The Price of Principle in a Land Still Scarred by Apartheid

The University of Cape Town (UCT) recently lost 250 million rand ($15.2m) in donor funding due to its adoption of two resolutions condemning Israel’s war on Gaza. This withdrawal of funds from the Donald Gordon Foundation was a direct response to UCT’s stance, which some saw as an affront to the foundation’s supposed values.

The Donald Gordon Foundation’s wealth stems from financial services and investments that exploited racial disparities engineered by the apartheid regime. This accumulated wealth continues to wield disproportionate influence over public institutions in South Africa. The foundation’s attempt to dictate UCT’s stance on Israel and Palestine is a manifestation of this lingering effect, where private wealth seeks to shape academic discourse.

UCT’s decision to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition was a principled stand against the creeping instrumentalization of academic freedom. By endorsing the Jerusalem Declaration instead, UCT demonstrated its commitment to protecting criticism of Israel and advocacy for Palestinian rights, even in the face of financial pressure.

This incident is not isolated; it’s part of a broader struggle within South African universities. The legacy of apartheid continues to shape the country’s social and economic landscape, perpetuating inequalities reflected in the 1,400 students facing registration holds at UCT, with student debt exceeding one billion rand ($60.7m) by December 2025.

The connection between UCT’s stand on Israel-Palestine and its own history is not coincidental. The apartheid regime used education as a tool of oppression, restricting access to knowledge and qualifications for Black communities while preparing white students for governance. Today, South African universities have a responsibility to recognize this legacy and resist attempts to silence or co-opt their academic pursuits.

Gaza’s education system has been severely damaged. Nearly 98 percent of school buildings were damaged by April 2026, with 81 percent directly hit and 93 percent requiring major rehabilitation or complete reconstruction. The destruction of Al-Israa University’s campus is a devastating example of the Israeli military’s deliberate targeting of educational institutions.

UCT’s decision to stand by its principles is significant in this context. By refusing to adopt the IHRA definition, the university sent a message that it will not compromise its values in the face of financial pressure or external expectations. This is a testament to the resilience and determination of South African universities, which continue to grapple with apartheid’s legacies while navigating global politics.

The implications of this struggle extend far beyond UCT’s campus. The attempt by private donors to shape academic discourse and silence dissenting voices raises fundamental questions about higher education in a democracy. As South Africa confronts its own history, universities must remain vigilant against attempts to instrumentalize knowledge and muzzle critical inquiry.

In the aftermath of this funding blow, UCT’s students and faculty will face significant challenges. The loss of bursary funding and research grants will exacerbate existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting Black students who rely on these resources to access education. However, South African universities must remain committed to their principles, recognizing that academic freedom and social justice are fundamental aspects of their mission.

As the country continues to grapple with its apartheid past, UCT’s stand against financial coercion serves as a powerful reminder that, in Nelson Mandela’s words, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”