We, the undersigned members of the Muslim community, are submitting this petition to address our concerns regarding the unfair employment practices within the Botswana Muslim Association and its Branches.

1. It has come to our attention that the Botswana Muslim Association (BMA) and its sub-committees consistently favor non-indigenous over equally or more qualified local candidates when filling job positions, be it on Halaal Management, Imam Positions, Teaching, Da’wah Committee, and other sub-committees.

2. A concern is raised about the recent appointment of a non-indigenous individual as Da’wah Coordinator. At the same time, some locals are more Islamically qualified and more experienced than this prioritized and handpicked individual.

3. It is not in our interest to rate people on any qualifications, however, for clarity, it is necessary to mention that the handpicked individual does not have anything above a diploma in Islamic Studies(on other courses, yes perhaps). At the same time, there are local Batswana Muslims with Bachelor's degrees from Madina University, Faculties of Da’wah, Shari’a, etc., and yet others from other universities with Master’s degrees in Islamic sciences but are not considered.

4. We firmly believe that since Da’wah deals with taking the Islamic message to the predominantly local Batswana in Botswana, it goes without saying that the best suited for such employment are the experienced and qualified local Batswana with an understanding and share similar traditions, culture, language, etc.

5. The locals should be prioritized to ensure that the community's potential and expertise are utilized effectively.

6. By favoring non-indigenous, regardless of what “citizenship” they hold, and sidelining or discriminating against the more relevant and even more qualified and experienced local candidates, the association not only diminishes opportunities for local potential but also undermines the sense of community and belonging within our organization.

7. The individual you have hand-picked and appointed is involved in a similar private project, which raises ethical and professional concerns, CONFLICT of INTEREST in short, that has recently been raised against an Imam by the same people sitting in this Da’wah committee, and that cannot be ignored. This is even worse.

8. Even if he may close his private da’wah program for now, it would still be possible to revert to it later after creating a large database and establishing international contacts

or sponsors using the position and the names of the Indigenous members compiled while holding the position.

9. The association has overlooked the two more experienced Indigenous Batswana already in the Da’wah Committee. We may also ask why another local member was silently removed from the Da’wah Committee.

10. If the Da’wah truly intends to invite the locals to Islam, it wouldn’t discriminate and sabotage those who are already Muslims.

11. After sidelining and discriminating against the locals, what then is it that you intend to do with those you claim to be inviting to Islam when they do join Islam?

12. It is also a fact that some non-locals even hold multiple employment positions and multiple remunerations from different sections of the same association.

13. However, appointing a local to the BMA executive who does not even understand Surah al-Faatihah is equally deceptive and unjust to Islam.

14. The association is urged to reassess its employment practices and prioritize the hiring of qualified locals and refrain from fictitious stories to justify the unjust.

15. Nurturing and empowering locals can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment while strengthening the association's bond with the local community.

16. On another note, there are many local Muslims who were denied participation in the past elections on the excuse that they were not members (membership in Islam is the Shahada) and that the registration window was closed, to date, that “window” has never been opened.

17. Both the “registration window” and its “closure” are unlawful and unconstitutional tools to curb the locals from membership and participation in the association's affairs.

18. We trust that BMA shares our commitment to the well-being and advancement of the local community and will consider this petition seriously.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

For the Concerned. Date:15/10/2024