CAPE TOWN, South Africa - South Africa, known for its historic struggle against apartheid, remains committed to supporting the Palestinian cause. The country, despite its distance and diplomatic limitations, has taken the uncommon step of bringing a genocide case against Israel to the International Court of Justice in response to its conflict in Gaza.

The deep-rooted solidarity between South Africa and Palestine was exemplified by the memorable meeting between Nelson Mandela and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in 1990, shortly after Mandela's release from prison. Arafat, wearing his iconic black and white checkered keffiyeh headdress, greeted Mandela with a bear hug and kisses on both cheeks. This powerful encounter affirmed the shared belief of Mandela and Arafat that their respective peoples' struggles for freedom were intertwined.

Even after Mandela's passing in 2013, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has maintained its staunch pro-Palestinian stance. This commitment was reiterated by Mandla Mandela, Nelson Mandela's grandson and an ANC lawmaker, who addressed a large pro-Palestinian rally in Cape Town wearing a black and white Palestinian keffiyeh around his neck. "We have stood with the Palestinians and we will continue to stand with our Palestinian brothers and sisters," he declared.

Nelson Mandela himself frequently raised awareness of the plight of Palestinians. In a speech delivered three years after apartheid was dismantled and Mandela was elected as South Africa's first black president in 1994, he expressed gratitude for international support while acknowledging that true freedom could only be achieved when the Palestinians were free as well. Mandela and subsequent South African leaders consistently drew parallels between the restrictions faced by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and the oppression endured by black South Africans during apartheid.

The historical ties between South Africa and Israel have also influenced the nation's unwavering support for Palestine. Israel had supplied weapons systems to South Africa's apartheid government and maintained covert military relations until the 1980s, despite publicly condemning apartheid.

While South Africa may not carry the diplomatic clout of larger nations, its determination to advocate for the Palestinian cause has persisted. By bringing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, South Africa aims to bring attention to the ongoing conflict and stand in solidarity with Palestinians.