COSATU launches campaign to boycott Israeli products

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, South Africa’s largest trade union federation, is demanding that the

Willy Madisha, COSATU’s president, speaking in support of the Palestinian people.

federal government impose a boycott of Israeli goods and cut off diplomatic relations with the apartheid state. It is a show of solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination.

Churches and mosques are participating by talking about the plight of the Palestinians to their congregations. A candlelight vigil was held on June 5 outside the Israeli consulate in Johannesburg. Media events were held during the same week.

The ruling African National Congress is not supporting COSATU’s challenge to Israel. The ANC is seeking to strengthen economic ties with the colonial-settler state.

But COSATU’s stand is encouraging and resonates with the South African working class. The boycott of South African products was instrumental in ending the racist apartheid regime in South Africa.