South African universities are facing potential cuts in research funding due to their stance on the ongoing conflict in Palestine, according to Naledi Pandor, former Minister of International Relations and Science and Technology.
Pandor warned that universities severing ties with Israeli institutions linked to military actions in Palestine could see international funding withdrawn. She urged the government to provide support to mitigate the financial impact on academic institutions and researchers.
Pandor emphasized that universities should maintain their ethical commitment to social justice and human rights despite these challenges. The issue follows growing academic boycotts of Israeli institutions, with European universities also taking similar actions in response to the Gaza conflict, which has claimed over 44,500 Palestinian lives.