South Africa vows continued support for Palestine as it marks 31 years of 'challenging freedom' from apartheid

As South Africa celebrated 31 years of freedom from apartheid on 27 April 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa found himself walking a delicate tightrope, beset by domestic turmoil and intense diplomatic pressure—not least from the Donald Trump administration in the United States. Nonetheless, he pledged never to abandon support for Palestine, whose struggle under Israeli apartheid echoes his country's.

At home, Ramaphosa is contending with an increasingly fragile Government of National Unity (GNU), a coalition already fraying at the seams. A recent dispute between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) over a proposed VAT increase nearly brought the unity government to the brink of collapse.

Adding to his challenges are deep-rooted issues plaguing the country: surging unemployment, deteriorating public services, and high crime rates. Land restitution remains unresolved—a painful reminder of the country's unfinished journey toward equity and justice.

“The truth is, for many of our people, freedom remains an elusive dream,” stated the United Africans Transformation (UAT). “The lack of meaningful job opportunities has left families struggling. Service delivery is woefully inadequate. Communities are left vulnerable to crime. The question of land, which is central to our history and identity, is still unanswered.”

Meanwhile, the Forum of South Africa (FOSA) points a sharp finger at corruption.

“There is no real freedom—only COLONISATION,” said FOSA in a statement. “We are being shamelessly led by those committed to looting this country and protecting white monopoly capital at the expense of the marginalized.”

The DA, a key partner in the GNU, offered a more measured assessment of South Africa’s progress.

Dr Ivan Meyer, DA federal chairman, told a gathering in Cape Town: “The freedoms we gained in 1994 were hard-won and have delivered real gains. Millions now have access to clean water, electricity, healthcare, and education. Our peaceful transition from apartheid remains an international example of reconciliation. But we must acknowledge that not all South Africans share equally in these freedoms. We remain one of the most unequal societies in the world. Too many, especially young people, face unemployment, addiction, and homelessness. Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable—there are places where democracy is being delivered.”

Beyond his country's borders, Ramaphosa faces escalating pressure from Western allies, particularly the United States, to withdraw South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ)—a case widely seen as a bold assertion of moral foreign policy.

“South Africa owes its liberation to the support of nations that stood by us during our struggle,” Ramaphosa declared on Freedom Day. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, Western Sahara, eastern DRC, Sudan, Yemen, and the victims of gender oppression in Afghanistan and elsewhere.”

His stance, however, has sparked mixed reactions. Some fear the mounting diplomatic pressure may lead to a retreat from South Africa’s historic solidarity with Palestine.

Khalid Vawda of the group Social Intifada remains optimistic.

“We fully support the principled position taken by the South African government,” Vawda told The New Arab. “To abandon it would be a betrayal of everything we fought for to end apartheid. President Ramaphosa is following Nelson Mandela’s example: refusing to let the United States dictate who our friends should be.”

Vawda accused Israel of using the U.S. as a proxy to apply diplomatic coercion.

“The people of Palestine supported us even under occupation. This relationship is decades old and will not be broken by financial bullying.”

Sunny Morgan of the SA BDS Coalition echoed that sentiment, insisting Ramaphosa will not bow to international pressure.

“The President speaks not just as South Africa’s First Citizen, but as the voice and conscience of the majority. Our solidarity with Palestine reflects our own struggle against apartheid,” Morgan told TNA. “There’s no indication that Ramaphosa will withdraw the ICJ case. South Africa will not be played like a fiddle by Trump, [Secretary of State Tim] Vance, or Israel.

“We take human rights seriously—our opposition to apartheid and genocide is non-negotiable. We will not be intimidated by the MAGA brigade.”

FOSA’s national leader Tebogo Mashilompane stressed the historical and moral parallels between South Africa and Palestine.

“Trump won’t succeed,” he said. “South Africa’s legal case wasn’t filed as a political stunt—it was grounded in principle. Israel must stop harassing and killing Palestinians. Palestine deserves security and sovereignty, and we don’t see Ramaphosa capitulating.”