SOUTH AFRICA – Kurdistan Youth Diplomacy Committee (Komîteya Diplomasi ya Ciwanên Kurdistan) started a one-month delegation journey to South Africa today. Members of the delegation will travel to different cities, visit democratic organizations and discuss with them the history of South Africa’s struggle, and introduce the philosophy of Rêber APO and the Rojava Revolution. At the beginning of the journey, organizations will be visited in Cape Town and the Committee will participate in the events held there to promote the Kurdish Freedom Movement.
A meeting was held with ILRIG (International Study and Research and Information Group), which will accompany the delegation group for 1 month. ILRIG explores the struggles and developments of anti-capitalist workers to develop a democratic alternative for South African society to state oppression and colonization. That’s why they keep in touch with different organizations and organize many events for workers and activists.
The delegation was then welcomed by the CSSAWU (Commercial Stevedoring Agricultural and Allied Labor Union) and scheduled events for the other days, mostly women and youth.
In both meetings, the delegation was warmly welcomed and there were good discussions about the struggle. At the same time, many similarities were seen in the history of the struggles of the peoples of South Africa and Kurdistan, as well as the colonies they lived in.
The practical application and success of democratic confederalism developed by Rêber APO in Northern and Eastern Syria inspired South African comrades, whose country is characterized by great diversity and, at the same time, extreme inequality.
South Africa and the Kurdish Freedom Movement already have a long history. Nelson Mandela, the former and first elected President of South Africa, said in 1997, “I am a part of the Kurdish struggle. I am one of you.” Standing shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the people of Kurdistan. Before the interstate conspiracy against Rêber APO, Mandela offered him political asylum in South Africa. The diplomatic committee of the youth of Kurdistan is leading this committee on the connection of the peoples created at that time and which has not broken down until today.
