The Muslim Judicial Council has spoken out against the rumours of xenophobic threats, criticising the South African government. The president of the council, Moulana Ihsaan Hendricks said that the government and the South African Police Service are not doing enough to eradicate the fear that have been instilled in African migrants living in the townships.

For weeks rumours have been circulating that locals would carry out attacks on foreigners once the 2010 Fifa World Cup had ended. Since last week there has been a spate of attacks on Somali shop owners which the government has dismissed as criminality and not xenophobia. "The government needs to do much more in order to ensure [foreigners' safety]," said Moulana Ihsaan Hendricks, adding that the success of security at the World Cup should be maintained. "Post-World Cup I think the government needs to keep its hand very, very firm."

Moulana Ihsaan Hendricks said that even though everybody has hailed the success of South Africa's hosting of the international soccer tournament, challenges remain rife. "What is still happening on grassroots level in South Africa remains a challenge for the South African community," he said. "I cannot understand why this xenophobic picture and this type of chapter is playing out in South Africa particularly when our African brothers are targeted in the process."

Moulana Ihsaan Hendricks said that the nation should be accepting of other Africans into the country because during Apartheid other nations on the continent welcomed South Africans who sought refuge from violence at that time. "These are the same African people ... during the struggle for their own freedom and liberation ... many of these African countries accommodated our African people."

Moulana Ihsaan Hendricks further assured that the MJC as well other religious organisations would be on standby should there be a massive outbreak of xenophobic violence. "So the Muslim Judicial Council and all other organisations are ready to assist and make sure we play the role as religious communities. And the local and national governments know that the religious leaders and the religious communities are ready to play their role."

Article courtesy VOC

Edited by MJC Webmaster