The Macassar Activist Forum (MAF) is leading a peaceful protest this morning, Friday, 10 October outside the Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) factory in Macassar.
The demonstration aims to pressure the arms manufacturer to immediately halt the supply of weapons and ammunition to Israel, citing solidarity with global calls to end the alleged genocide in Gaza.
The protest, which started at 07:00 and is expected to continue until around midday, is rooted in the community’s desire to stop the flow of munitions that they argue fuel the suffering in Palestine.
MAF is explicitly calling on Rheinmetall Denel Munition, a subsidiary of the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall AG, to “cease all complicity in war crimes” and to align its operations with South Africa’s constitutional values and international human rights obligations.
Spokesperson Desmond Stevens, who is also the Convenor of the Macassar Palestinian Protest Action Group, stated: “As a community that has lived through oppression and injustice, we cannot remain silent while weapons made in our backyard contribute to the destruction of innocent lives in Gaza. Our message is clear: no to genocide, no to profit from bloodshed, and yes to peace and justice.”
Beyond their direct appeal to the arms company, the Macassar Activist Forum is using the protest to issue a clear set of demands to the South African government. The MAF is urging the government to:
– Suspend all export permits for weapons or ammunition destined for Israel.
– Conduct a transparent investigation into Rheinmetall Denel Munition’s international weapons and ammunition deals.
– Uphold South Africa’s historic stance in support of the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and dignity.
Organizers have assured the public and authorities that the demonstration is peaceful, disciplined, and rooted in the principles of justice, solidarity, and non-violence.
RDM was contacted to comment and advised that a statement will be released later during the day.
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