Controversy surrounds the upcoming performance by South African musician David Scott, better known as The Kiffness, at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden’s Summer Sunset Concerts series on December 28. Pro-Palestine groups, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and Mothers4Gaza, have accused the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), which manages the publicly funded venue, of breaching its core values by allowing the concert to proceed despite widespread objections.
The groups staged multiple protests, including pickets and a sit-in at Kirstenbosch, demanding the cancellation of the show. They argue that Scott’s public statements – which include defending Israel’s military actions in Gaza, questioning allegations of genocide, and posts critics describe as racist and Islamophobic – make him unsuitable for a platform meant to promote inclusivity and social cohesion.
“SANBI’s choice of a pro-Israel public figure to headline an annual inclusive concert at Kirstenbosch is an effort to alienate and exclude a significant number of Capetonians and visitors to the city,” the organisations stated in a joint release. While acknowledging Scott’s constitutional right to freedom of expression, they labelled him an “outspoken defender of military action against the people of Gaza” and a “defiant racist who peddles… unconstitutional and hurtful views on social media.”
The protesters claim SANBI’s decision contradicts its stated principles of Ubuntu, respect, tolerance, accountability, and transformation. They have also criticised the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment for allegedly prioritising engagement with the artist over civil society groups.
As the concert date approaches, SANBI has ramped up security measures, informing ticket holders of planned searches due to anticipated protests. The institute has not issued a detailed public response to the demands but confirmed the event will go ahead as scheduled. Tickets for the performance, described on official listings as featuring “clever beats, good vibes and pure summer joy,” remain on sale and have seen strong demand.
Scott has previously denied accusations of racism, stating he views apartheid as a “terrible system,” and has defended his views on the Israel-Gaza conflict, including support for Israel’s right to self-defence.
The dispute underscores broader tensions in South Africa over freedom of expression, the use of public venues for politically divisive figures, and the country’s stance on the Israel-Palestine issue. Protesters have vowed further action, including a gathering on December 30, while supporters argue that calls for cancellation infringe on artistic and speech rights.
The concert is set against the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain, with gates opening at 16:00 and the performance running from 17:15 to 19:00.