South African Government Withdraws Support For Miss South Africa For Resisting Israeli Boycott

South African government has withdrawn support for Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane in the Miss Universe contest set to be held in Israel.

Despite the fact that organizers have urged countries not to politicize the contest, there have been calls for Mswane to boycott the pageantry showpiece because the South African government cannot support one of their own vying in a competition in Israel which they have accused of committing atrocities against Palestinians.

South Africa has said they are very much aware of apartheid politics and cannot support what is happening in Israel. The country’s arts and culture ministry said that “the atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians are well documented’’ and could not “in good conscience associate itself with such.’’

In the past, Israel has denied any wrongdoing in its relationship with Palestinians and has countered accusations saying their treatment of Palestinians could be likened to apartheid.

Minister Nathi Mthethwa reasoned that the withdrawal of Mswane could have been good for the country’s stand globally “in comparison to a one-off event that can prove disastrous to her future and public standing as a young, black woman.’’

“This has regrettably been unsuccessful, hence the decision now to publicly distance government and the people of South Africa from Miss SA pageant organiser’s stance on this matter,’’ the minister said.

The Miss Universe contest is scheduled to hold on December 12, 2021.

Source

BBC

Featured Image Source: Twitter @Official_MissSA