SAMNET is establishing a Strategic Legal Resources Fund to pay for legal work challenging Islamophobia, hate speech and incitement directed at Muslims in South Africa.

Islamophobia on South African social media is becoming more prevalent — content that promotes hatred and discrimination, and in some instances advocates violence against Muslims. We are now seeing those sentiments turn into violent actions and attacks on Muslims and on our institutions.

Other Communities Already Do This

Organisations representing other communities — the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, AfriForum, Solidarity, the SA Hindu Maha Sabha — have consistently taken action to challenge harmful and discriminatory conduct directed at their communities. The Muslim community must be able to respond as effectively when faced with hate speech, incitement and Islamophobic attacks.

Why Goodwill Alone Has Not Been Enough

SAMNET has sought to engage attorneys willing to provide pro bono assistance to institute proceedings in the Equality Court and pursue other appropriate remedies against individuals and groups promoting hatred and violence. Legal professionals have expressed support for this work. But few have the capacity to dedicate the time and resources these matters require on a voluntary basis.

If we are serious about confronting Islamophobia, we cannot rely solely on the availability of volunteers — and we cannot allow hateful and harmful messaging to continue unchallenged. A dedicated legal fund enables timely, strategic and effective responses to incidents that threaten the dignity, safety and constitutional rights of Muslims in South Africa.

How the Fund Is Administered

Funds raised are used to cover costs. The fund is administered in partnership with legal professionals who oversee payments and disbursements, to ensure transparency and accountability.

How to Contribute

Proof of payment can be sent to info@samnet.co.za.

We invite individuals, organisations and members of the community to support this initiative, and to help ensure that Islamophobia and incitement are met with an appropriate and effective legal response. Please forward widely.

SAMNET board members work entirely voluntarily. No salary, stipend or gratuity has ever been taken from donor funds.