, faith-based and community organisations, among others. 

ALSO READ: Coalition protests US and Israel’s ‘military aggression, economic coercion’ in Cape Town

Palestine Solidarity Campaign organiser Usuf Chikte said that the Unite Against Imperialism and Zionism coalition was just getting started. 

"We are outraged by what is happening in West Asia and its implications for South Africa in terms of food, fuel and fertiliser and how the cost is rising," said Chikte. 

The coalition also called on the US ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell, to refrain from pressurising the South African government to stop its International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel. 

A US consulate spokesperson said they were aware of the protest and respected South Africans’ right to assemble peacefully and orderly.