The country’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has been trying to convince Lalela Mswane to withdraw.

By JNS

The South African government withdrew its support for its contestant for the “Miss Universe” pageant to take place next month in the resort city of Eilat because she refuses to abide by a boycott against Israel, reported Reuters.

The country’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said on Sunday that it tried to convince Lalela Mswane to withdraw.

Palestinian groups are calling on Mswane and the organizer of Miss South Africa to boycott the event.

The beauty queen, who plans to represent her country in the 2021 “Miss Universe” pageant set to take place on Dec. 12, is facing online harassment by supporters of the anti-Israel, anti-Semitic BDS movement.

Political parties, the ruling African National Congress and trade unions are supporting the boycott, according to the report.