“South Africa opens its arms to families fleeing war and devastation”
By George Correspondent | Johannesburg | November 13, 2025
A Scene of Tears and Triumph
The usually bustling OR Tambo International Airport fell silent for a moment on Thursday morning as dozens of Palestinian refugees — mothers clutching infants, children with weary eyes, and elders leaning on walking sticks — stepped off a humanitarian flight from Egypt.
Some fell to their knees, whispering prayers of gratitude. Others wept openly. For many, this was the first breath of safety after months of unrelenting bombings, hunger, and despair in the Gaza Strip.
“We left behind our dead, our homes, our memories,” sobbed Amina Al-Khatib, a mother of three. “But today, we found kindness. South Africa has given us life again.”
South Africa Opens Its Arms
This historic arrival was coordinated by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, in partnership with the UNHCR and local humanitarian organizations. It marks the first large-scale reception of Palestinian refugees by an African nation since the Gaza conflict escalated.
Home Affairs Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed the arrivals personally, declaring that South Africa’s conscience could not allow silence in the face of suffering.
“We, who once depended on global solidarity during apartheid, must now offer the same to those enduring injustice,” Motsoaledi said, drawing applause from aid workers and volunteers.
The Nation Responds with Ubuntu
Across South Africa, a wave of compassion has surged. Churches, mosques, student unions, and ordinary citizens are mobilizing food drives, blankets, and donations for the new arrivals.
The South African Council of Churches called it “a moral duty born from our history.” Civil society groups echoed the sentiment, saying that South Africa’s struggle for freedom makes it uniquely positioned to empathize with the Palestinian plight.
“Ubuntu means I am because we are — and today, we show that spirit to the people of Gaza,” said Reverend Frank Chikane, his voice trembling with emotion.
A Global Statement of Compassion
The African Union praised the initiative, calling it a “beacon of humanity in dark times.” Global media outlets also hailed South Africa’s move as a courageous act of moral leadership, contrasting it with the silence of many Western powers.
Though Israel’s embassy in Pretoria declined to comment, pro-Israel organizations have voiced unease, accusing the government of politicizing aid. Yet, for many South Africans, the gesture transcends politics — it is about humanity.
From Ashes to a New Beginning
The refugees will be temporarily housed in state-supported shelters before being integrated into communities across several provinces. They will receive healthcare, education, and counseling to help heal the trauma of war.
As the sun set over Johannesburg, one young boy — no older than 10 — stood holding a small South African flag given to him by a volunteer. When asked how he felt, he simply whispered:
“Safe.”
And in that single word, the entire story of the day was told.
