South Africa is on high alert following intelligence reports suggesting that four more planes evacuating Palestinians may be en route to the country. The government is taking steps to avoid further unexpected arrivals and potential disruptions, particularly with the upcoming G20 summit just a week away.
The initial cause for concern arose on Thursday when a chartered aircraft carrying 153 Palestinian nationals landed at OR Tambo International Airport at approximately 8am. However, border police immediately held the passengers on the plane due to the absence of Israeli departure stamps on their passports.
A senior official within the Department of Defence has characterised the landing as a case of "dirty tricks," highlighting the government's unease with the manner in which these evacuations are being conducted.
The Department of Transport is now expected to closely monitor all incoming applications for foreign operator permits (FOPs) to maintain better control over incoming flights. This heightened vigilance aims to ensure the government remains informed and prepared.
An FOP is a crucial licence required for any non-domestic commercial aircraft operating within a country's airspace. It is typically necessary for flights carrying more than eight passengers or exceeding 1000kg of cargo. The application process necessitates the submission of comprehensive flight and operator details, payment of an application fee, and a guarantee that the operator adheres to the destination country's regulations. Specific application instructions can vary from country to country.
In South Africa, applications must be submitted to the Department of Transport via email. Industry experts note that the processing of these permit applications typically takes three working days.
Once a permit receives approval, the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), South Africa's state-owned entity responsible for air traffic management, assumes control. ATNS allocates the necessary slots and runway access for landing. "Otherwise, you could risk having aircraft colliding in the sky if no arrangements are made to ensure that slots are allocated," a source explained.
While South Africa has no objections to providing humanitarian assistance to residents of Gaza, the government is reportedly displeased with the "ambush tactics" employed, particularly what appears to be a calculated move to coincide with the G20 summit.
The entire security services, including the military and the police, have been mobilised to ensure that no forces would seek to undermine South Africa’s sovereignty during the G20 summit.
For South Africa, a prominent advocate in the case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, offering asylum to Palestinians reinforces the nation's moral and political position. This action strengthens South Africa's leadership role within the Global South on this sensitive issue.
Sources suggest that a more collaborative approach to this situation would present a direct challenge to traditional diplomatic powers, namely the US, UK, and EU, which are often viewed as more sympathetic to Israel. By unilaterally taking a bold humanitarian stance, South Africa aims to provoke a response and underscore what it perceives as the shortcomings of Western-led diplomacy.
When contacted for comment, Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi stated that he was unaware of the high alert. However, Transport Minister Barbara Greecy confirmed the matter, stating, "Good evening, the security cluster is seized with this matter."
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