DA leader Mmusi Maimane has defied President Jacob Zuma by visiting Israel.
On Thursday, Maimane hopped on a plane for a private visit to the Middle East, just two days after the president called on South Africans not to visit the Jewish state.
South Africa’s foreign ministry did not organise Maimane’s visit, but assisted in setting up the meetings between Maimane and Israeli officials, reports IOL.
Despite the visit being low-key, Maimane is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, opposition leader Isaac Herzog and other senior officials.