Statement in response to allegations of sexual harassment by BDS-SA Director

8 April 2019

We, the undersigned individuals and organisations, express our concern and support for
Professor Sang Hea Kil and her colleagues.

As persons committed to Palestinian solidarity and gender justice, we take seriously the
experience that Professor Kil and her two colleagues are reported to have had with the Director
of BDS-SA, Muhammed Desai (​“​BDS-SA’s Muhammed Desai Accused of Sexual Harassment​”​).

On 3 April 2019, a statement was issued on behalf the Board of BDS-SA in response to the
allegations (​“​Statement by the Board of BDS South Africa​”​)​. The organisation’s statement raises
immediate concerns with severe implications. Significantly, the Board makes no commitment to
follow a victim-centred approach. Indeed, despite claiming to be taking the matter seriously,
there is silence on the demand that Desai be suspended pending a full inquiry. Furthermore,
there is neither an indication as to how the terms of reference of the investigation have been
established nor clarity on the mechanisms that will be implemented to ensure the independence
of the process.

Shockingly, Professor Kil has confirmed that neither she nor her colleagues were contacted
prior to the publication of the BDS-SA statement. In addition, they were not personally sent the
completed statement by BDS-SA. This means that the complainants were unilaterally informed
of how their complaint would be treated at the same time as the general public. This is an affront
to basic tenets of victim-centred and sensitive approaches.

We have foundation to be hesitant about an investigation determined and controlled by the

Board of BDS-SA. The organisation’s repeated failure to ensure effective oversight and
accountability on serious matters, including ​publicly recorded incidents relating to anti-semitism,
is gravely regrettable.

In this vein, we note with concern that the Board of BDS-SA has issued no disapproval of the
statement circulated by Desai on 3 April 2019. The statement indicates that the criminal case
laid by Professor Kil was closed on the basis of being a “false case” and goes on to threaten
legal action in relation to the publication of “libelous” claims. The failure of the police to pursue
criminal charges does not offer irrefutable vindication for Desai. It is ​well-known that victims of
sexual harassment are often failed by the criminal justice system. It is symptomatic of the
challenges that South African women face on a daily basis when reporting cases of sexual
assault and gender based violence. Also, Desai must be aware that the threat of legal action,
prior to any investigation having been instituted by BDS-SA, contributes to fear and intimidation
of persons who come forward with harassment complaints.
Our solidarity is intricately tied to the struggle for a free Palestine. An inclusive struggle for the
end to Israeli occupation and aggression demands that leaders and activists within our
movements are committed to, and uphold, justice and equity in all spheres.

March 30th was the commemoration of 1976 Land Day. As we write, Gaza is, again, being
attacked and bombed by the Israeli Defense Force. Last week was the 15th annual Israeli
Apartheid Week of action in cities and on campuses worldwide. While Israel perpetuates
atrocities, writing about those within our movement is a fraught task. However, we fully
recognize and support the sentiment of Professor Kil when she urged that “​the principle of the
indivisibility of justice endure in this and all our matters. It is hypocritical to fight for justice for
Palestine while exploiting and denigrating women who are vital to this movement.”

Within South Africa’s social justice sector, this moment calls for deep reflection and action. It is
only through a strong commitment to challenge systems that reinforce patriarchy and abuse of
power that we can ​ensure that organisations reflect those principles for which we work​.

We call on organisations with a commitment to Palestinian solidarity and gender justice to

actively distance themselves from the position adopted by BDS-SA in response to the
complaints. We are in solidarity ​with Professor Kil and colleagues in their call for accountability.

-- ENDS --

The following organisations endorse this statement:

Palestine Solidarity Committee, Johannesburg

Wits Palestine Solidarity Committee
UCT Palestine Solidarity Forum
Muslim Students Association Union

The following individuals endorse this statement in their personal capacity:

Naadira Munshi
Fatimah Vally
Maryam Daya
Uyanda Mabece
Minhaj Jeenah
Pearl Pillay
Natasha Vally
Tasneem Essop
Nurina Ally
Dasantha Pillay
Tokelo Nhlapo
Mitchel Joffe Hunter
Georgia Sacks
Kate Joseph
Camalita Naicker
Koni Benson
Shaeera Kalla
Kamo Nakedi
Talya Lubinsky
Lily Manoim
Rosa Manoim
Nuhaa Fuentes Hendricks
Maya Schkolne
Leigh-Ann Naidoo
Mthunzi Mbuli
Jeremy Phillips
Laura Phillips