Waterfront, Cape Union Mart and the Israel–Palestine situation

Weekly demonstrations have been taking place outside Cape Union Mart since November 2023. The protests are organised by supporters of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS), an international campaign that supports Palestinian causes. Protesters typically gather near the store at the V&A Waterfront on Saturdays between 12pm and 2pm.

During these gatherings, protesters encourage shoppers to boycott Cape Union Mart and have raised allegations that the company’s CEO supports Israeli military forces, claims that the company denies. Demonstrators have also expressed political views related to the conflict involving Israel and Palestine. As the Waterfront is a public space, the demonstrations have generally been permitted to continue under observation by security staff.

Initially, protesters stood directly outside the Cape Union Mart store. Over time, security introduced a marked boundary across the pedestrian walkway and asked demonstrators to remain behind it. Observers say this boundary has not always been consistently observed. During protest hours on Saturdays, the children’s train that normally passes through the area has at times been temporarily rerouted.

Security presence at the Waterfront has increased during these weekly demonstrations, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been called when opposing groups are present. Following complaints from some shoppers about the atmosphere during protests, the Waterfront has designated separate areas for different groups in an effort to reduce the possibility of confrontation.

On Saturday, 7 March, several groups supporting Israel gathered at the Waterfront, each with around 15 members. These included an original pro-Israel group, the Simunye Israel group led by Pastor Thom Thamaga, the Concerned Clergy of South Africa and Christian United for Africa (CUFA) led by Pastor Dr Barry Isaacs, as well as a group called Iranians for a Free Iran.

Members of these groups initially stood quietly holding banners, placards and flags. Later, some participants began chanting and singing messages expressing support for Israel and for the Iranian people, as well as calls for peace. As the demonstrations continued, the chanting from the different groups grew louder.

Many shoppers paused to observe the gatherings, and some members of the public recorded photos and videos. The demonstrations remained under the supervision of security personnel, and all groups dispersed at around 2pm.

The events at the Waterfront reflect how international political issues can sometimes be expressed in local public spaces. In this case, a protest directed at a retailer has developed into a broader expression of views connected to the Israel–Palestine conflict, attracting attention from visitors, residents and tourists in one of Cape Town’s busiest areas.