Demonstrators in several South African cities have called on the government to ban coal exports to Israel, arguing that the shipments undermine Pretoria’s legal case against Tel Aviv at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Protests were held in Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town, where participants carried signs denouncing coal companies and demanding an immediate embargo. Mining giant Glencore, which exports coal to Israel, was singled out by protesters, who said the supplies help sustain Israel’s electricity grid and military operations.
The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA), which supported the demonstrations, said it was unacceptable for South Africa to continue allowing such exports while simultaneously accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. “As a country that has taken Israel to the ICJ, we cannot enable its war machine,” the union said.
Civil society groups, including the Media Review Network, also urged authorities to adopt tougher measures to ensure no South African resources contribute to Israel’s war effort.