SA academics call for UJ to terminate relationship with Israeli Institution

*** Hamba Kahle, dear Kader. Click here for details (01 July 2011)

***  Breaking News: "Boycott victory" as the University of Johannesburg takes final decision - ends links with BGU. Click here for details (23 March 2011)

*** Fact-finding Report: “Damning” report on Israel’s Ben-Gurion University. Click here to download "The UJ-BGU Report"

In 2010, South African academics, staff and students called on the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to end its relationship with the Israeli institution, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). The call for termination was based on the grounds of BGU’s direct support and collaboration with the Israeli military and occupation.

On Wednesday, 29 September 2010, UJ's Senate (one of its highest decision making bodies) passed a Senate Resolution finding BGYU complicit in the Israeli military and occupation. The Senate Resolution set conditions that BGU must meet within 6 months, failing which the relationship will automatically terminate. Click here for the full UJ Senate Resolution.

On 23 March 2011, UJ's Senate met to assess BGU's compliance with the Senate Resolution. BGU failed to meet its conditions. UJ's Senate voted to uphold the Resolution, thus terminating UJ's institutional relationship to BGU. Click here for a full summary of the campaign.

- Over 400 prominent South African academics, from more than 18 South African tertiary institutions, signed the petition endorsing an end to Israeli institutions complicit in apartheid.

- Supporters of the petition include:

> 9 Vice Chancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellors
> 11 Deans and Vice Deans
> 21  Heads of Department

> 175 University Professors

> 125 Academic Doctorates

> UJ Student Representative Council
> COSATU, NEHAWU, SACP.