19 June 2025
Cape Union Mart Takes PSC to Court in Attempt to Silence Palestine Solidarity
A SLAPP Suit to Muzzle Protest and Undermine Freedom of Expression
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and others have been served with court papers from Cape Union Mart and its owner Phillip Krawitz, who have approached the Cape High Court seeking an interdict and restraining order against the PSC and others engaged in legitimate protest actions.
This legal action, clearly intended to intimidate and silence the campaign for justice, peace, freedom and equality for Palestinians, represents a textbook SLAPP suit (a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) designed to suppress critical peaceful voices through legal intimidation.
PSC and other parties will be meeting urgently to discuss its response and pass a formal resolution on whether to defend against the application, which it views as a direct threat to constitutional rights, including our freedom of expression and freedom of association.
The right to peaceful protest
This case arises amid increased public scrutiny of corporation’s and Cape Union Mart’s silence and alleged complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza and follows growing calls by human rights organisations for corporate accountability and economic boycott of companies seen to be enabling Israeli apartheid.
PSC will Not Be Silenced
We see this legal action for what it is. This is blatant attempt to weaponise the courts to shield corporate interests from public accountability. This is not about defamation or safety. This is about suppressing the truth, silencing solidarity, and defending profit at the expense of Palestinian lives.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign condemns Cape Union Mart’s decision to use the courts to attack a grassroots movement rather than confront its own role in upholding or benefiting from systems of oppression.
A Dangerous Precedent
SLAPP suits pose a serious danger to democratic rights in South Africa. They are used by powerful entities to drain activist resources, create a chilling effect on civil society, and shift public discourse away from the real issues. In this case, it is the horrific crimes being committed in Gaza with impunity. Criminalisation of dissent in South Africa is an assault on our constitution.
PSC is consulting with legal experts, human rights defenders, and civil society allies to prepare its next steps. We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated. We will continue to speak out for Palestine.
Issued by PSC Cape Town
Usuf Chikte – 082 877 9522
Jaamia Galant – 079 231 4273
Martin Jansen – 082 870 2025
palestinesouthafrica@gmail.com