Johannesburg – The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) has announced that it is “proud to host” a delegation of Patriotic Alliance (PA) party members on an upcoming study tour to Israel.
“This imminent trip follows a request from the PA for SAFI to organise the tour so that its political leaders can learn from Israel for the good of a future South Africa,” Bafana Modise, National Spokesperson of SAFI said on Monday, (19 May 2025).
Relations between South Africa and Israel soured over the latter’s ongoing deadly attacks and blockade of aid in Gaza.
Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which came in retaliation for the October 2023 terrorist attack orchestrated by Hamas, has killed nearly 53 000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to figures by the health ministry in the strip, which the United Nations considers reliable.
South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in a matter before the International Court of Justice.
Israel rejects what it calls the “grossly distorted” accusation of genocide leveled against it by South Africa.
“Despite the deeply damaging and short-sighted breakdown in relations between the governments of South Africa and Israel, a rupture that ultimately harms ordinary citizens and squanders opportunities for shared progress, the reality remains that South Africans, including their political leaders, are well-positioned to learn from Israel’s experience in social and economic development, particularly in delivering services that improve quality of life for all,” said Modise.
“The trip is further supported by the fact that the ANC’s foreign policy decisions do not represent the will or the interests of the South African people.”
SAFI describes itself as a grassroots movement representing thousands of South Africans – Christians and Jews alike – who support the continued connection and solidarity between South Africa and the State of Israel.
Modise said Israel continues to be a global pioneer in water security, agricultural sustainability, and technological innovation and has implemented significant projects in this regard throughout Africa.
“Lessons drawn from these sectors can empower South African political leaders with the knowledge and tools to implement similar solutions at home, acting as engines for socio-economic upliftment,” said Modise.
“Similarly, Israel can also gain valuable lessons from South Africa’s experiences in nation-building, particularly in nurturing unity and common purpose among diverse communities with differing interests and concerns.
“Despite the South African government’s actions toward Israel over the past 18 months, South Africans remain well-positioned to play a pivotal role in promoting peace throughout the Middle East.”
Modise said SAFI was confident that this upcoming visit to Israel would yield tangible outcomes that benefit all South Africans and further strengthen the bridge between the two nations destined for greatness.
