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South Africa witnessed thousands of marchers in solidarity with the Palestinians as the world observed the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people on Wednesday, 29 November.
In Johannesburg, a procession commenced at Mary Fitzgerald Square, with participants chanting to Nelson Mandela Bridge. March leaders were expected to make their speeches at the bridge, but safety concerns arose due to the suspension bridge swaying. As a result, they diverted the route to Constitutional Hill.
Members of various political parties, civil society organisations and other supporters marched through the streets to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. As they chanted “Palestinians will be free” on their way to Constitutional Hill, they were greeted by a group of elderly and disabled women who had also come to join the march.
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Speaking to City Press, Mirriam Shabalala, who was among the elderly, said:
She continued:"During that dark period, we were fortunate to receive invaluable support from neighbouring countries in our struggle for liberation. Today, I feel compelled to reciprocate that kindness by extending my unwavering support to the Palestinian people as they fight for their own freedom and self-determination."
According to Dr Sandra Fernandes, divisional head of neuropsychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand, the European Gaza Hospital receives dozens of Palestinians killed and wounded daily, some of them are referrals from other overwhelmed hospitals. It is also a place of shelter for displaced people, despite the lack of provisions.
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She said:
Fernandes added that what was happening in Gaza was a public health crisis and a mental health crisis and called for an immediate ceasefire sustained in permanent and unlimited access to humanitarian aid for the people in Gaza.
She continued:
Fernandes went on to say that Gaza needed to immediately reconstruct all of its medical facilities in the wake of the bombardment. She also advocated for long-term psychological treatment for the traumatised country and supported the rights of the elderly, pregnant women, children, the disabled and animals living in the environment.
READ:South Africa welcomes humanitarian pause in Gaza conflict
Among the officials leading the march was Zwelinzima Vavi, the general secretary of the SA Federation of Trade Unions.
Speaking to City Press, he said:
