The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the province is gearing up for mass action against the Israeli government for its treatment of Palestinians and intends to picket in Bloemfontein later today.
The purpose of the 24-hour hunger strike and picket is to pledge solidarity with Palestinian prisoners who are currently on an open-ended hunger strike in Israeli prisons, which they have embarked on since 17 April 2017. Various media sources have reported that over 1500 Palestinian prisoners were part of the hunger-strike against factionalism and the illegal occupation of Palestinian land by the Israelites.
According to the provincial spokesperson, Phillip Kganyago, the prisoners are battling for better prison conditions, freedom, and dignity, and the SACP will partake in this strike as part of a broader battle against Israel’s arbitrary detention of many Palestinians without trial.
He says: “The Palestinians are facing conditions very similar to the ones our Freedom Fighters faced during the Apartheid regime and through our nationwide efforts today, we hope to get support from the international community so that sanctions will be imposed on Israel, disinvestment will be affected and that their trade products are boycotted.”
He also adds that the SACP is expecting members of Congress of Trade Unions (Cosatu) as well as the African National Congress (ANC) to join the picket. He says the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and other non-profit organizations will also partake in the protest.
Catch these organizations from 12:00 to 14:00 today at 41 Charlotte Maxeke Street in Bloemfontein, just outside the Free State Provincial Legislature Building.
For more information on this event, contact Bheke Stofile (SACP Free State Provincial Secretary) at 071-600-4899. Alternatively, contact Phillip Kganyago (SACP Free State Provincial Spokesperson) on 083-650-1057 or 071-896-0157.
Pulane Choane- Courant News
