As part of its Global Muslim Diaspora Project, the SESRIC has recently published the country case report on South Africa, the first of a series of publications that explore the characteristics, attitudes, experiences, perceptions, and challenges that Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC countries face.

Despite the recent growth of studies on Muslims in non-OIC countries, there remain many fissures and a lack of comprehensive knowledge on Muslim communities around the world. The Global Muslim Diaspora series aims to fill in this gap by employing a wide range of research techniques that range from elite interviews and surveys with Muslim and non-Muslims to focus groups and workshops.

The South Africa Report indicates that Muslim communities in South Africa are a heterogeneous group that cannot be classified into a single category. The reason behind the diversity of Muslims in South Africa lies in their ethnonational and racial background, their historical organizational presence in the country and their socioeconomic status.

The report concludes that Muslim individuals and organizations in South Africa are well integrated, active and involved in the social and political spheres. South Africa is an encouraging and positive story that illustrates that when Muslim communities are provided with equal opportunity and an accommodating framework they are able to prosper and contribute productively to the development of their countries of residence.

(Link to the Publication)