Parliament, Saturday, 15 November 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, notes the controversy surrounding a chartered flight carrying Palestinian refugees, which landed at the OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday, 13 November.
Mr Mahumapelo said: “We have also noted the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Department of Home Affairs in facilitating the processing of the refugees. We are looking forward to a thorough investigation of the matter as speedily as possible to clear the air.”
Mr Mahumapelo said that the Portfolio Committee on International Affairs and Cooperation has taken note of the statement issued by the Palestinian Embassy. “We are now more worried than ever before because the Palestinian Embassy statement clarifies that there is a nefarious purpose at the core of bringing the Palestinian refugees to South Africa to circumvent the international laws,” said Mr Mahumapelo.
He said under no circumstance should any situation where attempts to undermine the sovereignty of South Africa will be allowed. Furthermore, Mr Mahumapelo said no attempt will be allowed to diminish the country’s principled support to the plight of the Palestinians and its call for the two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
Mr Mahumapelo reiterated that OR Tambo International Airport is a national key point in terms of the laws of the Republic of South Africa and that is why as the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, he is calling for a thorough and speedy investigation on the matter of the Palestinian refugees.
Mr Mahumapelo said he is also going to engage the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs for an urgent joint meeting of the two committees to deal with this matter.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Ms Sureshinee Govender
Cell: 081 704 1109
Email: sgovender@parliament.gov.za
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