On Tuesday 2 September attended a talk entitled, “Apartheid IsReal” by ANC Parliamentary Caucus Chairperson and anti-Apartheid activist Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge speak at Wits University. The event was sponsored by the Wits Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC), the South African Student Congress (SASCO), the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and the Young Communist League (YCL). Madlala-Routledge was chosen to travel to Israel to give a feminist perspective on the conflict in the region. She spoke in great detail about the human rights abuses that she saw while abroad. While it is clear that the differences between South Africa during the apartheid regime and the current conditions under the Israeli state are very different, she drew some compelling comparisons between the two. Segregation, denial of resources, economic exploitation and institutionalized discrimination are rampant in the region and are intensifying the tension between the Israelis and the Palestinians. She spoke of a number of women’s groups and family groups working with members from both sides to find a resolution that will give dignity and safety to everyone involved. The political climate of the talk was heated and it became frustrating when supporters of either side patently refused to listen to the other, especially because her message was one of conversation and compromise. After hearing her speak, I can confidently say that I am neither pro-Israel nor pro-Palestine necessarily, but pro-solution.
