South Africa: Govt withdraws support for Miss SA in Israel

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By Ismail Auwal

The government in South Africa has withdrawn support for Miss South Africa in the Miss Universe contest to be held in Israel.

There have been calls for Lalela Mswane to boycott the pageant, although organisers say it should not be politicised.

Those opposing South Africa’s participation in the contest are protesting against Israel’s alleged committing of atrocities against Palestinians.

South African campaigners say they have lived under apartheid and therefore cannot support what is going on in Israel.

In a statement, South Africa’s arts and culture ministry said that “the atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians are well documented” and it could not “in good conscience associate itself with such”.

Israel has in the past denied committing atrocities and rejects accusations that its treatment of Palestinians amounts to apartheid.

Minister Nathi Mthethwa said that Ms Mswane should have withdrawn for the sake of South Africa’s global standing “in comparison to a one-off event that can prove disastrous to her future and public standing as a young, black woman”.

The Miss Universe contest is set to be held on 12 December.

Culled from BBC

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