South Africa drops support for ‘Miss Universe’ contestant for refusing to boycott Israel
The South African government withdrew its support for its contestant for the “Miss Universe” pageant to take place next month in the resort city of Eilat because she refuses to abide by a boycott against Israel, reported Reuters.
Lalela Mswane, Miss South Africa 2021. Source: Lalela Mswane/Twitter
The country’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said on Sunday that it tried to convince Lalela Mswane to withdraw.
Palestinian groups are calling on Mswane and the organizer of Miss South Africa to boycott the event.
The beauty queen, who plans to represent her country in the 2021 “Miss Universe” pageant set to take place on Dec. 12, is facing online harassment by supporters of the anti-Israel, antisemitic BDS movement.
Political parties, the ruling African National Congress and trade unions are supporting the boycott, according to the report.
JNS
The African National Congress has gone a long down since Nelson Mandela’s days. What is wrong with the South African government (not forgetting Desmond Tutu!)? What exactly is their agenda and what informs it? Hatred of Israel, yes. But, why? Hard to believe they really consider the Palestinians live under apartheid.
What a highly principled, lovely young woman Lalela Mswane is. It would be great if she moved into politics.
It is unfortunate that South Africa’s President and his Party have short memories how Jews generally and Israel particularly spent much wealth and their time and energies working to free South Africans from Dutch imposed slavery particularly with tacit approval of European nations.Jews around the world should stop investing in South Africa until she stops her antiSemitic and antiIsrael actions.
In a democracy anyone is free to join or not to join political activities. Also its only a beauty pageant that all. The trolls should get a life and leave her alone.