South Africa’s cultural and civic landscape has been thrust into controversy after several pro Palestine civil society organisations accused the South African National Biodiversity Institute and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden of betraying constitutional and institutional principles. At the centre of the dispute is the decision to allow musician David Scott, widely known as The Kiffness, to perform at Kirstenbosch, a venue funded by public money and historically positioned as a shared national space.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Mothers4Gaza and allied organisations have described the decision as profoundly disappointing, arguing that their objections were disregarded despite sustained engagement. For these groups, the issue extends beyond a single concert, touching instead on the broader role of state institutions in fostering inclusion, social cohesion and respect for diverse political and moral convictions.
Claims Of Exclusion And Alienation
The organisations argue that the choice of performer directly contradicts the inclusive ethos traditionally associated with the Kirstenbosch summer concert series. They maintain that the event, which has long been marketed as welcoming to all, now risks becoming a symbol of exclusion for many Capetonians and visitors who view the artist’s public positions as deeply offensive.
In a strongly worded statement, the groups framed the decision as a deliberate provocation rather than a neutral cultural booking.
SANBI’s choice of a pro Israel public figure to headline an annual inclusive concert at Kirstenbosch is an effort to alienate and exclude a significant number of Capetonians and visitors to the city
Freedom Of Expression Versus Public Responsibility
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the organisations insist that rights come with responsibilities, particularly when public platforms and state funding are involved. They argue that the issue is not censorship, but the appropriateness of endorsing certain views through prestigious public institutions.
The groups were particularly critical of what they describe as Scott’s public defence of military action in Gaza and his conduct on social media.
While David Scott is entitled to freedom of speech under our constitution, he is an outspoken defender of military action against the people of Gaza. In addition, he is a defiant racist who peddles his unconstitutional and hurtful views on social media
Values Of Ubuntu Questioned
SANBI’s own stated values have become a focal point of the criticism. The organisations contend that principles such as Ubuntu, respect and tolerance, accountability and transformation are being hollowed out by actions that appear to privilege certain voices while marginalising others.
They further allege that management has engaged in contradictory behaviour, publicly thanking activists for peaceful protest while privately undermining their legitimacy.
While thanking us for our peaceful Tuesday protests, SANBI management has simultaneously engaged in a duplicitous campaign to vilify us
Security And Allegations Of Political Bias
Another flashpoint has been the increased security presence at Kirstenbosch during protests. The organisations argue that this securitisation is not about public safety, but about shielding a particular ideological stance from scrutiny and dissent.
They claim that ordinary South Africans are being excluded from a space that should belong to them.
The garden has been securitised not to protect the public, but to protect a right wing agenda and to exclude ordinary South Africans and peaceful dissent
Ministerial Priorities Challenged
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has also been drawn into the dispute, with sharp criticism directed at the Minister’s handling of the matter. The organisations argue that the decision to engage directly with the artist before consulting civil society reflects a troubling hierarchy of concern.
For activists, this sequence of engagement sends a powerful political message.
The Minister’s decision to engage directly with The Kiffness before meeting with representative civil society organisations is a disgraceful illustration of where their loyalties lie
Escalation And Public Mobilisation
In response to what they describe as ethical and constitutional failures, the organisations are demanding that the concert be cancelled and that SANBI and Kirstenbosch issue a public apology. They have confirmed that they have approached the South African Human Rights Commission, the Presidency and several government departments in an effort to secure intervention.
They have also warned that protests will not only continue, but intensify.
Because of SANBI’s conduct, our peaceful weekly Tuesday protests at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden will continue and intensify
A Warning About The National Future
As the confrontation deepens, organisers have called on the public to join them at Kirstenbosch, framing the struggle as one that reaches far beyond a single performance. They argue that the stakes involve the moral direction of the country and the protection of hard won democratic values.
In a final warning, the organisations positioned their campaign as a defence of South Africa’s post apartheid ideals.
We aim to reject the attempts to drag our nation back to a bitter, divisive, and hateful past
