The University of the Western Cape (UWC) reaffirms its commitment to solidarity with the Palestinian people through a decisive motion endorsed by the UWC Council, Senate, Convocation, and the Student Representative Council (SRC).
This motion underscores the University’s unwavering support for justice, human rights, and rebuilding Palestinian higher education. It follows UWC's call for a ceasefire in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to be allowed to the most dire areas affected by the conflict.
The principles of the engagement are as follows:
(a) Academic Disengagement:
- UWC will fully disengage from Israeli academic institutions, in line with The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) guidelines.
- Strengthening Academic Ties: Initiatives to enhance connections with Palestinian scholars and students and support the rebuilding of higher education in Gaza.
- Investment Transparency: University management is tasked to disclose all UWC investments in Israeli products and companies.
- Commitment to Divestment: A commitment to divest from any agreements which may have been considered in the past.
- National Advocacy: UWC will advocate at national level, particularly at Universities South Africa (USAF), for South African universities to adopt full academic disengagement from Israel.
(b) Engagement Caveat:
Human Rights Criterion: Engagement with Israeli institutions will only occur if they support basic human rights through policy and actions.
(c) Palestinian Partnership:
Establishing Partnerships: UWC will seek to partner with a Palestinian university, emulating the model of the University of Missouri partnership established during apartheid.
Senate, Convocation, SRC and UWC Council support:
The Convocation and Senate’s call for academic disengagement is fully supported by the Council. The SRC also fully backs this motion, reflecting the collective stance of the university community. This motion is a unified stand by UWC to support Palestine, advocating for justice and human rights.
