The Western Cape High Court is hearing a three-day application brought by Cape Union Mart executive chairperson Philip Krawitz and the retail company against the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and affiliated activists. The dispute is linked to ongoing boycott-related protests outside Cape Union Mart stores.
The case focuses on allegations that protest actions outside the retailer’s outlets have disrupted business operations and intimidated customers. Cape Union Mart is seeking a court interdict to prevent what it considers unlawful conduct from continuing.
In court, Cape Union Mart’s legal team argued that much of the material used by activists in their claims is based on internet sources and interpretation rather than verified evidence. They described this material as “unverified or speculative.”
The legal team also rejected allegations suggesting that the company or its leadership has any direct or indirect support for military activity, stating that “those claims are not supported by evidence.” They further argued that references to funding or support structures have been misrepresented and are unrelated to legitimate humanitarian or civilian initiatives.
The court must now decide whether the conduct and statements attributed to the activists meet the legal requirements for granting an interdict. The hearing is expected to continue until Thursday.
Outside the Western Cape High Court on Monday, supporters from both sides gathered, with pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups exchanging chants and slogans as proceedings began.
Paul Phillips, a resident of Lotus River, was among those outside the court. He said he has relatives who work for Cape Union Mart and that his presence was not political or religious. Instead, he said he was there to support job opportunities and to highlight the impact of unemployment, poverty, and crime on local communities, while urging government to prioritise job creation.
Megan Choritz, a member of South African Jews for a Free Palestine, also joined the demonstration in support of the PSC. She said the group was protesting the legal action brought by Philip Krawitz, which they link to calls for a boycott of the retailer. Choritz also alleged that Krawitz supports Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Photo: Vocfm
