A coalition of 22 South African Muslim organisations has rejected the planned June 30 “national shutdown” against undocumented immigrants, warning that the campaign risks fuelling xenophobia, Afrophobia, Islamophobia and unlawful vigilantism.
In a joint statement published on June 25, the organisations said they were “united in our opposition” to the proposed shutdown and to “any acts of violence, intimidation or vigilantism” directed at South African citizens or foreign nationals, regardless of whether they are documented or undocumented.
The statement was signed by a broad range of Muslim organisations, including the Afro-Middle East Centre, Call of Islam, Cape Town Ulama Board, Islamic Medical Association of South Africa, Media Review Network, Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa, South African Muslim Network and the South African National Muslim Women’s Forum.
The coalition said its opposition was rooted in “respect for the inherent dignity of all persons” and concern that recent anti-immigrant mobilisation had shown “increasingly violent and intimidatory tendencies”, creating instability and fear in several communities.
Islamophobia and Muslims joining shutdown
The organisations also warned that the campaign against foreign nationals was increasingly targeting Africans from neighbouring countries, including vulnerable communities seeking safety, shelter and livelihoods in South Africa.
“Such conduct promotes xenophobia and Afrophobia,” the statement said.
They further raised concern over reports that Muslims in townships were being targeted by anti-foreigner campaigners simply because they wore Islamic dress, warning that this was fuelling hostility towards Muslims and promoting Islamophobia.
“We dare not remain silent in the face of mob threats, intimidation and lawlessness. Today it may be one vulnerable group; tomorrow it may be another. The erosion of the rule of law threatens all who live in South Africa,” the coalition said.
While acknowledging public concerns around immigration, the organisations stressed that enforcement of immigration policy is the responsibility of the state and its authorised agencies, not private groups or “self-appointed individuals”.
They also called for policing and Home Affairs processes to be free from corruption, bribery, extortion and abuse of power.
The Muslim organisations urged South African Muslims not to participate in or support the planned shutdown, and called on religious scholars and mosque leaders to dedicate the Friday khutbah on June 26 to condemning xenophobia, Afrophobia, Islamophobia, vigilantism and unlawful violence.
They also urged Muslims to avoid provocative conduct, report threats and intimidation to law enforcement, assist displaced migrants and South Africans in distress through humanitarian and medical relief, and refrain from spreading rumours, misinformation and fearmongering.
The coalition further called on Muslim business owners to uphold fair labour practices and encouraged communities to work with Community Policing Forums and law enforcement agencies to protect lives, property and places of worship.
Government urged to act against incitement
In its call to the government, the coalition demanded the investigation, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for hate speech, incitement to violence, intimidation and other unlawful conduct that threatens public safety and social stability.
It also urged the government to eradicate corruption and extortion within the public service, and to ensure visa, work permit, refugee and asylum applications are processed transparently and efficiently by the Department of Home Affairs.
The organisations said the government and private sector must also address the poverty, unemployment and inequality that often fuel anti-immigrant sentiment in communities.
They warned that anti-immigration movements around the world have often been exploited by “sinister, extremist, racist and exclusionary political forces” seeking to sow division, undermine social cohesion and destabilise societies.
“South Africa must guard against such tendencies and remain committed to its values of human dignity, equality and human rights,” the statement said.
The joint statement comes amid growing concern over the planned June 30 protest against illegal immigration, led by civic movement March and March.
Although organisers have insisted the protest will be peaceful, fears of violence have prompted a major security response, including a reported R600 million allocation for public safety operations.
The EThekwini Municipality has refused permission for the march, but organisers have vowed to proceed, raising tensions ahead of the planned action.
