Outdoor retailer Cape Union Mart has approached the Western Cape High Court seeking an interdict against pro-Palestine activists who have been staging protests and consumer boycotts outside its stores since late 2023.
The company alleges that members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and affiliated groups have prevented customers from entering stores and have harassed employees during demonstrations. The activists deny these allegations, saying their actions are aimed at raising awareness about the conflict in Gaza.
The protests began in November 2023 after activists accused Cape Union Mart and its chairperson, Philip Krawitz, of having links to Israel and of supporting organisations allegedly connected to the Israeli military.
The demonstrators have called for consumer boycotts of the retailer as part of wider protests against Israel's military operations in Gaza and what they describe as the unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories.
Speaking outside court, Daniel Bloch, executive director of the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, said the legal action was intended to stop what he described as false and defamatory claims.
"The information they have is inaccurate, it's basically lies. It is defamatory not only against the organisation, but the owner, Philip Krawitz, as well," Bloch said.
He stressed that the court application was not aimed at preventing protests altogether.
"The court action is not to stop the protests but to put an end to the aggressive nature of the protesters. They have been barring customers from entering the store, they have been aggressively intimidating and harassing staff and customers. If they want to stand outside and scream 'Free Palestine', that's fine. But to accuse someone of genocide, rape and baby killing is lies and misinformation," he added.
However, Khalid Sayed disputed the allegations, saying the demonstrations have been peaceful and focused on expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
"This protest emanates from people's unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine. The South African government at a national level has taken a firm stance by taking Israel to the ICJ. The protesters here are being victimised. South Africa cannot be considered free until Palestine is free," Sayed said.
The Western Cape High Court is expected to hear the matter at 10am, with the outcome likely to have implications for the balance between the right to protest and the rights of businesses to operate without disruption.