{"id":2168,"date":"2026-03-24T10:22:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T10:22:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/?p=2168"},"modified":"2026-03-25T13:14:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T13:14:15","slug":"growing-sa-coal-exports-to-israel-a-betrayal-of-palestinians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/24\/growing-sa-coal-exports-to-israel-a-betrayal-of-palestinians\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing SA coal exports to Israel a &#8216;betrayal&#8217; of Palestinians"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p> Critics of South Africa&#8217;s growing export of coal to Israel have described as &#8216;duplicitous&#8217;, &#8216;egregious&#8217; and a betrayal of Palestinians who have been subjected to a genocide by the Zionist state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a ground-breaking report released by SA BDS Coalition this week, South African mining companies have doubled their supply of coal to Israel in 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, South African mining companies supply more than half of the sea-borne coal delivered to Israel which has none of its own reserves and is dependent on imported coal to power its industries, including the munitions factories and illegal settlements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is confirmed in SA BDS Coalition&#8217;s thoroughly researched document which it delivered to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on Monday, highlighting the growing coal trade and the responsibility of government in halting the aiding of the genocide in terms of South African statutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The report confirms that between October 2023 and December 2025, South Africa exported about 2,99 million tonnes of coal to Israeli ports according to data from the<br>South African Revenue Service (SARS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Palestine: SA talks left, walks right\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5xX7RXey6xQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Coal has historically been one of South Africa\u2019s principal export commodities to Israel.<br>Trade data obtained from TradeMap indicates that coal exports to Israel have typically<br>represented between approximately 1% and 3% of South Africa\u2019s total coal exports by<br>value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Trade Data from S&amp;P Global Commodities, South Africa was the<br>third largest exporter of coal to Israel before Colombia imposed a coal embargo on<br>Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The BDS report notes that in the first six months of 2024, Israel imported 1,4 million metric tonnes of coal with Colombia accounting for 855 700 metric tonnes &#8211; or 60% of all Israel\u2019s coal imports during this period (according to S&amp;P Global Commodities at Sea data). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time South Africa was recorded to have exported 169 200 metric tonnes in 2024. According to a report in the Mail &amp; Guardian, exports made up approximately 25% of Israel\u2019s coal imports for the period between 7 October 2023 to June 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa has since become Israel&#8217;s primary supplier of coal following Colombia\u2019s imposition of a total coal embargo in August 2025, according to the BDS report. Colombian President Gustavo Petro justified Colombia\u2019s decision to restrict coal exports to Israel by stating that \u201cColombian coal is used to make bombs to kill Palestinian children\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The latest stats from the BDS report suggests that today, South Africa supplies 55% of Israel&#8217;s seaborne coal for 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reuters reported that South Africa increased its exports by 87% to 474 000 metric<br>tonnes in the three months ending November 2025 and was on track to send nearly 170 000 tonnes in December 2025, citing shipping and customs data from Kpler, LSEG, DBX<br>Commodities and the SARS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DV1KN--DEuy\/?igsh=eGxpeTY3NWU3NmIz\">Naledi Pandor on SA coal exports to Israel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same Reuters reporting recorded that this increase pushed Israel\u2019s total coal imports<br>from South Africa up 20% to 667 442 tonnes in three months, the highest level for any<br>three-month period since February 2017, based on official South African customs<br>figures. According to African Mining Market, South Africa\u2019s coal shipments to Israel<br>increased by 1 million tonnes to 1.78 million tonnes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The BDS reports makes it clear that coal exports from South Africa to Israel are thriving despite the United Nations General Assembly having voted for States to \u201cprevent trade<br>or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation\u201d in<br>Palestine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ICJ\u2019s Advisory Opinion confirmed Third States\u2019 responsibility \u201cto