Interim relief for Muslim women in SANDF

Muslim women who are members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will face no action for wearing a scarf with their uniform while the force continues to review its uniform policy.

The interim decision came after engagements were held this week between the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), SANDF and the legal representatives of long-serving SANDF Major Fatima Isaacs, who faces dismissal for refusing to remove her scarf.

Advisor to Isaacs, labour specialist Nazeema Mohamed said they led the discussions in terms of the legal aspects of the matter, while the MJC focussed on the religious aspects.

“The two matters are linked but separate.

“There is a separate legal process in August, Isaacs is going through as the charges have not been withdrawn.

“In the interim, we will be following the legal military protocols and make submissions to the National Prosecuting Authority that an interim scarf-wearing order exists and call for a withdrawal of the case as the SANDF no longer has a prima facie case,” said Mohamed.

SANDF Major Fatima Isaacs, who faces dismissal for refusing to remove her scarf.

She said Isaacs will appear at the Court of Military Justice at the Castle of Good Hope on August 7, the charges will again be considered

and a new date set for a possible appearance.

After this week’s engagement, the SANDF has in the interim, declared that a determination was under consideration to grant interim relief to Muslim women serving in the SANDF to wear a scarf with their uniform in conformity with its dress code, while the process of shaping the policy was undertaken.

The policy will be concluded within a set time frame to be determined by the Chief of the SANDF General Solly Shoke.

Chaplain General Monwabisi Jamangile said the sooner the situation was presented to the authorities for their determination, it would provide the SANDF legal members to decide to continue with the legal process.

Jamangile said the engagements were broad and include all religions constituted by the Defence Act and the white paper of Parliament and would cover all aspects.

The MJC deputy president Moulana Abdul Khaliq Alie said the MJC respected the SANDF protocols and

has presented the matter of Isaacs to them while speaking broadly on issues of respecting religious rights

of members.

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