RE: CONGRATULATIONS | APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM LEADER OF THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE – JOHN STEENHUISEN

The South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) congratulates you on your election as interim leader of the Democratic Alliance.

The Democratic Alliance finds itself at a crossroads both internally and in relation to gathering support from the diverse spectrum of South African voters. It is no secret that the South African Muslim community, in general, is firmly opposed to the pro-Israeli stance of the Democratic Alliance. This has clearly been a huge stumbling block for many Muslims in terms of support for your party, amongst concerns about other local policy issues.

Notwithstanding the presence of a few Muslims at various levels of the Democratic Alliance outside of the real power-broking structures, if the Democratic Alliance wants to truly live up to its claim of being genuine liberal democrats dedicated to justice and equality, not just in South Africa but all parts of the world, then many of the Democratic Alliance’s foreign policy positions need to be reassessed independently and in cognisance of the interests and wishes of its present constituency.

Much has already been said about the right shift within the Democratic Alliance and we hope under your leadership the Democratic Alliance will introspect and relook at its policies not just for equality and justice for all in South Africa but all over the world.

Kind regards

Dr. Faisal Suliman
Chairperson