The Fifth Global Convention of Solidarity with Palestine is underway in Johannesburg, South Africa, in commemoration of freedom fighter Nelson Mandela.
Published by Al Mayadeen English
The 5th Global Convention of Solidarity with Palestine kicked off today in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking the tenth anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s passing.
Titled “Nelson Mandela and Palestine: Confronting Racism till Liberation,” the event is organized by the Global Campaign to Return to Palestine, in collaboration with Mandela’s family, in remembrance of the iconic leader who became South Africa‘s first democratically elected president after his struggle to bring an end to apartheid.
Running from December 3 to 5, the convention has attracted over 150 international delegates from 72 countries, including representatives from the Palestinian Resistance Movement, Hamas.
Among the key objectives is to provide crucial briefings on the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip to political parties, civil society groups, and members of the Palestine solidarity movement.
In a press statement, Africa4Palestine highlighted the significance of the convention, quoting Mandela, who once asserted, “We know very well that our freedom will not be complete until Palestine is liberated.”
The organizers emphasized that the downfall of South Africa‘s apartheid regime was a pivotal achievement for liberation movements globally, particularly in the Palestinian struggle.
The convention will conclude with a symbolic march to the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government, scheduled for Tuesday. This event aims to underscore the enduring solidarity between South Africa and Palestine, drawing parallels between the struggles for freedom and justice in both regions.
South African-Palestinian solidarity
The symbolism of the convention is that it is taking place this year in Johannesburg, the capital of South Africa, a country that for decades it suffered from colonialism and racism, as the Palestinians are, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported.
South Africa, under the leadership of historic revolutionary Nelson Mandela, managed to uproot racism and the Apartheid regime that for years tormented the people of South Africa, our correspondent added.
The opening speech at the conference was delivered by Mandela Mandela, the grandson of freedom fighter Nelson Mandela.
In his address, he extensively discussed the current plight of Palestinians, emphasizing the ongoing genocide perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces. Mandela continuously called for the liberation of all Palestinian lands and the upheaval of the occupation.