The Grand Imam said, "The historic pro-Palastenian position of South Africa towards the Zionist aggression on the Gaza Strip comes only from a great people, raised by a great leader and hero."  His Eminence added, "I am happy that this unique voice comes from Africa, especially from South Africa, which stood in the face of injustice and colonialism, resisted it and triumphed over it. We lived through the era of Nelson Mandela, and experienced the challenges he faced, and took him as a symbol of steadfastness. He was a hero in all his positions, and lived a life full of heroism. He was a hero when he rejected colonialism, when he rejected apartheid, and when he stood in prison for a long time; he was most heroic when he instilled in the sons of South Africa the values of supporting the oppressed and standing in the face of oppressors and tyrants. "

 

 

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, stressed, today, Sunday, during his reception of HE Mr. Ntsiki Mashimbye, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Egypt, that what South Africa has done is the most painful weapon for the Zionist entity, and it is the motive for this global movement that has emerged in the streets of Europe and America and their universities. He pointed out that South Africa’s move towards the aggression on Gaza has caused the Zionist entity to lose a large part of its manipulation that it hides behind under the pretext of anti-Semitism, and has deceived entire peoples for decades; however, South Africa has exposed these lies and falsehoods and revealed the true and bad image of this entity.

 

The Grand Imam sent a message to the people of South Africa: "You are the ones who awakened the conscience of the free world, corrected the wrong path that the world was taking, and became, with the Palestinians, a symbol of freedom, equality, and resistance against those who attack peoples on homelands. We - at Al-Azhar - appreciate your historic position in support of the Palestinian cause, and we know that you will be exposed to great harassment and challenges, and you will pay a heavy price. We are ready to provide unlimited scholarships to the people of South Africa to study at Al-Azhar, in appreciation of this unique and historic position." 

 

For his part, Mr. Mashimbye expressed his happiness for meeting His Eminence the Grand Imam, and his country’s appreciation for Al-Azhar’s support for South Africa’s position before the International Court of Justice, stating: "We know that achieving peace will not be easy, and our country is ready to continue on this path no matter the cost." He noted that South Africa maintains strong relations with Al-Azhar, and that the Muslim community in South Africa has a prominent role in development and progress in various fields.