South African workers’ solidarity with Palestine

The following statement was sent to WW on Feb. 11.

We, the Palestine Solidarity Committee, believe the action by South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) members in Durban [by refusing to unload an Israeli ship--WW] indicates a new phase in Palestinian solidarity in South Africa. Workers have put international solidarity above their own interests and are determined to persist with this action. This action has also spurred other COSATU unions to consider their roles within COSATU’s Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) call. Commercial workers, for example, are discussing how they might join in. BDS has now become a reality in South Africa, in a manner which will have a real impact on Israeli interests. Palestinian solidarity is the better for it; South Africa is the better for it. We salute the SATAWU members, and all the workers of COSATU for their determined support of the Palestinian people.

Na’eem Jeenah, spokesperson, Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC), Johannesburg, South Africa