Retail giant Woolworths has reportedly been dealt a R7.8-million financial loss over the past year; a result of an on-going Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the company. The figure is based on an independent research study conducted by Wits University, surveying how the almost year-long boycott has impacted on Woolworth’s retail operations. The statistics were released in December, and are based on research from 3296 boycotters, all surveyed through the BDS website.

Woolworths has however vehemently denied any losses on its annual income, questioning how the Wits study could come to the R7.8-million figure. Group director of retail operations, Paula Disberry has insisted that sales have “continued to grow from year to year”.

But judging from her observations Wits researcher, Ciara Gatonby said this was unlikely.

“If the momentum is continued they are certainly losing a lot more than they anticipated; probably around R50-R60 million in that group alone. I personally think it (growth) is unlikely,” she told VOC.

Despite talk on the Gaza conflict having somewhat died out following the agreement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Gatonbury said there has been little waning from South African’s in regards to support for the BDS boycott. She noted continued support via social media, as well as many organisations re-endorsing the campaign.

Woolworths has allegedly sought to counter this by launching initiatives to boost its public image. In recent months this has included roping in Grammy award winning musician, Pharrell Williams as the face of its “Are you With Us?” campaign. William’s decision to align with Woolworths has provoked criticism from those sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. Glatonbury suggested the debacle may have contributed to a renewal of focus towards the boycott.

“There have been more pledges to boycott from supporters across Twitter. From what I’ve seen in the media, there has been a renewal of activity in stop-shops, small protests and other in store activity,” she highlighted.

The ‘Woolies Boycott’ was launched on August 4th 2014 by BDS South Africa, in response to Israel’s ‘Operation Protective Edge’ military campaign on the Gaza Strip. Woolworths has been accused by pro-Palestinian sympathises of stocking Israeli food products, as well as refusing to adhere to calls for such items to be removed from its shelves. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)