Media Department

The Muslim Judicial Council, a representative body for the Muslim community in South Africa, seeks to promote the values and protects the well-being of the Muslim Community in South Africa.  The MJC has increasingly recognized the role the media plays in propagating images and perceptions of Islam.  Due to the many changes taking place in the International world, especially since events like September 11, there has been much interest and discussion on the religion of Islam.  Increasing misconceptions about Islam was presented by the media as fact and disseminated to the masses which fuelled rampant islamophobic incidences.

The Muslim Judicial Council therefore recognised the urgent need to engage all arms of the media in a responsible, coherent and professional manner and therefore the Media Department was launch on the 6 May 2006.  This department works to ensure that the media remains conscious of its responsible as members of the 4th estate by ensuring that information was factual, balanced and unbiased.

The main reason for the religious response to the negative reporting in the media is because reports vilify the fundamentals of Islam primary because of a “war agenda” which suited this vilification and led to irresponsible journalism at the expense of journalistic ethics.  MJC Media Department therefore provides religious understanding and insight into the current social, political and economic discourse.  It has increased the communication between mainstream media and the religious fraternity thereby allowing the media access to the religious fraternity prior to going to print or broadcast.

As reports continue to contain slanted views which is harmful and could potentially lead to discord of social cohesion of the diverse group’s within South Africa the MJC continues to prioritize the functioning of this department.  Good relations between the diverse and multicultural societies in South Africa is built on trust, respect, truth, honor and the understanding of each groups beliefs. As a responsible community we will continue to adhere to these high standing principles.
Nabeweya Malick

Public Affairs/Media Liaison
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