Why Majid Mowzer believes Muslims should remain engaged with the ANC

Majid Mowzer explains why he is standing as an ANC candidate in the local government elections, arguing that Muslim political engagement, non-racialism and participation in local government are vital to protecting rights, strengthening democracy and shaping South Africa.

By MAJID MOWZER

People ask me why I am standing on the African National Congress (ANC) ticket; many have made it clear: “If you stood as an independent candidate, I would have supported you.”

I understand the sentiment. The ANC is at a low ebb. But I want to explain why I believe staying in the ANC and encouraging others to join is the right path for South Africa and Muslims in particular.

Local government matters directly impact our community.

I know that many Muslims are disillusioned with national politics. But local government is where our daily lives are shaped. It is at municipal level that planning permission is granted or refused for developments such as masajid. It is where the call of the athaan can be enabled or banned. It is where murals expressing solidarity with Palestine can be removed, as we have seen in Cape Town.

These are not abstract issues. They affect our religious freedom and our right to express our conscience. The party that controls local government has direct power over these matters. That is why we cannot afford to be disengaged.

Why the ANC?

I have always supported the values and principles for which the ANC stands: non-racism, non-sexism and democracy. For as long as I can remember, I have been a supporter of these ideals for my country and, even before the unbanning of the ANC, was associated with the struggle for liberation.

For me, that struggle was always about bringing about a multiracial South Africa where all cultures and religions were woven together into the fabric of our nationhood.

These values are not meaningless today. I believe they are even more vital aspirations today than they were in 1994.

Today, in our country, we are witnessing the rise of race-based politics, the rise of right-wing ethnic nationalism and violent xenophobia. The July 2021 unrest showed how fragile our democracy is and how easily ethnic disaffection can bring destruction.

The danger of fragmentation

A trend that has been clear for all to see is the proliferation of smaller parties, many being splinters from the ANC and many funded by white capital, which has an interest in diminishing the ANC while consolidating white support under the flag of the DA.

The fact that many of these funders’ interests also coincide with a pro-Zionist ideology should worry all justice-loving people.

I challenge the contention that the proliferation of smaller parties is a sign of a maturing democracy. Many of the smaller parties in this election are underpinned by sectoral or ethnic popularity, which does not bode well for national unity and the well-being of all in a diverse country, especially not in a country burdened with racial strife and race/class inequalities.

Polarisation along racial, ethnic and even religious lines in our body politic is not the direction that we can afford to take without facing dire consequences.

A call to action

The ANC is arguably at its lowest ebb since 1994. But it remains the most representative political party in South Africa. It is the only party that unites the broadest diversity of our society.

If Muslims withdraw, we lose our voice in the most powerful progressive formation in the country.

What South Africa needs, in my view, is a renewed belief and commitment to non-racialism and human rights for all, and a concerted effort to put the best talents we have at the disposal of the country.

In other words, the ANC needs an infusion of intellectual and ethical people from all walks of society to join the organisation and reorientate it to its true purpose.

I believe it is possible, but only if, as Madiba once said, all the good men and women show up.

Deserting the ANC now, when what is required is the shoring up of its shield, is, to my mind, an exercise in self-destruction.

Muslims across the country should instead defend the organisation by joining its branches, making their voices heard and putting their talents at its disposal.

Our rights are at stake

Our human rights, including our right to religious freedom and to fully express our views, are not matters to be taken lightly.

A strong and capable ANC is what is required to secure these rights. Now is the right time for progressive people to shore up the ANC and turn its fortunes around, for the good of the country and for the protection of all our communities.