Pandor calls for collective effort to bring peace to Palestine

Former International Relations Minister, Naledi Pandor, says a collective effort is needed to bring peace and stability to Palestine, amid the escalated bombardment following the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire.

Pandor and the son of the late Steve Biko, Nkosinathi Biko, addressed Human Rights Day commemoration at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley.

Pandor says what is currently unfolding in the Middle East is disheartening.

“I think it is vital that South Africa continues to speak to other progressive countries in the world to say that but surely, this should not continue to persist and a solution must be found. I am sure our president could speak to other leaders such as the role that Qatar Emirates is playing to see in what way we can support efforts towards ensuring peace and security, both for Israel as well as justice for Palestinian people,” says Pandor.

As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day, Sane Nkomo, organiser of the Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival, says it’s important to raise awareness about those still going through injustices in other parts of the globe.

Nkomo says the three-day festival in Johannesburg is aimed creating awareness about all fundamental human rights.

“It’s important to shine some light and some focus and Stilfontein, the DRC as well as Palestine and will continue doing that for the rest of the weekend through our conference and various discussions just to raise awareness, and also to allow a platform for other atrocities that we may not know or may not be on the global news,” says Nkomo.