International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor says all South Africans irrespective of race, creed and religion must act in unison when the country is faced with an immense national challenge to protect our society. 

Minister Pandor was responding to a question during an interview on ITV about The Majlis in Port Elizabeth who threatened to approach the courts in a bid to challenge the national lockdown regulations prohibiting large groups from attending daily prayers at Masaajid.

The Presidency has denied The Majlis’ request saying the consequences and measures taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa to curtail the Coronavirus is a concern for all South Africans irrespective of which religious community they belong to.

Minister Pandor says all religious groupings are bound by the same rules and regulations of the lockdown.

“Once you open up room to any religious grouping, then you cannot be selective. Other religious groupings would also want similar room to be opened and then you may introduce a level of chaos and concern that actually leads to harm.”

Pandor says the duty of a Muslim is to respect life.

“All the government is trying to do is to protect South Africans. The Ulama and we thank them for the step that they have taken have guided us as one. We don’t want any breach in our community. It is absolutely important that as the Ummah our leadership lead us as one and guide us to safety and help.”

Pandor says the position taken by the majority of the Ulama, thinking and working together must be respected and followed as they considered the safety of all Muslims including the requests presented by Ramaphosa.

Listen to the interview with Minister Naledi Pandor