Pretoria – South Africa has declared it will not accept additional flights carrying Palestinians as the government investigates the arrival of more than 150 passengers from Gaza at OR Tambo International Airport last Thursday. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola spoke during a media briefing on Monday while updating on the country’s readiness to host the G20 leaders summit.
Lamola raised concerns that the recent flight may be part of a wider plan to remove Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. “This is a clear agenda to cleanse the Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank, which South Africa is against,” he said.
The 153 passengers were initially detained because they lacked proper immigration documentation, including stay duration, accommodation details, and departure stamps. They were later released into the care of humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers. Of the group, 23 have already moved to their destinations while the remaining 130 remain under supervision in South Africa.
Border Management Authority commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that none of the travellers had applied for asylum, which initially led to their denial of entry. Gift of the Givers offered to accommodate them, after which officials verified their details.
Lamola disputed claims by Israeli authorities that the passengers had valid visas and authorisation to enter South Africa. “At this stage, the information at our disposal is that they didn’t have those required approvals and permits. But as I have said, this is a matter that is subject to investigation. Our authorities will get to the bottom of the matter,” he said. He added that while the investigation may reveal different information, he doubts this will be the case.
Reports indicate that this flight was not an isolated incident. Charter flight requests carrying Palestinians have been submitted to South African operators since August, with intermediaries including Al-Majd Europe arranging the trips. Details about previous flights remain unclear.
The ANC has called for the group to be granted political asylum. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the government had communication gaps regarding the arrivals and demanded clarity on the issue, stressing that South Africa is obliged under the Geneva Convention to provide asylum where needed.
The Palestinian flight controversy emerges as South Africa finalises preparations for the historic G20 summit on 22-23 November 2025, the first hosted on African soil. Lamola confirmed 42 countries are participating, including 20 G20 members excluding the United States, 16 guest countries, and six representing regional economic communities in Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia.
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