In light of the ongoing Genocide and War Crimes perpetrated by the Apartheid State of Israel on the people of Gaza, the Peoples Movement for Change (PMC) fervently demands the denial of docking permissions to vessels destined for or associated with Israel, at ports in South Africa.
The PMC urgently calls upon both the Transnet National Ports Authority and the respective dockworkers unions to take an unwavering stance against Genocide and Apartheid. Rejecting docking permissions is a moral imperative that aligns with the PMC’s commitment to stand against oppression in all forms.
“This is a critical moment where our actions must reflect our unwavering commitment to stand against Apartheid,” emphasised Faizal Daniels PMC’s National Spokesperson. “Denying docking to Israeli vessels isn’t merely symbolic, it’s a definitive act affirming South Africa’s stance against oppression and injustice.”
The imminent redirection of commercial shipping from the Red Sea underscores the urgency for unified action. It’s imperative to prevent Cape Town and Durban from inadvertently supporting Apartheid and Genocide.
“Our own struggle against Apartheid must inform our actions against the Apartheid State of Israel. Now is the time to put words into action, and not allow South Africa to be passive bystander as Israel and its allies use our ports as a safe haven,” added Daniels.
This collective call transcends maritime matters – it is an uncompromising stance against Genocide, demanding an unequivocal refusal to endorse the oppression, murder and ethnic cleansing of Palestine. The PMC reiterates that denying docking permissions to Israeli vessels (and vessels destined for Israel) is an moral imperative, amplifying South Africa’s dedication to justice, equality, and global solidarity.
If Transnet National Ports Authority refuses to comply, PMC strongly urges dockworkers unions to stand against Apartheid and Genocide by refusing to service or dock these vessels.
“There is precedent for this type of solidarity. The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) has historically taken the principled stance of not offloading Israeli vessels. We call on SATAWU and other unions to once again take this principled stance against Apartheid,” concluded Daniels
The PMC calls upon all stakeholders, including the people of Cape Town and Durban, to rally in support of this by picketing at the docks to put pressure on Transnet National Ports Authority.
-ENDS-
ISSUED BY THE INTERIM NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE PMC
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Faizal Daniels
National Spokesperson
+27 747255258
