“The Minister expressed support for the Palestinian people, the South African International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel under the Genocide Convention, and welcomed ongoing engagement. However, he was unable to commit to using the administrative authority residing in his office to do due diligence and stop South African coal from powering the Israeli Occupation Forces.”
This is according to the South African Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Coalition. The statement followed a meeting held on Monday, 4 May 2026, with Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). Prior to the meeting, the coalition submitted a report to the DTIC alleging that South African coal exports to Israel are fuelling Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Roshan Dadoo, representing the coalition, told VOC News that the meeting was “constructive.” She noted that while the Minister expressed support for South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), he was unable to take a position on a coal embargo, but emphasised his willingness to continue open and ongoing engagement.
*Listen to the full interview here.
Photo: Pexels
