Avish Maharaj, a Hindu who was elected vice-president of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) on August 8, resigned from the position a week later.
Avish Maharaj, a Hindu who was elected vice-president of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) on August 8, resigned from the position a week later.
MSA president Aslam Seedat said that Maharaj expressed his admiration for the hospitality and values of Muslim students and wanted to be a part of it.
Muslim students said the news was well received among the student population but raised a few eyebrows in the broader Muslim community.
"I know that Hinduism and Islam, as religions, are worlds apart. But I believe that there is much similarity between the morals and values of the two religions," said Maharaj in his speech at the MSA AGM.
"As a Hindu, I believe that I am capable of promoting Islamic projects and values," he said.
Positive change
"Muslims are moving away from the mindset that everything not coming from us is wrong or not allowed," said Seedat.
Zubair Adam, a senior Muslim student and ex-MSA executive, said that this was a great opportunity to show how diverse Islam is.
"The stereotype that Muslims are very close-minded and dogmatic is wrong and the fact that a Hindu could be voted in as vice-president shows that we are open to everyone, regardless of faith," Adam said.
Electoral officer for the AGM and MSA member, Ismail Bahadur said, “The MSA had poor support from general members and struggled to reach a quorum. Many members are more interested in a braai than anything serious."
A week into the Maharaj’s term, Seedat informed the MSA "with great regret" that Maharaj had resigned from his position as vice-president.
Seedat said that Maharaj had cited "personal reasons" for the resignation.
Maharaj was contacted for comment, but no comment was obtained in time for publication.
