South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) welcomes the South African government’s support of attendance in Eilat, Israel, of a South African competitor (male) at the 13th Esports World Championships 2021, why then is the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa opposing Miss South Africa’s attendance at the Miss Universe pageant in the very same city in a few weeks? Is this hypocrisy? Sexism? Or did he just not know?
E-sports are accredited by the South African Government as a sport for which players are eligible to represent South Africa and obtain National Protea colours.
Mthethwa’s hypocritical stance on Israel has been widely derided. The South African Government maintains an embassy in Tel Aviv and works with Israel on a number of issues, yet the government maintains a constant and hardline anti-Israel narrative, which is at odds with the commercial cooperation between the two countries. The Minister should explain this inconsistency in trade links and rhetoric.
Just a few weeks ago, South African Government agencies worked with an Israeli technology company to help half a million South Africans gain access to clean water. Israeli technology has been considered by the South African Government in treatments for HIV, and Israeli technology supports South Africans in areas such as cyber security and entrepreneurship. A full list appears here https://www.israelforsa.com/. Israel is the top destination in the Middle East for South African tourists and is regularly the host of South Africa’s top cultural treasures.
We call on the South African Government to build bridges, not boycotts and throw their full weight behind Miss SA’s participation in the Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel, and all those bringing South Africa’s unique heritage to the Jewish State. Let’s get behind one of our own, she is a credit to our country and should be claimed as such.
As we have shown encouragement and support for Miss SA, we wish “CactuarKiDD” from Cape Town’s Team Playbell Esports Club, the best of luck. The International Esports Federation (IESF), a flagship world e-sports platform, confirms that eighty-five (85) national members registered for the 13th Esports World Championships, including Kosovo, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Namibia and Nigeria. Athletes will compete for national glory in DOTA 2, CS:GO, Tekken 7 and eFootball PES Series. The tournament is currently underway.
Two ambassadors for South Africa competing in Israel this month. Let’s cheer them both on to win.
Bafana Modise
Spokesperson
South African Friends of Israel
