South Africans were today encouraged to stand in solidarity with Cape Union Mart and its Executive Chairperson, Philip Krawitz, during legal proceedings taking place at the Western Cape High Court this week.
“This case is not simply about one retailer. It is about whether propaganda, misinformation, and intimidation will be permitted to undermine social cohesion and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of South Africans. Robust debate about international affairs must never descend into campaigns that target businesses or individuals through falsehoods and harassment” states Bafana Modise, National Spokesperson for SAFI.
The matter before the court relates to Cape Union Mart’s application for an interdict against individuals and organisations involved in protests outside its stores, seeking to prohibit what the company alleges are false and defamatory claims that it, and Mr Krawitz, fund genocide, support military violence, or are responsible for the deaths of Palestinian children.
The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) and its partners emphasised that the case is not about restricting lawful protest or silencing criticism of Israel, but rather about ensuring that constitutional rights are exercised responsibly and within the bounds of truth and dignity.
“South Africa’s democracy protects freedom of expression and the right to protest. However, these rights do not extend to the spreading of demonstrably false allegations, personal vilification, intimidation, or the targeting of individuals because of their Jewish identity or beliefs,” said Modise.
“For more than two years, Cape Union Mart and Philip Krawitz have faced sustained campaigns alleging that they fund genocide and support the killing of children. These are extraordinarily serious allegations. If there is no evidence to substantiate such claims, then our courts must provide protection against defamation and intimidation. And while this is specific to the store and Mr. Krawitz, this behaviour has led to a serious degree of harassement towards shoppers, employees and people who support Cape Union Mart – not just in person, but over social media as well. There has been a well-documented, and sustained campaign of harassment of not just the owners and the business but of employee and shoppers and this can not be allowed on South African soil. That is not who we are as a people, and it is certainly not something Madiba would have tolerated.”
SAFI noted that history teaches us that campaigns targeting Jewish-owned businesses have dangerous consequences. “The boycott of Jewish businesses was one of the earliest manifestations of organised antisemitism in Nazi Germany. While South Africa today is a constitutional democracy founded on equality and human dignity, we should remain vigilant against rhetoric and conduct that seek to isolate or target people on the basis of their Jewish identity,” Modise added.
The organisation further highlighted that calls to boycott Cape Union Mart would have devastating consequences for ordinary South Africans rather than those promoting such campaigns.
“Cape Union Mart is a proudly South African retailer employing more than 3,500 people across approximately 800 stores and operations nationwide. In a country battling record unemployment, threatening these jobs is reckless and irresponsible. Given that many South African households depend on a single income to support multiple family members, the livelihoods of potentially more than 12,000 people could be affected by campaigns designed to economically harm this business.”
SAFI further noted that Cape Union Mart has consistently invested in South African communities through various social initiatives. These include programmes that provide skills development opportunities through the K-Way Sewing School, which trains individuals from local communities in valuable vocational skills and creates pathways to employment. The company has also historically supported outreach initiatives assisting vulnerable communities, including campaigns providing warm clothing to those in need.
“Instead of vilifying businesses that create employment, develop skills, and contribute positively to society, South Africans should celebrate companies that continue to invest in our people and economy despite challenging economic conditions,” Modise said. SAFI also emphasised that Cape Union Mart’s workforce reflects South Africa’s diversity, with employees drawn from different religious and cultural backgrounds, including members of the Muslim community.
“We are gathering peacefully outside the court because we believe in a South Africa where people are free to express support for Israel, to identify as Zionists, and to participate in public life without fear of intimidation or reputational harm based on falsehoods,” added Pastor Thom Thamaga, the founder of Simunye Israel in Cape Town.
SAFI supporters will continue to gather outside the Western Cape High Court today on Monday, 15 June 2026, and Wednesday, 17 June 2026, between 09h00 and 11h00, in a peaceful demonstration of support for the principles of truth, dignity, lawful conduct, economic justice, and equal protection under the law.