SOUTH AFRICA: PROTEST AGAINST BUILDING OF LUXURY HOUSING ON HOLY SITE

Описание: (17 Sep 1996) English/Nat

Thousands of South African Muslims have staged a protest against plans to build luxury houses on a holy site in Cape Town.

Around 20-thousand Muslims joined environmentalists at the weekend to denounce the proposed multi-million dollar development which includes a golf course and luxury hotel.

In the shadow of Table Mountain and overlooking the ocean, this is one of Cape Town's most scenic spots. It is also a prime target for developers.

A prestigious development is planned for this area with houses expected to sell for more than (U-S dollars) half a million dollars - highly expensive by South African standards.

The developers also want to build a hotel and golf course.

But the development has angered Muslims who say it will desecrate 23 shrines or "kramats" of Muslim saints buried there as well as hundreds of unmarked Muslim graves.

On Sunday thousands of Muslims staged a protest in the hope they will be able to sway the National Monuments Council who are to discuss the developers' application on Tuesday.

SOUNDBITE: (in English)
"And if they are going to push us till the sea will be the only refuge, then we will have to come back fighting with our blood."
SUPERCAPTION: Sheikh Nazeem Mohamed of the Muslim Judicial Council

Environmental activists have been protesting against the development for several months - now they have the weight of the Muslims behind them.

The developers say they'll build around the shrines, but the Muslims are still concerned about the unmarked graves.

They say this is holy ground and should not be touched at all.

Allie "Phantom" Parker, the leader of the vigilante group People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad) - also joined the protesters.

Last month, he and his group of vigilantes shot and burned to death an alleged drug dealer in Cape Town.

Parts of Table Mountain are protected as a World Heritage Site. Environmentalists want this part of the mountain included in the site.

SOUNDBITE:
"We the people of the Rainbow Nation sincerely urge our President, Mr Nelson Mandela, Madiba and our Environment Minister Dr Pallo Jordan to declare this land a national monument so that all cultures of South Africa and the World can experience the wonders of Table Mountain for future generations to come. Insh'ullah (God Willing), Shukran (thank you)."
SUPER CAPTION: Desiree Buirski, environmental activist

Despite the large number of people, it was a peaceful protest. It remains unclear as to whether they will succeed in stopping the development.

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