SANDF expected to decide on hijab charges
Interested parties hope to find out on Wednesday whether the director of military prosecutions has come to a decision on whether to withdraw the charges against Major Fatima Isaacs of the SANDF Isaacs stands accused of wilfully disobeying a lawful order to take off a Muslim headscarf worn under her uniform beret. The case was postponed twice in November. During a previous hearing, Isaacs received “interim relief” from the military, allowing her to continue wearing the disputed item of clothing until a final ruling is made in the matter.
The relief was granted after an agreement was reached by the SANDF and the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa. In August it was disclosed by the Department of Defence head of communications, Siphiwe Dlamini, that the matter of interim relief for Muslim women in the forces had been discussed and ratified by the Military Command Council and a process was underway to shape the policy. The judicial process presently unfolding is a separate matter, as it is before the court and cannot be interfered with,” said Dlamini.
Nazeema Mohammed, a labour expert assisting Isaacs with her case, said: “For the last 10 years of service to the military, she’s been allowed on and off to wear a headscarf. Previously there were superiors or commanders in the military, some who were Muslim, who allowed her to cover her hair. Unfortunately there is a colonel who joined 2 Military Hospital and he has been uttering sort of Islamophobic comments. He is the one who issued the final written warning and then charged her for wearing the headscarf.
In other news – School Transport Taxi caught carrying 58 kids instead of 14 – Shocking Video
Traffic authorities are urging parents to ensure their children are transported to school safely after a video emerged social media showing 58 children squeezed in a mini-bus taxi.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety’s Joel Seabi confirmed that a taxi transporting 58 children was pulled over near Bela-Bela in Limpopo. The taxi that is supposed to carry 14 people was carrying 58 school kids. The driver was charged with overloading and the vehicle impounded. Read more
Source: eNCA
