TimesLIVE reports that the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) has offered to mediate in the disciplinary action by the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) against a Muslim member charged with refusing to remove her headscarf.  

The commission, a constitutional body that works to protect and promote the rights of people to freely observe and practice their culture, religion and language, indicated on Monday that it had asked for an audience with the SANDF.  Maj-Gen Fatima Isaacs, a forensic pathologist in the SANDF, appeared before a military court last week for wearing her hijab with her uniform.  On Wednesday last week, the SANDF clarified that laws clearly stated that no other clothing should be worn with the official uniform.  The CRL noted on Monday that South African citizens have constitutional rights with respect to freedom of religion and belief, and equal protection and benefit of the law.  The commission said it was prepared to mediate so that an amicable solution could be found.

• Read the full original of Ernest Mabuza’s report on the above story at TimesLIVE

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