Fury at Kirstenbosch as SANBI defies calls to cancel the Kiffness concert

PSC and Mothers4Gaza demand apology as SANBI faces backlash over Kirstenbosch concert The groups said they were “deeply disappointed” that SANBI and Kirstenbosch had, despite their objections, allowed the concert to proceed. They argue that SANBI’s decision undermines the inclusive ethos traditionally associated with the annual Kirstenbosch summer concert series. “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,” the organisations said.

While acknowledging Scott’s constitutional right to freedom of expression, the organisations said his public positions made him unsuitable for a state-funded platform. According to the organisations, SANBI’s actions are inconsistent with its own stated values, which include Ubuntu, respect and tolerance, accountability and transformation. “The SANBI decision to allow the concert to take place violates the Values, especially in relation to respect, accountability and transformation,” the organisations said.