Advocate Shameemah Dollie Salie, Al Jama-ah's Cape Town mayoral candidate, has a unique blend of faiths in her family, with Jewish, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim relatives. Her diverse heritage often answers questions about her ability to represent the whole city as a candidate from an Islamic political party. Salie described herself as a Capetonian and South African, emphasizing her connection to the city's diverse community.
Salie, a Muslim, has spent much of her life working in different communities with people of all backgrounds, rejecting the idea that her faith would determine whom she serves. She emphasized that her duty and responsibility are beyond her faith, to first serve humanity. Her family history includes significant figures from Cape Town's past, such as Tuan Guru, an exiled royal prince and Islamic scholar, Dr Abdullah Abdurahman, and Cissie Gool.
Salie highlighted the importance of understanding where people come from to understand who they are today, especially during Heritage Day. She suggested that some problems faced by earlier generations have not disappeared, including service delivery issues like water and sanitation, electricity, sewerage, safety, security, and rates. These issues continue to affect Capetonians, with the growth of the population exacerbating the challenges.
The inequalities of the past have also not disappeared, according to Salie. She stated that the continued marginalization and oppression faced in the City of Cape Town and broader areas of the country would be concerning to their forefathers. Salie emphasized that the issues faced today are far worse than those faced by previous generations due to population growth.
Clarence Ford, a host on CapeTalk, questioned Salie about her relationship with Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks and whether there was room for disagreement within the party. Salie described Hendricks as intelligent and hardworking, adding that she was not expected to keep quiet when she disagreed. She appreciated that Hendricks does not silence her or other party members.
Salie confirmed that there are healthy differences within the party, with Hendricks himself acknowledging that she gives him a hard time. This openness to disagreement allows for effective utilization of the political platform to effect change. Salie's ability to navigate these differences is crucial in her role as a mayoral candidate.
As Al Jama-ah's Cape Town mayoral candidate, Salie's diverse background and experience position her to address the city's complex challenges. Her commitment to serving humanity and her understanding of the city's history and inequalities make her a unique contender in the local government elections.
Key points
- Advocate Shameemah Dollie Salie, Al Jama-ah's Cape Town mayoral candidate, has a diverse heritage with Jewish, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim relatives.
- Salie emphasizes that her duty and responsibility are beyond her faith, to first serve humanity.
- She highlights the persistence of historical issues, including service delivery and inequalities, in the City of Cape Town.
