19 Apr. 24
During a significant Eid gathering in Laudium, near Pretoria, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged members of the Muslim community, many of whom are of Indian descent, to actively participate in politics to promote equality, shared prosperity, and true freedom in the country.
President Ramaphosa expressed concern over the diminishing political engagement of historically active communities, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in shaping the nation’s future. He highlighted the unfortunate shift towards internal disputes and racial biases in politics, which has led some communities to question their place in contemporary South Africa.
The President’s remarks come ahead of next month’s general elections, underscoring the need for inclusive political participation and addressing the concerns of minority groups, including the 1.6 million South Africans of Indian origin. These communities have voiced apprehensions about laws and policies affecting employment equality and educational opportunities, fearing marginalization in favor of the Black majority.
Ramaphosa’s call to action aims to inspire greater representation and influence within the political landscape, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. His message resonates with the broader goal of uniting diverse communities to collectively shape South Africa’s path towards progress and social cohesion.
