Patriotic Alliance leadership to visit Israel

By: ANG Reporter

A delegation of senior Patriotic Alliance (PA) leaders including president Gayton McKenzie and deputy president Kenny Kunene is scheduled to visit Israel from 23 to 29 July, partly due to the country’s long history with coalitions.

In a statement, the party said aside from one brief occasion from 1968 to 1969, Israeli governments have been made up of coalitions since the inception of Israel in 1948.

“The current government in the Israeli Knesset (its legislature) comprises six parties. Israel is a country struggling with deep and complex social and political issues against the backdrop of a divided history.”

“Whatever one’s views may be on the country, valuable lessons can be drawn for South Africa from its experiences. The PA already plays a significant role in coalition governments at the local government level in South Africa, with the likelihood that the party will have a significant say in new coalitions at provincial and national level following next year’s elections.”

McKenzie said: “I am a very curious person, which was why when I was invited to Orania, I went to see it for myself. There was good there, and there was bad. Israel divides opinions even more, but that doesn’t mean one can’t learn from the place. We will not be taking anyone’s side in or about Israel – we are going there to learn, and I am always humbled to have the opportunity to learn something new and challenge whatever views I might have.”

The PA team will meet with the leaders of the various political parties in the Israeli coalition and outside it. A meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog is also scheduled.

Kunene said: “This is an important moment for us as a party as we continue to evolve our vision of a better South Africa that works for all its people.”

The PA said it intended to follow the visit with other trips to European democracies led by coalition governments, including Finland, Germany and Denmark.

“Beyond that, McKenzie is determined to travel to El Salvador to witness the remarkable transformation of that society under the leadership of its president, Nayib Bukele.”

“Bukele is a living example of how a young man with a vision and true determination can free a society from the absolute grip of crime and hopelessness. I can think of no one better to seek out in these troubled times for South Africa,” said McKenzie.