By standing with Palestine, South Africa is following in Mandela's footsteps - Ramaphosa

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa said that by supporting Palestine, the country was following in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. 

Mandela spoke broadly about the need to fight for the freedom of the Palestinian people, noted Ramaphosa.

He was speaking at the Football for Humanity game between the Palestine national football team and the South African XI in Athlone on Sunday.

"We too are not entirely free until the Palestinians are free. We will stand by them, we will struggle with them, that is why we went to the International Court of Justice." 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who was also in attendance, expressed gratitude to the South African government for the support. 

"Mr President, we promise you that we will remain loyal to Mandela, to [the] ANC."