A prominent humanitarian and religious leader, Dr A.V. Mahomed of Juma Musjid Mosque, has announced his immediate resignation from the KwaZulu-Natal Interfaith Religious Council (KZN IRC), citing the organisation’s “shameful silence” on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
In a strongly worded public statement, Dr Mahomed said his decision was motivated not only by religious principle but by a deep moral objection to the council’s failure to take a stand on what he described as “genocide” in Gaza.
“I hereby officially announce my immediate withdrawal from the KZN Interfaith Religious Council (KZN IRC). This decision is not solely rooted in religious principle but is a moral stance against the organisation’s silence on the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in Palestine,” he stated.
Dr Mahomed, who has served in humanitarian work for nearly seven decades, criticised the council’s perceived lack of leadership and its limited engagement in global matters, particularly the crisis in the Middle East.
“The dormant state of KZN IRC over the past 4–6 years has been laid bare by its inaction and indifference—particularly regarding the atrocities in Gaza. Despite raising this issue directly, the only response was a cordial yet empty engagement by Brother Ian Booth and Sister Ela Gandhi, with no meaningful acknowledgment or action taken to address the crisis,” he said.
The respected elder went further to question the council’s credibility in representing faith-based moral leadership.
“It is shameful that an institution claiming to represent religious leadership can remain silent in the face of such blatant inhumanity. How can we purport to uphold divine values while ignoring the suffering of our fellow human beings? This is not just a failure of leadership but a betrayal of faith itself. The world must know that silence in the face of oppression is unacceptable.”
He added that continued association with the council would compromise his ethical and spiritual integrity.
“After 69 years of humanitarian work, I refuse to associate with an organisation that has shown such profound disregard for justice and compassion. KZN IRC’s paralysis—whether due to fear, indifference, or complicity—has rendered it irrelevant in the fight for humanity.”
Dr Mahomed’s resignation has prompted debate around the moral responsibilities of faith-based institutions and their role in responding to global crises, especially in times of war, injustice, and human suffering.
In response, KZN IRC Secretary-General Hailey Fudu, speaking on behalf of the council, acknowledged Dr Mahomed’s departure “with deep regret and sincere gratitude”.
“As a founding member, his contribution to interfaith dialogue and social cohesion in the province has been invaluable. While we recognise his frustrations and concerns, we remain committed to our founding mandate of promoting peace, unity, and the well-being of all in KwaZulu-Natal through collaboration among diverse faith communities,” Fudu said.
She added that while COVID-19 had disrupted the council’s activities, it had continued to operate in various capacities.
“The Council has engaged in multiple online or in-person activities in response to the various crises faced by our communities, including social unrest, floods and the pandemic. The Council continues to function as a voluntary body, currently engaged in initiatives such as the forthcoming provincial interfaith summit.”
Fudu reiterated the council’s concern for humanitarian issues worldwide, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“We affirm our collective concern for global humanitarian crises, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and advocate for peace, the protection of human life, release of those held in captivity, and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid. Though our approaches may differ, our shared values compel us to stand for justice, compassion, and unity. As Dr Mahomed steps down, we wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Dr Mahomed has confirmed that he will be holding a press conference in the near future, where he plans to elaborate further on his resignation and the reasons behind his decision.
