The Media Review Network (MRN) has called for the cancellation of the Zionist Connect conference scheduled for March 16 in Cape Town, labelling it a direct challenge to South Africa's official stance on Palestine.

The event, organised by the South African Zionist Federation, has sparked significant backlash from activist groups.

MRN executive member Dr Ahmed Haroon Jazbhay described the conference as a challenge to South Africa's official position on Palestine.

Critics particularly question the choice of Cape Town as the venue, citing the city's Democratic Alliance leadership, while calling on the government to prevent what they term the promotion of 'settler colonialism'.

"The conference is the proverbial middle finger to the official stance of the South African government concerning the settler colonial occupation of Palestine, of which Zionism is the chief enabler," said Jazbhay.

The conference, featuring Israeli speakers and advocates, aims to foster engagement and dialogue within the Zionist community in Cape Town.

However, MRN argues that hosting such an event contradicts South Africa's historical struggle against apartheid.

"South Africa, with its painful history of settler colonialism and apartheid, has a moral obligation to reject any movement that perpetuates oppression and displacement," said Jazbhay.

The event is set to include keynote speeches and panel discussions with prominent pro-Israel figures, including Israel's former UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan.

According to the event page, attendees are invited to "mix, mingle, and schmooze" while engaging in discussions on advocacy and Zionist ideology.

MRN further criticised the choice of Cape Town as the venue, stating; "The fact that the conference is being held in Cape Town, a city run by the Zionist-sympathetic Democratic Alliance but a member of the Government of National Unity, is a slap in the face of the government’s stance on ending the genocide of Palestinians."

The organisation has called upon the South African government and civil society to reject the conference.

"No part of South Africa should be a platform for ideologies perpetuating injustice," MRN asserted, urging immediate action.

The conference is expected to face further opposition from Palestinian solidarity organisations and human rights groups in South Africa.

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