The ANC-led government has been critiqued for its’ support for Soleimani as he was responsible for the deaths of many in the Middle East as well as posing a threat to global security. These include the deaths of Jews in Argentina and Iranian opposition members and activists. Critics believed him to be a war criminal and terrorist as he encouraged hatred and sectarian violence. They believe that the mourning of such an individual and standing by the regime which created a religious apartheid and discriminates against religious minorities in Iran, undermines the values for which the ANC advocates. Iran’s stance in relation to its’ own citizens is more akin to the relationship of the repressive Apartheid state and black South Africans. The professed ideological affinity between Tehran and Pretoria, therefore, makes no sense.
