Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 31-05-2018
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the South African nation is grateful for the way Muslims each day make their contributions in every aspect of life.
Ramaphosa was speaking during iftar hosted by the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) at Tuscany Gardens, Rylands Estate in Cape Town on Wednesday.
The iftar was attended by a number of government officials including Deputy Minister of home affairs Fatima Chohan, Naledi Pandor and Fareeda Omar, the wife of late struggle stalwart Dullah Omar.
Ramaphosa says his own life has intersected with so many Muslims who derived their commitment and courage directly from the holy and empowering teachings and rituals of Islam.
He says Muslims have made a significant contributions to the South African landscape.
“Despite your relatively small numbers, your footprint is all over the professions of South Africa – from the judiciary to the health sciences to the education sector. Your influence is felt in our economy – from the boardrooms to the factory floors.”
Ramaphosa says Muslims ethics has allowed Islam to embrace every continent across the world and that these values need to be infused amongst citizens for a non-racial, non-sexist, non-sectarian and united South Africa.
“Let these values, which we all share, guide us as we reach out to our brothers and sisters across the world who continue to suffer oppression, exploitation and dispossession. Let these values guide us in our support for the struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination, peace and justice.”
The president also touched on Muslim marriages saying recognition of Muslim marriages has been drawn out for 24 years, and it’s going to be a matter that the courts will decide in the absence of consensus between government and the Muslim community.
Ramaphosa says South Africa does not merely tolerate its Muslim community, but genuinely embraces them and their religion.
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