Antizionism prioritised over job creation

Millions of South Africans are unemployed in what experts call a “national crisis”, yet a political party has turned its back on a project that could create thousands of jobs, all because the man proposing the investment, Gary Itzikowitz, is a Zionist. 

Forty-four percent of South Africans – or 12 million people – are unemployed, according to labour law expert Ivan Israelstam. “It’s never been this bad, and unemployment continues to rise,” he says. “Soon, half the working population will be unemployed. This affects every South African.” 

Local property developer Itzikowitz hoped to make a difference with a 10-year investment proposal that promised more than 100 000 jobs, affordable housing, quality education, medical facilities, farming and fishing opportunities, and business growth for disadvantaged communities. 

He signed a non-binding letter of intent with the National Coloured Congress (NCC) on 27 October. The NCC announced this with much fanfare, describing it as a “multibillion-rand investment” and “private investment aimed at building ownership, opportunity, and a stronger future for our people”. 

But days later, the NCC said it was cancelling the agreement. “When we discovered that the developer was a Zionist, we walked away out of principle,” said NCC president Fadiel Adams. “Anything that has to do with Zionism is poisonous, and we don’t want it.” 

But Itzikowitz says “this was business with purpose”, using his 30 years of property development experience “to develop property and benefit under-serviced communities at the same time”. 

He remains willing to work with anyone committed to uplifting local communities and strengthening the South African economy. “Collaboration without bias, prejudice, or discrimination is the essence of tolerance and peacebuilding,” he says. 

Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies executive director Daniel Bloch says that rejecting opportunities for community upliftment due to political or religious beliefs “risks depriving local communities of vital resources. Ultimately, it is these very communities that bear the consequences.” 

Bloch says that the welfare of citizens “should always remain the priority”. Yet a conflict thousands of kilometres away “appears to have taken precedence over the immediate needs of fellow South Africans”. 

Itzikowitz says he met NCC deputy president Larry Varrie more than two years ago, “while doing independent due diligence for an investor on a property. That opportunity didn’t pass my due diligence, and a second proposal that he brought to me circa a year later also failed.” 

Both were declined on normal commercial grounds, says Itzikowitz. “Our relationship was courteous and professional, and it began before Varrie had any involvement with the NCC,” he says. “I mentioned to Varrie that investors I worked with were interested in affordable housing and rural retail developments. From the outset we agreed that any project had to be commercially viable, conducted at arm’s length, subject to full due diligence, and compliant with all applicable laws.” 

Varrie then approached Itzikowitz with a property project proposal. When Varrie later joined the NCC, he proposed that it take on the project as a community initiative. “I explored this on the understanding that the project was independent of party politics,” says Itzikowitz. 

Varrie drafted a non-binding letter of intent on paper with the NCC letterhead, which he sent to Itzikowitz, who reviewed and signed it on 27 October. “Political views were never discussed,” says Itzikowitz. 

The NCC told its constituents that they have been given empty promises by politicians for 30 years, but “the NCC did not come with another promise. It came with a signed agreement. And it goes ahead whatever the result on 4 November, because our people deserve it either way. Now the focus must be on turning this agreement into real results for our communities!” 

Days later, it turned its back on Itzikowitz. 

He says the NCC’s decision “came from left field and I was, perhaps naively, shocked. I was also disappointed, above all, for the communities that stood to benefit.” 

Labour law experts say that scuppering a possible job-creation opportunity because of ideology is highly concerning in the current economic climate. 

Israelstam says South Africa is approaching “failed state” status, with “unemployment, decaying cities, crime, and starvation” abounding. “We can’t turn this country around if people aren’t willing to put aside their minor differences in favour of solving major problems. And yet it happens every day, because we are such a divided society.” 

Although such a project would make only a small dent in unemployment, “we need to take every opportunity to create jobs”. 

In addition, if investment and job creation are politicised, it will deter further investment, he says. 

Fellow labour law expert Michael Bagraim says the project was altruistic and destined to create thousands of jobs. “The concept is what is needed in South Africa. 

“To now boycott a deal because one individual happens to be in favour of Israel is nonsensical.” 

South African Zionist Federation national spokesperson Rolene Marks says that the people paying for the NCC’s political grandstanding are the communities it claims to champion. 

“What changed between signing the agreement and cancelling it?” she asks. “Not those communities’ need for jobs. Not their need for investment. The investor’s political views became the overriding consideration. The NCC’s promises of economic upliftment suddenly came with a condition.” 

Marks says “the hypocrisy is staggering”. 

“South Africa maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, yet the NCC treats support for that same country as grounds to reject investment in its own communities. A party that demands inclusion for the marginalised is imposing a political loyalty test on those willing to invest in them.” 

Marks asks how tearing up an agreement helps a single Palestinian. 

“The NCC should stop pretending it puts communities first,” she says. That is a betrayal of the people it was elected to serve.” 

Itzikowitz says that “the project was intended to uplift minority communities who have themselves suffered prejudice. It is an unfortunate irony, and a clear reminder that prejudice of any kind does no good.” 

He says that he will continue to source land and partners for affordable housing and township and rural shopping centre development. “Demand and funding for this asset class is strong, and I will pursue projects with like-minded landowners, developers, businesspeople, and investors who share the goal of ethical business and community upliftment.” 

He doesn’t intend to act against the NCC. 

Bloch emphasises that no South African should have to conceal their identity, religious beliefs, or connection to Israel in order to conduct business, contribute to society, or participate fully in the economy. “Our message to the Jewish community is simple: don’t be intimidated, don’t withdraw from broader society, and don’t feel compelled to compromise your identity or beliefs.” 

Itzikowitz remains unbowed. To the South African Jewish community, he says, “No matter the challenges, we must never stop being proud, brave Jews and Zionists, and never apologise for our beliefs. 

“I am and always will be a proud Jew and Zionist, which will not stop me from working with good people of every background. The best response is to keep collaborating, contributing, and helping to uplift our own communities and the communities around us.”