The ANC’s National Conference has unanimously resolved to downgrade the South African Embassy in Israel to a liaison office. Delegates from the North West, together with branches and regions from other provinces, championed the resolution. The ANC resolution followed a great deal of debate sparked by a recommendation by the ANC in the Western Cape during the ANC’s Policy Conference in July.

The ANC resolution, adopted on Wednesday, reads: “In order to give our practical expression of support to the oppressed people of Palestine; the ANC has unanimously resolved to direct the SA government to immediately and unconditionally downgrade the South African Embassy in Israel to a Liaison Office.”

“Indeed, coming to the conference we found unity in our solidarity with the Palestinians and support for such forms of sanctions against Israel.

“We concur with the PLO leader, General Jibril Rajoub, who was at our conference where explained that the downgrade of the SA Embassy in Israel will send a clear message to Israel that there is a price to pay for its human rights abuses and violations of international law,” said the party.