Members of Parliament from the Democratic Alliance and Patriotic Alliance have conducted a contentious visit to Israel, describing it as a “fact-finding mission” after the trip became public knowledge on Wednesday.
The visit came to light following a statement by Good Party MP Brett Herron, who questioned its purpose and transparency. Herron specifically named DA MPs Nicholas Myburgh and Bridget Masango as participants.
PA MP Ashley Sauls documented part of the trip in an 11-minute Facebook video that has since been deleted. In the footage, Sauls mentioned that his delegation had already met with a governor and was scheduled to meet with the president.
Sauls traveled alongside fellow PA MP Millicent Mathopa, with the pair sharing a photograph of themselves standing in front of a building displaying Hebrew signage.
Herron’s statement raised multiple concerns about the visit, including its funding sources, who the delegation met with, and whether South African authorities were properly notified. These details remain unclear as participants have largely avoided public comment.
IOL attempted to contact Masango and Myburgh for clarification but received no response.
The controversial trip follows the National Assembly’s November motion urging government to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.
The Patriotic Alliance defended the visit in a statement, insisting there was nothing “secret” about it. “The senior leaders of the PA also had a trip to Israel in 2023 and were equally open and proud of it,” the party stated.
“The Patriotic Alliance’s leadership has therefore never made a secret of their support for Israel, as well as our support for peace between Israel and Palestine,” the statement continued.
DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp told IOL that “the trip was arranged and attended by individuals in their private capacity and not through the party,” adding that they do not monitor members’ private travel.
When contacted about the visit, Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for Minister Ronald Lamola, confirmed that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation was not informed about it.
“Parliament operates as an independent branch of the State. The actions and responsibilities of MPs fall under the jurisdiction of the Speaker’s office,” Phiri said.
The timing of the visit has raised particular concerns given South Africa’s ongoing International Court of Justice case against Israel and the government’s vocal stance on the Gaza conflict.
