Judgement has been reserved in the Western Cape High Court following the conclusion of final arguments in the legal dispute between Cape Union Mart executive chairperson Philip Krawitz and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) over boycott-related protests linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Outside court on Thursday, pro-Palestinian supporters gathered peacefully, waving flags and chanting slogans in support of the boycott campaign. No pro-Israel demonstrators, who had been present on previous court days, were visible outside the courthouse.
In closing submissions, counsel for Krawitz, Advocate Chris Woodrow SC, argued that the PSC had failed to substantiate allegations that Krawitz and Cape Union Mart fund genocide or are complicit in atrocities committed in Gaza.
“The applicant was never opposed to boycotts or protests, but rather to the false allegations directed at him,” Woodrow told the court.
He contended that the respondents relied heavily on media reports, opinion articles and hearsay evidence rather than admissible facts. Woodrow further argued that Cape Union Mart is a separate legal entity and should not be associated with Krawitz’s personal affiliations or charitable contributions.
According to Woodrow, all documents requested during the discovery process had been provided, while the respondents had failed to establish a valid legal defence for their claims.
Representing the PSC, Advocates Ismail Jamie SC and Uday Naidoo argued that the organisation’s protest actions are protected by the Constitution.
The PSC acknowledged using slogans such as “They fund genocide”, “Stop genocide” and “Boycott apartheid Israel”, maintaining that these statements were based on Krawitz’s alleged support for Israeli organisations and policies.
The case arises from ongoing boycott-related demonstrations outside Cape Union Mart stores at the V&A Waterfront and Canal Walk shopping centres.
The court has reserved judgement and will deliver its ruling at a later date.
*Oyisa George, VOC journalist who has been covering the court proceedings over the past three days, provides the latest developments from the courtroom and outlines the key legal arguments and conclusions emerging from the case.
Photo: VOCfm
