By Motshwari Mofokeng
A coalition of 22 Islamic organisations has strongly opposed the planned June 30 national shutdown, calling on authorities to arrest and prosecute anyone responsible for inciting violence or intimidation linked to the protest.
In a joint statement, the coalition said it rejected all forms of vigilantism and violence directed at both South African citizens and foreign nationals, regardless of their immigration status. The organisations warned that recent anti-immigrant mobilisation had created fear and instability in several communities.
The coalition includes the Afro-Middle East Centre, Islamic Medical Association of South Africa, Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa, Call of Islam and several other Muslim organisations.
Religious leaders were also urged to dedicate Friday sermons to condemning xenophobia, Afrophobia, Islamophobia and unlawful violence, stressing that silence in the face of intimidation could embolden further attacks on vulnerable groups.
While acknowledging public concerns over illegal immigration, the coalition said government and the private sector must address the root causes of social tension, including poverty, unemployment and inequality.
The statement comes ahead of the planned June 30 protest against illegal immigration, organised by civic movement March and March. Although organisers insist the demonstration will be peaceful, concerns over possible violence have led to a R600 million security allocation. The eThekwini Municipality has refused permission for the march, but organisers say they intend to proceed.
