Port Elizabeth — A university employee is innie sop for allegedly using her work email to expressing her dislike for Muslims and mosques.
In an email circulated on WhatsApp, Hazel Kendrick, a secretary at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Chemistry department, wants Muslims to go and erect mosques “in their own country”.
“The [residents] of Westering (in Port Elizabeth) 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,” she 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 so-called centre then they must have it in their own country not and tuff.” (sic)
NMMU spokesperson Zandile Mbabela says vice Chancellor Derrick Swartz has launched an investigation.
Kendrick could not immediately be reached for comment.
Sheikh Shamiel Panday said opposing residents were worried the mosque could increase crime and impact property prices.
Democratic Alliance MP, Yusuf Cassim, said Muslims have been struggling for three years to get the residence rezoned.
“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, a subdivision within Human Settlements,” said Cassim.