JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The South African Zionist Federation is outraged by the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s latest initiative – a funding call that seeks “creative” ways to “combat” Christian Zionists and their Biblical beliefs regarding Israel. The name of Nelson Mandela is being misused by ideological extremists to promote an aggressive anti-Israel agenda, under the guise of human rights. This is not a policy difference or academic exercise, it is a brazen and deliberate attempt to target people of faith, undermine religious freedom, and demonise millions of South African Christians whose support for Israel is rooted in Scripture and conscience.
That this campaign is being launched under the name of Nelson Mandela is a national disgrace. The very institution established to honour his legacy of unity, reconciliation, and human dignity has now been co-opted by activists who weaponise human rights language to advance an anti-Christian, anti-Jewish, and anti-Israel agenda. The Foundation, once a moral beacon in post-apartheid South Africa, has lost its moral bearings.
This ideological shift has accelerated dramatically following the appointment of Naledi Pandor as Chairperson. Under her leadership, the Foundation’s focus has tilted sharply toward partisan activism and divisive rhetoric that is entirely out of step with Mandela’s inclusive vision. As Minister of International Relations, Pandor repeatedly aligned herself with regimes openly hostile to Israel. Most shockingly, in the immediate aftermath of the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led massacre – the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust – she phoned Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to express “solidarity” and affirm South Africa’s support for their so-called “struggle.” Hamas is a globally designated terrorist organisation, responsible for the murder, rape, and torture of innocent civilians. Pandor’s embrace of its leadership is not diplomacy, it is moral betrayal.
The Foundation’s funding call is not about fostering dialogue or social cohesion. It rewards “counter-mobilisation” efforts, disruptive tactics, and interventions aimed at isolating and silencing Christians who uphold Biblical truths and support Israel. These are people of conscience, of deep spiritual identity, who are being targeted simply for affirming their faith.
Christian Zionism is embraced by millions of South Africans across racial, cultural, and denominational lines. It is rooted in Scripture, not in partisanship, and it reflects a profound theological connection to the Jewish people and the land of Israel. These believers do not deserve to be vilified or demonised by a Foundation claiming to uphold Mandela’s values.
The bitter irony is that Nelson Mandela himself recognised both the complexities of the Middle East and the legitimacy of Jewish national aspirations. While he expressed support for the Palestinian people, he was at the same time unequivocal in affirming Zionism, stating:
“…we recognise the legitimacy of Zionism as a Jewish nationalism.”
To now use his name to justify the targeting of Christians who support Zionism is a gross distortion of everything he stood for.
We call on all Christian Zionists in South Africa and beyond to stand up, to speak out, and to defend their right to believe, to worship, and to support Israel without fear or apology. This is a moment that demands courage, clarity, and unity.
The SAZF stands unequivocally with the Christian community, with Israel, and with the timeless values of faith, liberty, and truth. We will confront this campaign of intolerance with resolve, and we will expose every effort to turn Mandela’s name into a weapon against the very principles he lived and died for.
