MJC (SA) COMMENTS ON THE ATHAAN SOUND ISSUE

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful
MJC (SA) COMMENTS ON THE ATHAAN SOUND ISSUE

The MJC welcomes confirmation from the City of Cape Town that ‘noise nuisance’ complaints do
not apply to places of worship with appropriate zoning.
We have received a briefing from the City on its updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on
noise-related complaints. We have also discussed the matter with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who
previously committed to an expedited solution to provide reassurance to the religious
community.

The City has outlined how the SOP seeks to uphold religious freedoms and provide fair
procedures for handling noise-related complaints under provincial regulations, with an emphasis
on resolving community disputes amicably and with respect for the constitutional rights of all.
The MJC notes that the SOP is to be published on the City’s website, and have gladly accepted the
open invitation to religious leaders to assist in monitoring it’s implementation.

The MJC(SA) commits itself to assist in all issues regarding complaints against the Athaan and calls upon the community to report any such issues to the MJC (SA).
This is welcome progress and the culmination of a process of engagement with the City which
began in 2019.
End
Sh. Zaid Dantie
Secretary General
Sec.general@mjc.org.za
28 April 2022