Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 25-06-2019
Social cohesion activist Yusuf Abramjee says Muslim women being allowed to wear a headscarf should be non-negotiable in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the South African Police Services (SAPS) and other agencies.
This comes after a Muslim Sandf member is being hauled before a military court on Tuesday for her refusal to not wear her headscarf.
It’s believed the major, who has been a member of the armed forces for the past 10 years, works as a clinical forensic pathologist at 2 Military Hospital in Wynberg.
Her adviser, Nazeema Mohamed, told News24 that the major’s scarf was worn under her beret and does not obstruct any insignia or military rankings.
Abramjee says the SANDF’s decision goes against the grain of the constitution and Muslims right to religious freedom.
“We have a right to our religious freedom, we have a right to protect our religion. We need to really stand united to make sure that our women are allowed to wear headscarves be they in the defence force, be they in the police, be they in any work environment.”
Abramjee says Chapter 21 institutions including the CRL Rights Commission and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) should get involved to resolve the dispute.
Listen to the interview with Yusuf Abramjee
0 Comments