South African activist shifts from pro-Palestinian stance to promoting Israel

Bafana Bi, a 33-year-old South African activist who was once a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and participated in anti-Israel protests, has become a leading figure in promoting Israel's narrative in his home country. He states that a 2016 visit to Israel served as a turning point, revealing a significant gap between his previous perceptions and the realities he encountered on the ground. Bi, who now heads the activities of the organization 'Israel-is' in South Africa, works to organize firsthand visits for politicians, members of parliament, and Christian leaders to provide them with a direct perspective on Israeli society. He argues that the South African government's anti-Israel stance, rooted in the historical alliances of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), does not necessarily reflect the views of the general public. According to Bi, while the South African government has adopted a strong anti-Israel position, most citizens are primarily focused on domestic issues such as the economy and the electricity crisis. He further asserts that despite diplomatic tensions, the Jewish community in South Africa continues to lead normal lives, and there is no widespread hostility toward them on the ground.