The Star Editor Sifiso Mahlangu Faces Backlash Over Controversial Comments on Morocco’s Occupation of Western Sahara
South African journalist Sifiso Mahlangu is being fingered as a simple agent of Morocco and an apologist of human rights abuse, invasion, occupation and colonialism. During the recent United Nations Fourth Committee session on Decolonization, Mahlangu’s intervention endorsed Morocco’s proposal for autonomy over the disputed Western Sahara territory. He further described Morocco’s claim as “serious and trustworthy” and aligned himself with the narrative of Morocco’s historical ties to the Sahrawi territory.
Mr. Mahlangu recently addressed the Fourth Committee of Decolonisation at the United Nations, where he allegedly denounced the ongoing struggle of the Saharawi people, denying their legitimate rights to freedom and self-determination. His comments have sparked outrage from Saharawi representatives and pro-independence activists, who accuse him of aligning himself with Morocco’s stance on the Western Sahara conflict.
In a message directed to Sifiso Mahlangu’s employer, H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Beisat of the Saharawi Republic condemned Mahlangu as “a simple agent of Morocco” and an “apologist of human rights abuse, invasion, occupation, and colonialism.” He emphasized that Mahlangu’s statements contradict the positions of key international bodies, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the European Court of Justice (ECJ), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations. Additionally, Beisat noted that Mahlangu’s remarks stand in stark contrast to South Africa’s official stance, which has historically supported the Saharawi people’s quest for independence from Moroccan occupation.
The Ambassador further called the chairman of Sekunjalo Independent Media Dr. Iqbal Survé for immediate action against The Star editor, Mr. Sifiso Mahlangu. He appealed to the media mogul’s past as a freedom fighter and champion of justice and democracy. He called on Survé to take action, invoking his conscience and intellectual commitment to peace, justice, and human rights. “As a former freedom fighter, a fair thinker, a democrat, and a peace and justice-loving intellectual, we ask that you take action against these serious violations,” Beisat urged.
“Mahlangu has lost any credibility as a free and objective journalist,” Ambassador Beisat wrote. He went on to criticize the editor for what he described as repeated offenses over the last three years, accusing him of using The Star to advance Morocco’s narrative. “Independent Media was badly used and abused by Mahlangu and by Morocco, and it is not the first time, but we hope it will be the last,” Beisat added.
The Saharawi Republic, also known as Western Sahara, has long been embroiled in a territorial dispute with Morocco, which claims sovereignty over the region. Despite multiple rulings and international declarations recognizing the Saharawi people’s right to self-determination, the conflict remains unresolved, with Morocco continuing its occupation of the region.
As of now, Dr. Survé and The Star have not issued any public response to the ambassador’s letter or the controversy surrounding Mahlangu’s speech.
Whether Mahlangu’s statements are the product of genuine conviction or the result of external influence, his support for Morocco is another reflection of the deep divides in opinion over Western Sahara in South Africa. This week, a senior ANC official was reprimanded for political remarks made during his unofficial visit to Morocco. Mahlangu’s involvement has added fuel to the speculation that Morocco may be using soft power and influence tactics to shift public and political opinion, especially in African countries that traditionally supported Sahrawi independence.
