Israeli FM Hosts South African AbaThembu King in Jerusalem Amid Growing African Outreach

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of South Africa’s AbaThembu Kingdom in Jerusalem on Monday, in a symbolic visit that highlights strengthening ties between Israel and parts of Africa, even as diplomatic relations with South Africa’s ruling party remain strained.

King Dalindyebo, who heads an ethnic group based in the Eastern Cape province, arrived with a royal delegation that included Princess Ntando, Prince Sinethemba, and other chiefs and family members. Chief Apostle Caesar Nongqunga of the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ (TACC), a major religious leader in southern Africa, also joined the delegation.

The group is being hosted by Israel’s Foreign Ministry and is set to visit southern Israeli communities that were devastated by the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023. They will also meet with survivors and former hostages to express solidarity and learn firsthand about the ongoing impact of the war.

Despite official ties between Israel and South Africa remaining downgraded, the visit reflects a growing divide between Pretoria’s ANC-led government and African leaders and communities who support Israel on religious and moral grounds.

Foreign Minister Sa’ar praised the delegation for its “courage, moral clarity, and solidarity with Israel during challenging times.”

Earlier this year, 15 South African parliamentarians visited Israel to oppose the government’s anti-Israel policies. Just last month, a delegation of 30 senior African Christian leaders from 10 nations also toured Israel to strengthen interfaith and political ties.

The royal visit underscores Jerusalem’s ongoing efforts to build bridges across Africa, leveraging faith-based diplomacy to counter isolation efforts and deepen strategic ties on the continent. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.