Somali community organisation responds to unfounded bribery accusations
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
The Somali Association of South Africa (SASA) has distanced itself from an individual posing as its chairperson following claims that he attempted to bribe Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya to reopen a foreign-run shop in Mamelodi that was closed for violating municipal by-laws.
Moya had posted a recorded conversation with an individual on X last month, sparking widespread condemnation.
Abdikadir Mohamed, SASA national director, said the organisation received backlash over the unfounded allegations and wants to clarify that the individual in question does not represent the organisation.
"The individual claiming to be the chairperson of the Somali community board of South Africa has no affiliation with our organisation," he said.
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He said the association responded to the mayor's post, correcting the record and stating they had no knowledge of the cash 'n carry store in question.
The association also highlighted its leadership structure, noting it is led by a national director, not a chairperson.
Mohamed expressed concern that SASA staff faced threats after the incident, with their director's picture being shared on social media and falsely linked to the alleged bribery attempt.
'People have taken the picture of the director and posted it on social media platforms like X and Facebook, claiming that we are the ones who contacted the mayor and wanted to bribe the mayor and all those allegations that are untrue information,' he said.
He said the situation escalated further when others shared the organisation's physical address, putting staff members' lives at risk.
Formed in 1996, the non-profit organisation is a pioneering migrant-led organisation that promotes self-reliance, integration, and social cohesion among asylum seekers and migrants.
Mohamed cited the 2008 xenophobic attacks, saying the advocacy group has a mission to prevent such incidents through its initiatives to foster a more inclusive and harmonious society.
The organisation serves all communities, not just the Somali community, and has been doing so for decades.
To promote social cohesion, the organisation implements a youth and sports initiative, bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds through soccer and competitive tournaments.
The organisation also runs leadership and skills development projects that promote unity and interaction among young people.
Mohamed expressed concern that politicians often exploit foreign nationals for their own agendas, spreading unverified and incorrect information that portrays all African foreign nationals as undocumented and deserving of deportation.
'And this causes innocent citizens who are not familiar with the situation to be against foreign nationals in general,' he said.
He said refugees and asylum seekers fleeing persecution face increased hardship when denied access to essential services like hospitals and clinics, exacerbating their already difficult situation.
Mohamed added that the Somali community also faces significant safety and security challenges, including attacks on shopkeepers and vulnerable individuals struggling to obtain necessary documents due to the Department of Home Affairs' inaccessible services.
Despite these challenges, the organisation collaborates with various stakeholders, including government institutions, SAPS, NGOs, and the South African Human Rights Commission, to improve the lives of migrants.
Mohamed highlighted the impact of the organisation's work, saying that it has become a vital bridge between migrants and South Africans, promoting social cohesion, integration, and human rights.
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