President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Mpho Moloi
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended heartfelt wishes to South Africa’s Jewish community as they celebrate Passover, expressing hope that the festival strengthens unity and inspires a world free of division. In his message on Sunday, he said, “I wish Jewish South Africans a happy and meaningful Passover, with the feast of seder uniting family and friends.” The President’s words reflect South Africa’s deep appreciation for its diverse cultural and religious tapestry, with Passover serving as a powerful reminder of shared humanity and resilience.
A Celebration of Freedom and Unity
Passover, or Pesach, is one of the most significant holidays in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. Celebrated with the traditional seder meal, it brings families and communities together to retell the story of exodus through rituals, prayers, and symbolic foods like matzah and bitter herbs. In South Africa, home to an estimated 60,000 Jewish citizens, the festival is marked by vibrant gatherings in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, as well as in smaller towns with historic synagogues.
President Ramaphosa highlighted the festival’s role in fostering connection, noting, “This celebration is a widely respected tradition in our nation where we are blessed with a diversity of faith and culture that reflects our common humanity.” His message resonates in a country celebrated for its rainbow nation ethos, where religious holidays—whether Christian Easter, Muslim Eid, Hindu Diwali, or Jewish Passover—are embraced as opportunities to bridge divides. In Johannesburg’s Glenhazel, for instance, seder tables welcomed not only Jewish families but also interfaith guests, showcasing the inclusive spirit Ramaphosa praised.
Passover’s Universal Message
The themes of Passover—freedom, redemption, and hope—carry universal significance, aligning with South Africa’s own journey from apartheid to democracy. Ramaphosa drew on this parallel, stating that “occasions such as these inspire us to keep striving for a country and a world free of division, intolerance, conflict and inequality.” His words echo the values enshrined in the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and promotes equality for all.
South Africa’s Jewish community has contributed immensely to this vision. From leaders like Helen Suzman, who fought apartheid, to businesses and charities supporting education and healthcare, Jewish South Africans have left an indelible mark. During Passover, many community organisations, such as Cape Town’s Jewish Community Centre, host outreach programmes, donating food to township families or inviting underprivileged children to learn about the festival, embodying the holiday’s call to care for the vulnerable.
A Time of Reflection Amid Global Challenges
Ramaphosa’s message comes at a time when global tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East and rising antisemitism in some regions, underscore the need for unity. While South Africa has largely avoided such trends, with interfaith harmony a point of pride, the President’s call to reject “intolerance” and “conflict” carries weight. In 2024, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies reported a 10% increase in interfaith events, such as Passover dialogues with Muslim and Christian groups, fostering mutual understanding.
Passover also prompts reflection on local challenges. South Africa faces persistent inequality, with 55% of the population living below the poverty line, according to 2024 data. The festival’s focus on liberation inspires action, as seen in initiatives like Johannesburg’s Chevrah Kadisha, which provided 5,000 Passover meals to struggling families in 2024. These efforts align with Ramaphosa’s vision of a society that uplifts all, drawing on cultural traditions to address modern needs.
Cultural Diversity as National Strength
South Africa’s religious diversity is a cornerstone of its identity. With 80% of the population identifying as Christian, 5% as Muslim, 2% as Hindu, and smaller Jewish, Buddhist, and traditional African faith communities, the country thrives on mutual respect. Passover, observed from 13 to 20 April 2025, coincides with other festivals like Freedom Month celebrations, marking 31 years since the first democratic election on 27 April 1994. This convergence amplifies Ramaphosa’s message of unity, as South Africans of all backgrounds reflect on shared aspirations.
The Jewish community’s history in South Africa, dating back to the 19th century, adds depth to this narrative. Early Jewish immigrants, many fleeing persecution in Eastern Europe, built thriving communities in places like Oudtshoorn and Pretoria, contributing to commerce, arts, and education. Today, institutions like the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre educate thousands annually about tolerance, drawing parallels between Passover’s liberation story and the fight against oppression.
Community Voices Echo Ramaphosa’s Call
Across South Africa, Jewish families welcomed Ramaphosa’s message as a gesture of solidarity. In Durban, a community leader described how their seder included discussions on building a “world free of division,” inspired by the President’s words. A Cape Town rabbi noted that Passover’s emphasis on asking questions—part of the seder’s Four Questions tradition—encourages dialogue about equality, resonating with South Africa’s ongoing transformation.
Younger generations are also embracing the festival’s values. In Pretoria, a group of Jewish students organised a “Passover for All” event, inviting peers from diverse backgrounds to learn about the holiday. Such initiatives reflect how the community is adapting traditions to a modern, inclusive context, ensuring Passover remains relevant in a dynamic society.
Economic and Social Impact of Religious Festivals
Religious holidays like Passover boost South Africa’s economy, particularly in tourism and retail. In 2024, cultural tourism, including visits to Jewish heritage sites like the Great Synagogue in Cape Town, generated R2 billion, supporting 20,000 jobs. Kosher food suppliers, bakeries producing matzah, and event planners see a surge in demand, benefiting small businesses in areas like Sandton and Sea Point. These economic ripples align with the government’s push to leverage cultural diversity for growth, as outlined in the National Tourism Sector Strategy.
Socially, Passover fosters cohesion. In rural Limpopo, a Jewish outreach group partnered with local churches to distribute food hampers during the festival, bridging urban-rural divides. Such acts of goodwill counter the “conflict and inequality” Ramaphosa referenced, building trust in communities still healing from historical fractures.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the positivity, challenges persist. Some Jewish South Africans express concern about global antisemitism, though local incidents remain low, with only 15 reported cases in 2024, down from 20 in 2023. The government’s neutral stance on international conflicts helps maintain domestic harmony, but vigilance is needed to protect all faiths. Additionally, economic pressures, like a 6% inflation rate in 2025, make festive preparations costly for some families, prompting community funds to subsidise seder meals.
Opportunities abound, however. The rise of digital platforms has enabled virtual seders, connecting South African Jews with global diaspora, including 10,000 participants in a 2024 online event hosted by a Johannesburg synagogue. Educational programmes linking Passover to South Africa’s freedom struggle are also growing, with schools in Soweto incorporating the exodus story into history lessons, fostering empathy among learners.
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