Call for probe into e-mail

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) employee Hazel Kendrick is in hot water after allegedly sending an e-mail from her work address to several respondents last week expressing her disapproval of a mosque in Westering in Port Elizabeth.

The prayer site, on a residential property, appears to have been targeted by a minority group of residents who have objected to its existence.

“The [residents] of Westering have tolerated enough of this centre and would gladly see the back of this. This is a decent residential area and wish to keep it that way,” Kendrick wrote.

“It seems that … love to push their religion on the western world and expect us to tolerate and accept this, but it’s about time that we stand up and say enough is enough. If they want their socalled centre then they must have it in their own country ...”

NMMU spokesperson Zandile Mbabela said the views expressed in the e-mail went against the very core of NMMU’s values, which included respect for diversity.

Upon the matter being brought to the university’s attention, Mbabela said vice-chancellor Derrick Swartz immediately instructed NMMU’s legal unit to launch an investigation.

The probe will look into the possible violation of NMMU’s policies and values, as Mbabela said the institution did not tolerate discrimination.

During October, executive mayor Athol Trollip granted special consent for the facility to operate. However, several objections have been raised by residents who claim the mosque is problematic.

Sheikh Shamiel Panday confirmed that the committee had received complaints that the prayer site could possibly increase criminal activity and negatively affect the value of property in the area.

Democratic Alliance MP Yusuf Cassim said he had met the committee over the weekend to discuss the challenges.

“They have been struggling for about three years with rezoning and special consent. Last year, it came before mayor Athol Trollip, who granted special consent for land use.

Residents have now objected to the mayor’s decision and the matter will now have to go under review with town planning.” – ANA