Inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, the Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) calls for boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) as a form of non-violent pressure on Israel to comply with international law by meeting three demands:
Healthcare Workers 4 Palestine (HCW4P) South Africa, taking our cue from our own country's historical dismantling of Apartheid, note that while domestic uprising was a major component of the anti-Apartheid struggle, another element was the pressure exerted on the Apartheid state by the international BDS movement. Academic, sporting and cultural boycotts meant that upholding Apartheid carried more than an economic cost.
A full list of BDS campaigns can be found on the BDS Movement website. Specific campaigns in South Africa can be found on the SA BDS Coalition website. In the healthcare sector, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is listed as a pressure target by the BNC. Teva is an Israeli pharmaceutical company and the world’s largest generic drug manufacturer. Teva benefits from Israel’s illegal occupation of and the building of settlements in Palestinian lands allowing the company to exploit the captive Palestinian market. In a recent article in the South African Journal of Bioethics and Law, HCW4P called on consumers, prescribers and dispensers to exert pressure by using alternative products where possible, as well as lobbying, peaceful disruptions and the creation of awareness through social media campaigns. Reasonable alternatives are available to all commonly used Teva products in South Africa.
The Apartheid Free Zones campaign promotes the creation of spaces of proactive solidarity with the Palestinian people. The campaign seeks to cut links of complicity in Israeli violations of Palestinian human rights, especially those related to the UN-defined crime of apartheid. As citizens and people of conscience, we want to ensure that the spaces that we participate in do not contribute to the maintenance of an apartheid regime or profit from grave human rights violations.
Wondering how you can stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine?
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As an organisation or facility involved in the prescribing or dispensing of medication, you can enroll in the "Apartheid Free Zones, Say No to Teva" campaign and display our logo in your facility.
Register
When clients see the AFZ declaration poster in a facility, they can be assured that their essential medical expenses are not contributing to funding Israeli human rights abuses in occupied Palestine.
Dr Saadiq Moolla discusses reasons behind the 'Say No to Teva' campaign with INX prime.
The Cape Argus reports on the launch of the Apartheid Free Zone campaign.
Dr Farzanah Ariae clears up misconceptions about Apartheid Free Zones in the Cape Argus.
The Muslim Views reports on the 'Say No to Teva' and Apartheid Free Zone campaigns.
Slide deck for Dr Saadiq Moolla and Dr Ayesha Jacub's presentation at the 42nd Annual IMASA International Scientific Conference
Why has Teva been selected as a pressure target?
Teva has been singled out because it is Israel's largest commercial company and the 19th largest pharmaceutical company by revenue ($15.8 billion in 2023) globally. It contributes substantially to Israeli occupation and human rights abuses in Palestine by way of taxes paid. It also benefits from its preferential access to the captured Palestinian market, where it enjoys easy access free of customs and checkpoints. In contrast, various Israeli policies have inflicted strong negative economic effects on the Palestinian pharmaceutical industry including restriction on registration, licensing costs, shipping costs, prohibition on export and exclusion from large Arab and Israeli markets.
Will avoiding Teva medication put my own health and well-being at risk?
Teva is a generic drug manufacturer. A generic drug is a copy that contains the same chemical substance as a medication that was originally protected by patents. They can be sold after the patent on the original medication expires. Our pharmacists and researchers have conducted extensive research to ensure that reasonable, effective and affordable alternatives are available to all Teva medication. A comprehensive list is available.
Which Israeli-linked companies or products should those who want to take part in the BDS campaign look out for?
Companies that are subject to targetted boycotts in South Africa include Cape Union Mart (and associated brands), Pizza Hut, McDonalds and ZZ2 tomatoes. The list is maintained and regularly updated by the South African BDS Coalition including the reasons and demands behind the boycotts. The BDS Movement similarly maintains a global list of targetted companies.
Those looking to boycott Israeli products more comprehensively can also make use of apps such as No Thanks which allow one to scan barcodes and easily determine which products to avoid.
As an organisation or facility involved in the prescribing or dispensing of medication, you can enroll in the "Apartheid Free Zones, Say No to Teva" campaign and display our logo in your facility.
RegisterIf you believe a facility is not upholding its pledge as an Apartheid Free Zone, send us a confidential email at afz@hcw4palestine.org.za. You can report:
Connect with Healthcare Workers 4 Palestine (HCW4P) South Africa:
www.hcw4palestine.org.za
info@hcw4palestine.org.za
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