ANC, Jewish Board aim to end ‘acrimony’

Johannesburg – African National Congress international relations subcommittee chairpersonObed Bapela and other party leaders will be meeting with the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) next week to discuss concerns.

The discussions will focus on Bapela’s comments regarding dual citizenship and other matters relating to the Jewish community.

“Obviously the issue is their own concerns, but also [on] our own views… to see if the acrimony can come to an end,” he told News24 on Wednesday.

He said the “acrimony” had been terrible.

However, this would not stop the ANC from continuing its discussion on the dual citizenship matter. This would be on the agenda at the ANC’s national general council next month.

“That cannot be stopped by anyone.”

The SAJBD said it had accepted the ANC’s invitation to engage.

The Sunday Times reported the ANC was reviewing South Africa’s dual citizenship policy to stop citizens from taking up arms for the Jewish state.

However, it would also affect other South Africans who held dual citizenships