Pro Israeli and pro Palestinian groups in South Africa THIS WEEK held separate protests in cities across the country. Holding flags and banners with messages of solidarity with either Israelis or Palestinians, they marched to express their anger with the war. As the death toll from the war mounts, people and organisations in Africa are wading into heated debates surrounding the conflict - with the continent split, as different nations take opposing sides. Some countries are sympathetic to Palestinians while others like Kenya, Zambia, Ghana and the DRC have firmly aligned with Israel's position. While South Africa is the pillar of Israel's trade with the African continent, there is growing pressure from civil society for government to take a clearer position in favour of either Palestine or Israel. Among the groups that  took to the streets this week is the Palestine Solidarity Campaign which protested outside the Israeli consular office in Cape Town on Wednesday. It's coordinator, Prof. Usuf Chikte now joins us on the line.....