South African government faces pressure to halt coal exports to Israel amid genocide claims
via The Citizen3 min read
The South African government is facing increasing pressure to stop mining companies from exporting coal to Israel, with claims that the fuel contributes to the conflict in Gaza. The SA Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions BDS coalition sent a letter to the government demanding an immediate halt to coal supply deals, arguing that continued exports contradict South Africa's stance against the alleged genocide in Palestine, especially given the country's case at the International Court of Justice ICJ. BDS highlighted that the ICJ confirmed a plausible risk of genocide in January 2024, triggering international obligations for states to prevent it. In March, BDS formally demanded that Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau use statutory powers to prohibit coal exports to Israel and delivered a report titled "Fuelling Genocide." On April 1, BDS also urged Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy to investigate and prohibit vessels transporting South African coal to Israel. The Congress of SA Trade Unions Cosatu has joined the call, with Matthew Parks stating their support for legal efforts to end Israeli aggression, including sanctions. Mining expert David van Wyk noted the difficulty in stopping these exports as private companies, not the government, mine the coal and have existing off-take agreements. Kaamil Alli, spokesperson for Minister Tau, confirmed receipt of the BDS letter and stated a response would follow. Glencore, a major mining company, declined to comment. Po
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