South African activist Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, at the time a student, gave an inspiring speech in London in 2012 as part of Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW). He spoke about the South African struggle against white rule and the global solidarity movement to isolate the country through boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) which helped black South Africans win freedom, justice and equality. He drew parallels between the global movement for BDS against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle.
Category Archives: South Africa
Findings on Ben-Gurion University of the Negev: Institutional complicity and active collaboration with Israeli military, occupation and apartheid practices
University of Johannesburg cuts links with Israeli university
The University of Johannesburg severed its ties with Israel’s Ben-Gurion University in response to a campaign supported by more than 400 South African academics.
Detailed evidence was placed before the university’s leadership showing clearly that the Ben Guiron University supports Israel’s crimes against Palestinians.
The campaign managed to gain the unprecedented support of over 400 South African academics, including 9 South African Vice-Chancellors and Deputy Vice-Chancellors; 11 Deans and Vice Deans; 19 Heads of Department; 175 University Professors and 125 Academic Doctorates.
Included in the list of supporters are some of South Africa’s leading voices and anti-apartheid stalwarts: Professors Neville Alexander, Kader Asmal, Allan Boesak, Breyten Breytenbach, John Dugard, Antjie Krog, Rashida Manjoo, Barney Pityana and Sampie Terreblanche.
African National Congress backs BDS
At its 53rd National Conference in 2012, the ANC reaffirmed a resolution declaring full support for the Palestinian BDS movement.
Lindiwe Zulu (special advisor to President Jacob Zuma) announced the ANC’s official endorsement, which includes a resolution on BDS and the commitment to set up a steering committee for implementing these resolutions.
In October 2014, the ANC called for a complete boycott of Israel. ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said:
“(We are) joining the call for (a) cultural, academic and education boycott of Israel, including travel bans for members and leaders of the ANC, the alliance, members of Cabinet, Members of Parliament and government officials.”