By Sadiq Abdulfatah

A coalition of 22 Muslim organisations in South Africa has distanced itself from the planned June 30 nationwide shutdown, warning against any form of violence, intimidation or unlawful action targeting citizens or foreign nationals.

The coalition said its position is rooted in Islamic values that uphold human dignity and justice for all people. It expressed concern that recent anti-immigration campaigns have become increasingly aggressive, creating fear and tension in some communities.

Among the organisations that signed the statement are the Afro-Middle East Centre, Call of Islam, Islamic Medical Association of South Africa, Media Review, Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa and the South African National Muslim Women’s Forum.

The groups also called on Muslim scholars, imams and mosque leaders to dedicate the Friday sermon of June 26 to condemning xenophobia, Afrophobia, Islamophobia, vigilantism and all forms of unlawful violence. They stressed that silence in the face of injustice and mob action could encourage further division in society.

While recognising concerns about immigration, the coalition urged government and the private sector to address deeper issues such as poverty, unemployment and inequality, which it said contribute to growing frustration among many South Africans.

The organisations further warned that anti-immigration campaigns in different parts of the world have sometimes been exploited by extremist and divisive forces. They urged South Africans to uphold the values of justice, equality, peaceful coexistence and respect for human rights.

The statement comes as debate continues over the June 30 anti-illegal immigration protest planned by the civic movement March and March. Despite assurances from organisers that the protest will be peaceful, concerns over possible violence have prompted a R600 million security deployment. The eThekwini Municipality has denied permission for the march, but organisers have vowed to go ahead with it.

Source: IOL