SASA Statement on the Israeli attack on Gaza
The South African Sociological Association (SASA) affirms its solidarity with the students, academics, activists, and governments who have raised their voices against the Israeli blockade of Gaza. In alignment with our steadfast commitment to social justice, SASA reiterates its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their ongoing struggle against the imposition of an apartheid state.
Throughout our history as a collective of sociologists and practitioners, we have maintained a critical stance toward social injustices. Consequently, we call upon educational institutions to adopt a principled stance on this enduring injustice and to boycott initiatives or alliances associated with Israeli Apartheid in Palestine, which is contributing to the current humanitarian crisis affecting the Palestinian population amounting to egregious crimes against humanity. SASA wishes to further add its voice to the global movement in defence of academic freedom and condemn the victimization of educators and practitioners by governments and academic institutions for speaking out against Israeli Apartheid, settler colonialism, ethno-nationalism and the unfolding genocide of Palestinians. Amidst escalating attacks on critical and radical thought globally, such as the destruction of Gaza’s Al Azhar University by terrorist occupation forces, this association acknowledges that the multifaceted measures aimed at silencing both academics and practitioners who advocate for Palestine and her people must be opposed.
Thus, we fervently urge higher education institutions and governmental bodies to promptly take action to curtail the instances of violence and intimidation directed at scholars and practitioners who advocate against the occupation of Palestine. We encourage members of the public to remain informed on this, through following updates from organizations such as Boycott Divest Sanction (BDS) which diligently engage in essential mobilization efforts. We recognize that our freedom remains incomplete without the concurrent realization of the Palestinians' freedom and the preservation of academic freedom.
Free, Free Palestine!
SASA Council & Executive, 2023-2024:
Jantjie Xaba (President), Bianca Tame (Vice-president), Nomzamo Ntombela (Secretary), John Mashayamombe (Treasurer), Aisha Lorgat, Crispen Chinguno, Claire-Anne Lester, Hlengiwe Ndlovu, Sihle Lamula, Simangele Cele, Siyabulela Fobosi and Tshepo Maake.