take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory\u201d, the Hague Group Commitments, and South Africa\u2019s launching of the ICJ case against Israel under the<br>Genocide Convention, according to the BDS report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ONN_-GLENCORE-COAL_-GRAPHIC-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ONN_-GLENCORE-COAL_-GRAPHIC-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ONN_-GLENCORE-COAL_-GRAPHIC-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ONN_-GLENCORE-COAL_-GRAPHIC-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ONN_-GLENCORE-COAL_-GRAPHIC-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ONN_-GLENCORE-COAL_-GRAPHIC-420x420.png 420w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ONN_-GLENCORE-COAL_-GRAPHIC-696x696.png 696w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ONN_-GLENCORE-COAL_-GRAPHIC-1068x1068.png 1068w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ONN_-GLENCORE-COAL_-GRAPHIC.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The report is scathing of SA&#8217;s conduct. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Against this clear and unequivocal international mandate, South Africa\u2019s conduct is particularly egregious. Rather than acting in good faith to uphold its international obligations, State officials and corporations operating within its territory have instead exploited the vacuum created by Colombia\u2019s principled and comprehensive coal embargo on Israel, positioning South Africa as a replacement supplier and thereby materially enabling the continuation of an unlawful situation&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Israeli publication Ynet Global reported that following Colombian President Gustavo<br>Petro\u2019s announcement to halt all coal exports \u201cthe Israeli government quickly sought alternative suppliers and received positive responses from countries including South Africa and Russia, despite their complex political stances\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Such opportunistic conduct not only undermines the integrity of South Africa\u2019s<br>professed commitment to international law and human rights but also constitutes a<br>profound moral and legal failure by a State that has itself emerged from a history of<br>international solidarity against illegality and oppression, the report argues<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025, coal shipments from South Africa to Israel are projected to reach their highest levels since 2017, with the country\u2019s share of Israel\u2019s seaborne coal imports expected to rise to more than triple its share in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Glencore, a multinational commodity trading firm, is the principal private actor<br>facilitating coal exports to Israel. The company holds a significant equity stake in the<br>Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) and relies on South Africa\u2019s state-owned logistics<br>provider, Transnet, for rail and port operations, including the transportation, handling<br>and loading of coal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Glencore manages the marketing and international sale of coal extracted from several<br>joint ventures and partnerships in South Africa. One such partner is Patrice Motsepe&#8217;s African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), which according to its website holds a 20,2% stake in certain Glencore coal assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SEE FULL REPORT: <a href=\"https:\/\/sabdscoalition.org\/sitepad-data\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Fuelling-Genocide-23.3.26.pdf\">FUELLING GENOCIDE<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Although ARM has publicly denied any direct involvement in coal shipments to Israel, its equity position entitles it to a share of Glencore\u2019s coal profits, including those derived from exports to Israeli markets. Furthermore, ARM\u2019s 2024 Annual Report admits that a joint venture with Glencore is \u201cgoverned by a management committee controlled by ARM Coal\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for exports, ARM brags of its \u201cAccess to Glencore SA\u2019s interest and entitlement in the Richards Bay Coal Terminal&#8221;, the report notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Despite sustained criticism from civil society organisations and international observers,<br>South Africa has not imposed restrictions on these exports. Notwithstanding South<br>Africa\u2019s own case against Israel before the ICJ, these exports enable Israel\u2019s ongoing<br>crimes: South African coal directly powers Israel\u2019s energy grid, supplying electricity to<br>the Israeli military and illegal settlements in the OPT, (Occupied Palestinian territories)&#8221;, according to the report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When viewed collectively, this information demonstrates that coal exports from South<br>Africa to Israel occur through a transport and export system that is materially dependent<br>on State-regulated infrastructure, State owned logistics networks and statutory port<br>authority powers. In circumstances where these exports are publicly