Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the League of Arab States and 77 years of Palestinian Nakba
2 June 2025
The League of Arab States Mission in South Africa hosted an official ceremony on 28 May in Pretoria to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the League of Arab States. The event also commemorated the 77th anniversary of the Nakba, underscoring the Arab League’s enduring commitment to the Palestinian cause.
The Government of South Africa was officially represented by Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. The event was attended by a wide array of dignitaries, including senior South African officials, members of the foreign diplomatic corps, Arab ambassadors and diplomats, parliamentarians, political party leaders, representatives of civil society, academic institutions, research centers and the media.
The ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Ambassador Reyad Al-Akbari, Head of the Arab League Mission in South Africa. In his address, Ambassador Al-Akbari reflected on the key milestones in the Arab League’s eight-decade history and emphasized the strong ties between Arab and African nations, particularly the historical and strategic relationship with South Africa. He also highlighted the Arab League’s foundational connection to the Palestinian issue and commended South Africa’s principled and historically- rooted stance in support of Palestinian rights and against the Israeli apartheid.
A recorded keynote address from Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, was played during the event. In his speech Gheit highlighted the League’s unifying role in the Arab world and called for greater solidarity and joint Arab action in confronting today’s challenges.
Ambassador Hanan Jarrar of the State of Palestine to South Africa, and Chair of the Arab Ambassador’s Council for the month of May 2025, delivered an in-depth briefing on recent developments in Palestine. She expressed gratitude for South Africa’s firm support and its vocal condemnation of what she described as Israel’s ongoing campaign of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and collective punishment against the Palestinian people.
Also speaking at the event was Ambassador Kabalan Frangieh of Lebanon and Vice Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps in South Africa. Frangieh emphasized the longstanding Arab presence in South Africa and applauded the South African government’s legal challenge at the International Court of Justice which accuses Israel of committing genocide.
The ceremony’s keynote speech was delivered by Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on behalf of the South African Government. Moraka extended congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the Arab League. She reaffirmed South Africa’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and strongly condemned the crimes being committed against them. Citing Nelson Mandela, she stated: “We are not free until the Palestinians are free.” Deputy Minister Moraka called for continued Arab–African cooperation and highlighted the importance of joint efforts in political, economic, and developmental fields.
The event concluded with a cultural performance by the renowned Soweto Choir, which presented moving musical pieces celebrating the struggles for freedom in South Africa and Palestine, and honouring the spirit of international solidarity among peoples.
Article and photos: The League of Arab States Mission in South Africa