With the theme “Red Card Israel,” the initiative calls for the suspension of Israeli teams from FIFA in response to ongoing human rights violations in Gaza, drawing direct inspiration from SA’s anti-apartheid sporting boycott history.

Now in its second year, Week4Palestine mobilises solidarity across continents, uniting civil society, activists, and organisations under a common cause.

National Co-ordinator Michia Moncho told Channel Africa on Thursday that the campaign has grown significantly since its inception, garnering endorsements from more than 100 organisations across Africa, North America, and Europe, including countries such as Kenya, Eswatini, Senegal, Zambia, Malawi, Canada, the Netherlands, the USA, and France.

“We chose the theme based on the anti-apartheid struggle where abnormal societies should not enjoy normal sport,” Moncho explained. “With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, we are calling for Israel’s exclusion due to its apartheid-like policies against Palestinians.”

This year’s campaign activities include public marches, mural painting, soccer tournaments, film screenings, and educational discussions. The campaign emphasises education as a key pillar, aiming to counter misinformation and raise awareness about the historical and political context of the Palestinian struggle.

“People often ask why South Africa is leading this, and our answer lies in our own history,” Moncho said. “We experienced apartheid, and we remember those who stood with us. As Nelson Mandela said, ‘Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians.’”

Moncho added that global solidarity is essential in pressuring governments and international institutions to act. “When the war broke out in Gaza in October 2023, the people of SA mobilised. That pressure led to our government taking the matter to the International Court of Justice. That’s the power of solidarity.”

--ChannelAfrica--