It was an electric and deeply moving evening in Erasmia, last Wednesday (Sept 23) as more than 1,300 people gathered at the Suleman Convention Centre in Erasmia, for the annual Palestine Fundraising Dinner hosted by Imaam Al Ghazali Global Relief.
The event formed part of a national tour bringing internationally recognised activists and speakers to South Africa, to raise awareness about the inhumane situation in Palestine, mobilise humanitarian support and encourage South Africans to remain engaged in the struggle for justice and freedom for oppressed people. The current tour included engagements in Johannesburg, Polokwane, Venda, Durban and Cape Town.
The evening began with a grand and energetic welcome by the Pretoria Muslim Youth Brigade, setting the tone for what would become a powerful night of solidarity, reflection and activism.
Guests travelled from across Pretoria and different parts of South Africa to attend the fundraising dinner, which brought together community members, activists, donors, sponsors, academics and concerned citizens. Also present were supporters from the EFF, Al Jama-ah and ANC, who support the cause for the oppressed people of Palestine.
The programme featured a wonderful performance by Cape Town celebrity Zarina Sably, adding to an already vibrant evening. Another highlight of the evening was a vibrant fundraising auction, which brought tremendous excitement to the hall. Guests enthusiastically competed in the bidding, knowing that their contributions were being made to support the Palestinian cause.
Among the special items auctioned was a copy of ‘The Fidel Castro Handbook,’ written by George Galloway and personally signed by him on the evening.
At the heart of the programme was a call for continued action in support of the oppressed Palestinian people. Speakers addressed the importance of activism, humanitarian assistance, boycotts and individual responsibility in contributing towards the liberation of Palestine and supporting oppressed communities around the world. One of the evening’s headline guests was George Galloway, the British politician, broadcaster and longstanding campaigner on international justice and Palestine.
Galloway has served as a British Member of Parliament across several decades and has been a prominent critic of apartheid and an advocate for Palestinian rights. During the apartheid era, he had links with the anti-apartheid movement and has maintained a longstanding relationship with South Africa.
Throughout his public life, Galloway has campaigned on issues including Palestine, Iraq, international justice and the rights of oppressed communities. His presence in South Africa formed part of his broader engagement with activists, communities and organisations working around Palestine and humanitarian issues.Throughout his public life, Galloway has campaigned on issues including Palestine, Iraq, international justice and the rights of oppressed communities. His presence in South Africa formed part of his broader engagement with activists, communities and organisations working around Palestine and humanitarian issues.
During his address, Galloway spoke about the importance of activism and the responsibility of South Africans to remember the sacrifices made during the country’s own struggle for freedom. He encouraged people to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.
Joining Galloway was renowned British journalist and activist Yvonne Ridley.
Through her journalism and activism, Ridley has travelled extensively, engaging with communities and bringing international attention to humanitarian and political issues. Her participation in the South African tour provided an opportunity for audiences to hear directly from an experienced international journalist and activist about the importance of media, advocacy and grassroots mobilisation.
A Message from Gaza
A particularly significant moment of the evening came when Dr Mustafa Barghouti joined the programme via video call.
Dr Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian physician, political leader, and human rights activist, who serves as the General Secretary and co-founder of the Palestinian National Initiative. He is a strong advocate for non violent resistance, civil disobedience, and international boycotts against Israel’s occupation. Dr Barghouti thanked the people of South Africa for their continued contributions and solidarity with the Palestinian people and spoke about the urgent humanitarian situation facing communities in Gaza and the West Bank.
His message reinforced the importance of humanitarian assistance at a time when medical services and essential resources remain desperately needed.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on South Africa’s history and the sacrifices made during the struggle against apartheid. The discussions highlighted the importance of remembering that freedom was not achieved without ordinary people becoming involved. Activists, community organisations, political movements, religious organisations and individuals all played a role in South Africa’s journey towards democracy.
The speakers encouraged South Africans to consider how that history informs their response to the suffering of others today, while emphasising the importance of peaceful activism, humanitarian assistance and continued engagement.
The evening therefore became more than simply a fundraising dinner. It became a gathering centred around solidarity, education, humanitarian action and remembrance.
