ANC Demands Answers Over Unexplained Arrival of Palestinian Refugees

ANC Demands Answers Over Unexplained Arrival of Palestinian Refugees, Cites National Security Concerns

Johannesburg, South Africa – The African National Congress (ANC) has voiced strong concerns regarding the recent arrival of over 150 Palestinian refugees at OR Tambo International Airport, calling on the government to provide clarity and ensure national security is not compromised.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has urged government to block any further unverified flights, framing the issue as a national security concern. He called on state security, Home Affairs and transport officials to clarify how the flight was approved, insisting that only government can account for the incident and address potential breaches.

Mbalula emphasized that South Africa should not become an "easy target" for what he described as the "depopulation of Palestine by Israel." He highlighted the need for transparency and adherence to immigration laws, particularly in light of existing tensions and the country's support for the Palestinian cause.

"It shouldn’t just be easy for people to just land in the country," Mbalula stated, adding that if he were minister of police, he would be at the airport to explain what is happening and what is being done to prevent anything that may undermine national security.

The ANC has officially deferred the matter to the government, insisting that it is the government's responsibility to address the situation and provide answers to the public. Mbalula supported International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola’s concerns about the landing of the plane, emphasizing that the issue fell squarely within the responsibilities of government, foreign affairs, and Lamola’s department.

Mbalula further elaborated on the ANC's stance, acknowledging the party's support for Palestine but stressing that immigration procedures and national security protocols must be followed. He emphasized the need for thorough investigation by the transport department, Home Affairs, and the defense department.

He stated that asylum seekers must go through extensive processes and that intelligence services needed full details of the flight plan, the passengers’ point of departure, and their origins.

"If you have a group of people just landing at the airport and then they are from Palestine [and] they seek asylum – that clarity must come from Home Affairs, and then all our security will act, because they don’t act on their own," Mbalula said.

Mbalula warned that if officials had failed in their duties, "then heads must roll," questioning why any lapse in border security should be tolerated.

Despite these concerns, the ANC affirmed its long-standing support for the Palestinian struggle for self-determination and indicated that Palestinians are deserving of political asylum. ANC deputy secretary-general and head of the International Relations Subcommittee, Nomvula Mokonyane, has since met with Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of the Gift of the Givers Foundation to discuss avenues for collaboration, according to the ANC’s social media.

The ANC maintains that the government alone must respond to the matter and address any potential security breaches.