The decision comes after a group of 153 Palestinians arrived last week on a charter flight from Kenya. They had hoped to seek asylum, but were initially denied entry at OR Tambo International Airport because they lacked proper documents, including Israeli exit stamps and accommodation details. After spending nearly 12 hours at the airport, they were eventually allowed in under South Africa’s standard 90-day visa exemption on humanitarian grounds.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said the government is now investigating the circumstances surrounding their arrival. He expressed suspicion about the organisation behind the flights, which appears to be unregistered and may have arranged travel in an irregular and unsafe manner.

Lamola said the situation suggests a coordinated effort to move Palestinians to different parts of the world — something South Africa strongly opposes if it contributes to forced displacement. According to him, similar flights have been sent to other countries, raising questions about whether this forms part of a broader agenda to remove Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.

Authorities are specifically looking into the involvement of a group called Al-Majd Europe, which is believed to have helped organise the travel. Some officials and aid workers fear that the passengers may have been victims of human trafficking or part of a larger forced-migration pipeline using third countries as transit points.

It has also been revealed that the November flight was not the first. The charter operator confirmed that another flight carrying Palestinian passengers arrived from Nairobi in late October and entered South Africa without difficulty under the same visa exemption.

South Africa has long been vocal in its support for Palestinian rights and has taken legal action against Israel in international courts. The ongoing investigation reflects increasing concern that these flights may not be humanitarian missions, but rather part of a much wider and highly troubling operation.

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I fully support calls for the South African government to take stronger and more decisive action to rescue and protect the women, children, and all civilians affected by this brutal conflict. Their right to safety, dignity, and life itself is non-negotiable. South Africa must act with courage, urgency, and unwavering moral clarity.

I salute the extraordinary work of Gift of the Givers under Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. Their compassion, tireless effort, and bravery in the face of human suffering are a beacon of hope in a world that too often turns a blind eye. Those who are able to donate or assist Gift of the Givers must do so. Every contribution brings warmth, relief, and life-saving support to people who have lost everything.

We must also remember the historic solidarity of the Palestinian people with our own struggle. During the darkest days of apartheid, Yasser Arafat, as leader of the PLO, stood with South Africa, offering support and guidance when the oppressors sought to crush our people. He also guided Nelson Mandela on the importance of standing with the Palestinian people, teaching us that the fight for justice and humanity knows no borders.

The legacy of Nelson Mandela reminds us that silence in the face of oppression is betrayal. We must act now, with heart and courage, to ensure that those fleeing war are given safety, dignity, and hope. South Africa must continue to lead by example, offering sanctuary and practical support to those in desperate need.

The children of Gaza are crying out for help. The women are seeking shelter from bombs. They are not alone. We stand with Palestine. We stand with the refugees. We stand for justice and humanity.

Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela

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