PRAGOTI

"Millions have already protested over Gaza. We need more such actions to force our governments to act. We need citizens to start an immediate boycott of Israeli companies and goods. We must put pressure on Indian companies that they cease doing business with Israel. Boycott, disinvestment and sanctions are what finally led to the dissolution of South Africa's apartheid regime. Only such actions will lead to the defeat of the Apartheid regime of Israel". Prabir Purkayastha writes in this article for People's Democracy.

The following is a statement from South Africa, supported by a wide range of voices and institutions, condemning the celebration of Occupation apartheid:

Israel's West Bank Barrier has become the most visible manifestation of the Israeli military occupation and most pressing issue for Palestinians. Often misleadingly called a "security fence", photographs, images and video show another picture – that of apartheid. It is a part of Israel's larger attempt to legitimize the Palestinian ghettos, to permanently annex territory in the west of the West Bank, seal Palestinians in from the east, and surround a series of Palestinian Bantustans.

Billy Nair, stalwart of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, died on October 23, 2008. As a communist, he led from the front in the struggle of the working class against imperialism and racist domination.

Pragoti brings together an obituary and the statements of SACP, COSATU and ANC - the three organisations that shaped Billy Nair and to which he dedicated his life.