traceable and<br>widely reported, the relevant organs of State cannot plausibly claim ignorance of their<br>occurrence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under both international legal standards and South African jurisprudence,<br>constructive knowledge and reasonable foreseeability are sufficient to trigger duties to<br>prevent complicity. In the present context, continued coal exports to Israel in the face<br>of well documented allegations of genocide and grave international crimes can no<br>longer be characterised as neutral commercial activity but constitute high risk<br>engagements that require immediate regulatory intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Coordinated boycotts and embargos can therefore stifle the Israeli war machine, according to the report, and South Africa is obligated to take all action within its power to stop the ongoing genocide and illegal occupation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA-20251215-39983185-39983183-YOU_CANNOT_SILENCE_THE_TRUTH_IN_THE_FACE_OF_A_GENOCIDE_UN_SPECIAL_RAPPORTEUR_ALBANESE_REMAINS_OUTSPOKEN_DESPITE_SANCTIONS_THREATS-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA-20251215-39983185-39983183-YOU_CANNOT_SILENCE_THE_TRUTH_IN_THE_FACE_OF_A_GENOCIDE_UN_SPECIAL_RAPPORTEUR_ALBANESE_REMAINS_OUTSPOKEN_DESPITE_SANCTIONS_THREATS-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA-20251215-39983185-39983183-YOU_CANNOT_SILENCE_THE_TRUTH_IN_THE_FACE_OF_A_GENOCIDE_UN_SPECIAL_RAPPORTEUR_ALBANESE_REMAINS_OUTSPOKEN_DESPITE_SANCTIONS_THREATS-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA-20251215-39983185-39983183-YOU_CANNOT_SILENCE_THE_TRUTH_IN_THE_FACE_OF_A_GENOCIDE_UN_SPECIAL_RAPPORTEUR_ALBANESE_REMAINS_OUTSPOKEN_DESPITE_SANCTIONS_THREATS-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA-20251215-39983185-39983183-YOU_CANNOT_SILENCE_THE_TRUTH_IN_THE_FACE_OF_A_GENOCIDE_UN_SPECIAL_RAPPORTEUR_ALBANESE_REMAINS_OUTSPOKEN_DESPITE_SANCTIONS_THREATS-630x420.webp 630w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA-20251215-39983185-39983183-YOU_CANNOT_SILENCE_THE_TRUTH_IN_THE_FACE_OF_A_GENOCIDE_UN_SPECIAL_RAPPORTEUR_ALBANESE_REMAINS_OUTSPOKEN_DESPITE_SANCTIONS_THREATS-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA-20251215-39983185-39983183-YOU_CANNOT_SILENCE_THE_TRUTH_IN_THE_FACE_OF_A_GENOCIDE_UN_SPECIAL_RAPPORTEUR_ALBANESE_REMAINS_OUTSPOKEN_DESPITE_SANCTIONS_THREATS-696x464.webp 696w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA-20251215-39983185-39983183-YOU_CANNOT_SILENCE_THE_TRUTH_IN_THE_FACE_OF_A_GENOCIDE_UN_SPECIAL_RAPPORTEUR_ALBANESE_REMAINS_OUTSPOKEN_DESPITE_SANCTIONS_THREATS-1068x712.webp 1068w, https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA-20251215-39983185-39983183-YOU_CANNOT_SILENCE_THE_TRUTH_IN_THE_FACE_OF_A_GENOCIDE_UN_SPECIAL_RAPPORTEUR_ALBANESE_REMAINS_OUTSPOKEN_DESPITE_SANCTIONS_THREATS.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Francesca Albanese, the UN&#8217;s special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, named South Africa and Glencore as direct contributors to and complicit in what she has termed the \u201ceconomy of genocide\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This describes a system wherein financial, commercial and market structures not only tolerate but actively profit from, sustain or incentivise the acts of mass violence, destruction and institutionalised oppression (including genocidal acts currently being committed by Israel).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>South African companies, their directors as well as government officials involved (particularly those officials who fail to use their authority to prevent such trade) are thereby exposed to criminal and civil accountability under international and domestic law for their participation in the economy of genocide, the report argues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Critics of South Africa&#8217;s growing export of coal to Israel have described as &#8216;duplicitous&#8217;, &#8216;egregious&#8217; and a betrayal of Palestinians who have been subjected to a genocide by the Zionist state. In a ground-breaking report released by SA BDS Coalition this week, South African mining companies have doubled their supply of coal to Israel in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2183,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,137,170,1],"tags":[327,14,329,328,16],"class_list":{"0":"post-2168","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-conflict-zones","8":"category-editors-picks","9":"category-manual-selection","10":"category-uncategorized","11":"tag-bds","12":"tag-gaza","13":"tag-hague-group","14":"tag-icj","15":"tag-palestine"},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2168","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2168"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2168\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2186,"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2168\/revisions\/2186"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2168"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2168"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2168"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}