EFF Protests Israeli Athletes at Comrades Marathon
Political Statement Disrupts Iconic South African Race
A demonstration by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in KwaZulu-Natal disrupted the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, highlighting the ongoing international debate surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza and South Africa’s strong stance on Palestinian rights.
Protest Along the Route
Members of the EFF, identifiable by their signature red berets, positioned themselves along the 90km route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, displaying placards with the message stop the genocide
. The protest garnered additional support from members of the local Muslim community.
Mongezi Twala, chairperson of the KZN EFF, articulated the party’s firm opposition to Israeli participation in the marathon. As a revolutionary left movement committed to justice, human rights and international solidarity, we cannot in good conscience allow individuals who represent a genocidal apartheid state to participate freely in events on our soil, especially during a time when the Israeli regime is actively committing crimes against humanity in Gaza,
stated Twala.
South Africa’s Legal Challenge
The South African government has formally escalated the situation, bringing a case against Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging genocide against the Palestinian people. According to the United Nations, as of May 2024, over 14,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7th, 2023. (UN News)
“The ICJ has ruled in favour of South Africa’s application and found that there is a plausible case of genocide against Israel. This is not a symbolic gesture — it is a legal and moral stand against a regime that is currently slaughtering thousands of innocent civilians, targeting hospitals, refugee camps and schools, and defying all international laws under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu.”
—Mongezi Twala, KZN EFF Chairperson
Twala further emphasized the significance of the ICJ’s preliminary ruling, characterizing it as a crucial legal and ethical condemnation of what he described as a brutal regime.
The protest underscores the growing international pressure on Israel and the increasing visibility of pro-Palestinian activism, even within major sporting events. The Comrades Marathon, a symbol of endurance and unity, became a focal point for this complex political dispute.
