21 June 2025
The Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) expresses our resolute solidarity with the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and with the sovereign people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as tensions persist in the Middle East. These tensions stem from longstanding issues of foreign interference, settler-colonial policies, and military actions led by Western powers, notably the United States and Israel.
Israelfs ongoing bombardment in the Palestinian territories, often justified as the so-called war on terror, has resulted in significant loss of innocent lives, destruction of infrastructure, and widespread suffering of Palestinian civilians. These actions are supported by substantial political, economic, and military backing from the United States and other Western allies. The international response often overlooks the humanitarian toll in Palestine while shielding Israel from accountability.
Similarly, the Western media is now unfairly criticising Iran for asserting its sovereignty and pursuing regional independence. The YCLSA acknowledges Iranfs principal right to defend itself against direct attacks, military actions or any other form of provocation and aggression that undermines the sovereignty of its nation, or threatens the lives of its people, Israel has unilaterally committed acts of war on Iran and has deemed there actions as gpreemptive strikes against the looming threat of an Iranian nuclear bomb.
The YCLSA draws parallels to this moment with historical interventions, such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq, where false pretexts led to catastrophic consequences for the region. The region is still recovering from those interventions today. Yet again, similar rhetoric is used to isolate Iran for its refusal to submit and go along with the Zionist agenda and effectively turning its back on and supporting the Palestinian people in their quest for human dignity and self-determination.
In this context, the YCLSA extends our revolutionary solidarity with:
- The people of Cuba, enduring an unjust economic blockade for their commitment to sovereignty.
- The people of Venezuela, persevering through sanctions to build a socialist alternative.
- The people of Western Sahara, continuing their struggle for self-determination.
- The people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, facing exploitation driven by corporate interests.
- The revolutionary government and people of Burkina Faso, and all nations in Africa and the Global South pursuing independent and dignified development.
We know that imperialism has many faces: military, economic, cultural, but its aim is always the same: to dominate, divide, extract, and control. We call on young people across South Africa, the continent, and the world to reject this system and to build a future based on solidarity, justice, and peace.
We say:
- Free Palestine From the River to the Sea!
- Hands Off Iran!
- Down with Imperialism!
- Victory to the Global South!
- Long Live International Solidarity!
Issued by the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) For media inquiries, contact:
National Secretary: Mzwandile Thakhudi Cell: (079) 9946391
National Spokesperson: Ramatolo Tlotleng Cell: (074) 478 4403
Media Liaison Officer: Dineo Mokoena. Cell: (073) 969-8532
Follow the YCLSA for updates and further statements:
Website: www.yclsa,org.za
Facebook: Young Communist League of South Africa (Ufasimba)
