Respecting the rights and observances of all religions in South Africa is imperative.

SAMNET notes with concern reports from the South African National Defence Union of a WhatsApp message compelling SANDF members — irrespective of their faith or beliefs — to attend an Easter church service on 16 April.

We hope for clarity on whether that message came from the leadership, or from an individual or small group within it. Either way, as reported, it infringes a critical constitutional right.

Where our objection lies, and where it does not

SAMNET believes religious observance is a critical part of our society and supports its inclusion in every sphere of life — but that must respect each citizen’s own choice.

We express no objection whatsoever to an Easter service for SANDF members who observe Easter. Our concern is the alleged insistence that all members must attend a denominational event.

A wider pattern

We are concerned about a rise, in some quarters, in the enforcement of one religion’s practices to the exclusion or diminution of others — a religious overbearance creeping into institutions and sectors, including in private employment, often coupled with prejudice against minority faiths. We are also concerned about rising Islamophobia, frequently fuelled by external and foreign influence.

We have noted reports of a growing number of incidents, particularly in the South African Police Service and in the Departments of Health and Education. We have received many reports of overt abuse of rules, policies and authority to obstruct, coerce, marginalise and discipline Muslims and others in the workplace. We are equally concerned by more subtle shifts in attitude and practice that break no rule at all, but are used to make people uncomfortable in their own environment and their own country.

All of this sits against a constitutionally protected right to hold and practise one’s faith where it can reasonably be accommodated.

South Africa must unite in recognising and respecting its diversity, and remember that its history, its freedom, its innovation and its successes come from precisely that mix of people of different faiths and beliefs. That diversity is to be leveraged and celebrated, not managed away.

Way forward

We call for more state and civil society activity fostering mutual understanding, respect, inclusion and tolerance.

Investigation and reporting

WhatsApp messages are easily faked and circulated to sow division and discord. We therefore call for a thorough investigation into the origin of this message, to establish clearly whether it was an instruction from any senior leader of the South African Army.

If it was, we call for corrective action and for policy to be implemented ensuring better understanding and training — with transparent, public feedback, so that SANDF members are reassured that they may freely express their faith and are under no obligation to participate in the religious events of others.

SAMNET will be monitoring developments and the SANDF’s response.

Sources

SANDU objects to SANDF members being forced to attend religious event — defenceWeb.

Related

Press Statement: Islamophobic Hate Crimes Increasing Across the World

Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in the interest of freedom of religion and the inclusion of all South Africans.