Cii News – July 24, 2012

Despite Johannesburg Mayoral Committee members being unaware of the issue, trustees at Masjid-Al –Rahmah in Riverlea, south of Johannesburg, have received a legal letter demanding that the calling of the Adhaan (prayer call) via the loudspeaker system be stopped.

The demand has irritated South African Muslims that live peacefully and harmoniously throughout the country amongst people from various religious and cultural backgrounds.

The document sent to the Masjid states that it is a letter of demand by the Sherriff and the legal firm confirmed that they are acting on behalf of the City of Johannesburg.

The letter, addressed to a Cassim Ngoma, notes that he had permitted the, “continued use of amplifiers and loud speakers on the premises…despite a notice of contravention which was served on you [Cassim Ngoma] on 13 May 2011 requesting that you cease such conduct by no later than 13 June 2011.

“An inspection conducted on 30 May 2012 revealed that such conduct has not been discontinued.”

Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) Rehana Moosajee again confirmed to Cii that no political decision was taken by the city council to ban the calling of the Adhaan via loudspeakers.

“We are keen to investigate any documents that the community might have been sent to understand where the issue might have started from. We want to reassure the community that at the level of the mayoral committee and council we are keenly aware of the sensitivities of these matters and will continue to engage all parties to ensure the successful resolution of any issues of concern.”

A petition has been drawn up to request that the Johannesburg City Council allow Muslims and all other religious groups of Riverlea and surrounding areas free use of their sound systems, bells and other instruments used for religious purposes.

Entrenched in South Africa’s constitution is religious freedom and in line with democracy, Muslims are allowed to call the Adhaan on an amplified system in many towns of the country.

On Monday Moosajee told Cii, “We want to call those who started the petition to come forward with the information.”