Pandor missed golden opportunity

Minister Naledi Pandor, pictured, recently missed a golden opportunity to show good leadership. Instead of rushing off to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a huff, after following orders from “you-know-who”, she should have flown to Israel for consultation with Israeli’s foreign minister or even the prime minister. This would have given her great credibility as a non-partisan statesperson.

However, I find it strange that, after all the brouhaha of the ICJ, Pandor has not been invited to take part in any ceasefire negotiations. In fact, South Africa has not been consulted by any of the parties requesting an end to the war. The ICJ has even declined South Africa’s application for additional measures against Israel. Another distinct slap in the face and a snub indeed.

In order to save face, South Africa could show its great support for Palestine by inviting 30 000 to 40 000 refugees to settle in South Africa – preferably in the old Transkei. I’m sure the folk of the Eastern Cape will welcome them into their homes with open arms, and wear their keffiyehs with pride. This would give South Africa world recognition with, perhaps, even a Nobel Peace Prize in the offing. With our massive wealth and infrastructure, we could easily accommodate them.

Nobody else seems to want them, not even the Arab and Muslim states.

The new enclave could be called “Gazania” or “Little Palestine” and could be run on the same independent basis as Orania. Having Hamas on our doorstep would indeed be a plus for the ANC.