Thousands of South Africans filled the streets of Cape Town on Saturday in a large demonstration expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza and calling for stronger government action in response to Israel’s ongoing military operations.
The march, held in the country’s legislative capital, drew participants from diverse communities, including religious groups, student organizations, human rights activists, and political figures. Protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners demanding an immediate end to the violence in Gaza, as well as increased diplomatic pressure on Israel.
Strong Calls for Government Action
Speakers at the rally urged the South African government to take a firmer stance on the crisis, including pushing for international accountability measures and strengthening support for Palestinian statehood. Some participants called for the expulsion of Israeli diplomats and greater advocacy at the United Nations.
“This is not just a Palestinian issue, it is a human rights issue,” said one protest organizer, emphasizing the shared history between South Africans and Palestinians in the struggle against oppression.
Cape Town as a Hub of Solidarity
Cape Town has long been a center for pro-Palestinian activism in South Africa, reflecting the country’s historical ties to global liberation movements. Similar marches were held in previous years during major escalations in Gaza, but Saturday’s event was among the largest in recent months, with drone images showing massive crowds filling central streets and public squares.
Wider African Support for Gaza
The Cape Town march is part of a growing wave of solidarity actions across Africa, as civil society groups and activists call for a stronger continental response to the humanitarian crisis. Demonstrations have also been reported in Kenya, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Algeria in recent weeks.
South Africa has consistently voiced support for Palestinian self-determination and brought a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice earlier this year, a move that was widely praised across the Global South.