Opinion, Sister Fadheelah – June 29, 2012

Is this a NIGHTMARE or a sad reality?

To see politicians like Reverend Kenneth Moshoe of the ACDP and the IFP’s Mangosutho Buthelezi, who emerged from an oppressed past, marching in support of oppressors is nauseating!

Israel is the ONLY state in the world where apartheid is still entrenched in its sick constitution!

Today I feel ashamed to be sharing the same nationality as Buthelezi and a so called “man of God” Meshoe ! How can individuals who lived through a struggle for freedom, lead a march in support of an illegal state which denies freedom?

With what conscience can one support a government which is deep rooted in illegal occupation, murder, torture, collective punishment and many other gross human rights violations!

How can people who were treated like sub-humans by a racist government, stand in solidarity with a government which treats the palestinians like sub-humans?

How does one sell ones soul to the devil merely for political gain and self empowerment?

Can one honestly sanction evil to acquire name and fame? Can one honestly sanction evil for financial gain?

I am sure that there are millions of Christian South Africans who witnessed this sad day, and are saying to themselves “NOT IN OUR NAME!”

I hope that the police who forcefully removed Palestinian supporters at the pro-Israel march in Pretoria and threatened them with arrests, will take a moment to reflect and remember days like 16 June when hundreds of innocent lives were lost as our youth stood up against injustice! I hope that they take a moment to remember how millions of South Africans were forcefully removed from protest marches against the past apartheid government! I hope that they will take a moment to remember how thousands of helpless South Africans were arrested and imprisoned when they participated in marches against the past apartheid government!

Today for people like the members of the ACDP and the IFP to behave in the same manner as the past apartheid NP behaved, is a shame! It’s unacceptable and disgusting to say the least!

We appeal to our government to prevent future marches which are in favour of injustice!

What message are we sending to our kids? That its okay to support evil? That its okay to support injustice?

I hope and pray that our government is taking cognisance of the fact that a handful of misguided politicians are setting a bad example for our youth who are going to be our future leaders!

I hope and pray that the youth who have witnessed this tragic day will not follow in the footsteps of leaders who are blinded by greed. Leaders who have lost their integrity and dignity by supporting a state which is seeping in injustice and oppression.

These misguided politicians have no scruples. They are making a mockery of our constitution by supporting a state which has blood on its hands. A state whose leaders are guilty of war crimes.

So to the ACDP and IFP, I say that you ought to feel ashamed of yourselves for bringing disgrace upon yourselves and our country!

Opinions expressed to do not necessarily reflect those of Cii Broadcasting