The event was organised in partnership with the College of Business and Economics Decolonisation Committee at the University of Johannesburg and Birzeit University in Palestine.
The seminar formed part of Israeli Apartheid Week, an annual global campaign initiated by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in 2004, aimed at mobilising grassroots support for Palestinian liberation.
At Mandela University, the campaign included talks, film screenings, craftivism and displays highlighting lessons from the ongoing Palestinian struggle for freedom. This marked the second year of collaboration between the PSO, the University of Johannesburg, and Birzeit University.
The seminar was led by Political Science lecturer and PSO Interim Chairperson Giovanni Poggi and featured South African and Palestinian speakers, including Associate Professor Enver Motala.
In his opening remarks, Prof Motala challenged calls to move beyond discussions of apartheid, stressing the importance of critically examining its forms and continued relevance.
Gazan literature Professor Haidar Eid emphasised the urgency of strengthening South-South solidarity amid the failure of international systems to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
He questioned the relevance of Edward Said’s humanism and called for ethical clarity, collective accountability, and moral coherence.
Eid urged continued global focus on Gaza despite shifting headlines, advocating resistance grounded in courage and sumud (steadfast perseverance).
Professor Salim Vally from the University of Johannesburg highlighted lessons from Palestinian education shaped by resistance and resilience.
He referenced the Scholasticide Dossier, which outlines steps to challenge imperialism and systemic violence.
Dr Naiefa Rashied noted the expansion of conflict into Lebanon and parts of Africa affected by exploitative extraction without development.
She stressed collective action, urging universities to adopt boycott and divestment measures and proposing a national audit of institutions.
Dr Sa’d Nimer of Birzeit University concluded the panel, describing the institution as the “Martyrs University”, due to the loss of staff and students.
He detailed ongoing restrictions on Palestinian education, including banned materials and movement limitations imposed by military checkpoints, which disrupt access to learning. Despite these challenges, he encouraged continued support for Palestinian students and institutions.
The seminar concluded with a discussion among attendees on academic boycotts, regional conflicts and the need for education centred on human dignity.
The PSO at Mandela University committed to further initiatives to strengthen solidarity with Palestinians and others resisting colonialism, imperialism and oppression.