South African PSC endorses demand for the immediate recall of ambassador from Israel

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign in South Africa has pledged its support for the demand to recall the country’s ambassador from Israel. The initial demand was made by the Women’s Boat to Gaza, South Africa (WBGSA).

Leigh-Ann Naidoo’s press conference at OR Tambo Airport, following her kidnapping and detention by the Israel Defence Forces along with other women on board the Women’s Boat to Gaza, was meant to capture and mark her heroic endeavour on behalf of South Africans. Instead, says the PSC, the moment was sullied by Ambassador Sisa Ngombane’s boorish and unprofessional behaviour. “His disrespectful conduct was an insult to the people of Palestine,” claims the solidarity movement in a press statement,
“and showed contemptuous disregard for most South Africans who want to express solidarity with Palestinians.”

In addition, the PSC notes with regret the disingenuous attempt to present the ambassador’s presence as having accompanied Naidoo following her deportation by the Israelis, when it has been revealed subsequently that he had pre-planned a personal visit. His presence on Naidoo’s return flight was coincidental and so his posturing was a publicity stunt. “The latter is rendered more insidious by his apparent ignorance of her capture hitherto, and the lack of consular assistance that she received.”

Unless the ambassador is recalled, concludes the PSC, “We believe that South Africa’s policy positions on Palestine will remain unfairly biased towards Israel.”