The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has joined the voices in condemnation of the recent wave of xenophobic violence in Kwazulu-Natal, brandishing it “senseless and shameful criminal acts of violence”. The religious body also issued its condolences to the families of the six foreign nationals so far confirmed to have been murdered.

These statements came at a press briefing at the MJC head offices on Friday morning; an event also attended by PASSOP founder and director, Bram Hanekom. The briefing featured a strong emphasis on similar scenes witnessed in the Western Cape in 2008, as well as the MJC’s role in assisting the victims thereof.

President Maulana Ighsaan Hendricks said it was imperative that South African’s at this time show the strength of a peace co-existence. At the same time, he alluded to a possible ‘element’ that may have instigated and driven the violence against foreign nationals.

“We in the religious leadership appeal, first of all to our own constituents within the Muslim community, to play an effective role in building a peaceful environment and co-existence. Also to show our cooperation in all areas where we can restore good understanding amongst South Africans, and foreigners who are here,” he said.

Hendricks made mention of the country’s Apartheid legacy, and the role played by African countries in allowing South African nationals to seek refuge within their respective states. Amongst them was former president Nelson Mandela, whose first venture out of the country saw him travel to North Africa. The MJC said this bond need not be severed by ‘ignorance, greed, crime and lack of appreciation for African pride’.

“As South Africans I think we are compelled to respect the people who are coming from other parts of African, and other parts of the world,” said Hendricks.

At the same time he called for locals to be educated in showing better treatment towards foreign nationals, so as to better portray South Africa as a nation that was respectful of all other nationalities.

“We are all Africans and the death of one is the death of all.”

During a similar wave of xenophobic attacks in 2008, many mosques were noted for opening their doors to foreigners seeking refuge from the violence. Whilst the MJC were hoping the violence not make its way down to the Western Cape, Hendricks said they could build on the experiences of 2008 to assist victims.

“There are some good historical initiatives taken by the MJC, and we intend to build on that. Of course we cannot do it alone, and there must be very close cooperation with the rest of the religious leadership of South Africa, and the government structures etc,” he noted.

Many have attributed the violence to statements made by King Goodwill Zwelithini of the Zulu nation, and the president’s son, Edward Zuma. But the issue has also been boiled down to frustrations amongst locals, who feel that foreigners are at fault for their inability to find work. The MJC were adamant that social ills like poverty and lack of job opportunities need be addressed, so as to curb this sense of hatred towards foreign nationals.

“We join the voices who appeal to our government to speed up those areas where South African citizens feel there have been delays, and where there are challenges,” said Hendricks, who especially highlighted the struggles of those living within the rural areas.

Although a message was sent out to local Imam’s to address the topic during their Jumuah Khutbah, the MJC are seeking to prioritize a unified sermon within the coming weeks.

PASSOP’s Hanekom also noted that they, with the assistance of various civil society groups and potentially the MJC, would look to hold a march towards the provincial legislature on Wednesday. This would be held in solidarity with immigrants living in the country. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)