‘Genocide is a very big word’ – Zille faces backlash over Gaza comments

Zille sidesteps genocide question

Helen Zille, the Democratic Alliance’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate, has come under fire after evading a direct question on whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. In an interview, she said:

“Genocide is a very big word. I haven’t been to Gaza, and I don’t know. But I certainly do know that Hamas has spent all its energy trying to obliterate the state of Israel.”

Pressured on the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry report, which found evidence pointing to genocide, Zille reiterated the DA’s focus on a two-state solution rather than the legal designation of Israel’s actions.

[WATCH] ‘Genocide is a very big word…’ – DA Joburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille responds to @XoliMngambi‘s question on Israel’s war on Gaza.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/4yoNgRcbi0

Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 21, 2025

ANC, Muslim leaders, and civil society respond

The African National Congress (ANC) condemned Zille’s remarks, accusing the DA of undermining Palestinian rights. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said:

“The DA has come out guns blazing to justify and support the annihilation of the Palestinian people by Israel… These acts have been defined as genocide by the Rome Statute and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.”

United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) secretary-general Moulana Yusuf Patel called Zille’s comments “morally indefensible,” adding:

“This shocking statement suggests that one must physically ‘visit Gaza’ before recognising genocide. Such a view trivialises the suffering of millions and undermines established international law.”

Patel stressed that documented evidence, including UN reports, humanitarian agencies, journalists, and satellite imagery, demonstrates the scale of death, displacement, and deliberate deprivation in Gaza.

International context

Globally, a growing number of states, including Canada, Australia, the UK, Portugal, and Mexico, have formally recognised the State of Palestine, signalling support for the two-state solution. Meanwhile, Israel remains under intense diplomatic pressure as its conflict with Hamas continues:

• Over 65 300 Palestinians have reportedly died in Gaza.

• Israel has reported 1 219 deaths, mostly civilians, from Hamas attacks.

• Gaza faces widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis, drawing condemnation from multiple international bodies.

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, led by South African judge Navi Pillay, continues to provide evidence to the International Criminal Court, despite Israel labelling the report “distorted and false.”

Public and social media reaction

South African social media has been awash with criticism of Zille, with users arguing that her remarks “sidestep reality” and “normalise violence against Palestinians.” Some DA supporters defended her, saying she was focusing on solutions rather than rhetoric.

Analysts note that Zille’s comments may heighten tensions locally and internationally, as South Africa has long championed Palestinian rights on the global stage.

The Gaza conflict continues to dominate global headlines, with civilian suffering at its centre. In South Africa, Zille’s statements have sparked a renewed debate about political accountability, international law, and the country’s stance on human rights in the Middle East.

While the DA maintains its emphasis on a two-state solution, critics argue that ignoring allegations of genocide risks undermining South Africa’s historical commitment to justice and human rights, particularly given the country’s own apartheid past.

{Source: The Citizen}

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