WATCH: Content creator shares video of alleged racist, Islamophobic abuse - IOL

Screenshots of the video which has gone viral on social media.

A Johannesburg content creator says he was subjected to racist and Islamophobic threats during a confrontation in Norwood. The video has prompted condemnation from the community and human rights organisations.

Abdur Rahamaan, 35, a content creator, formerly of Estcourt and now living in Johannesburg, said he made the video public to highlight the racism and Islamophobia he was subjected to.

According to Rahamaan, the confrontation allegedly started while he was driving home and indicated to turn into his road.

He alleged that the driver of a white Porsche Cayenne GTS followed closely behind him, repeatedly hooting and flashing his lights.

He said he initially believed the driver was trying to get his attention because he was a content creator and occasionally recognised in public.

However, Rahamaan alleged that the interaction changed when he opened his car window after arriving at his driveway.

“The other driver started swearing at me, he threatened my life and that of my family, as well as all Muslims,” he alleged.

Rahamaan alleged the man used derogatory terms towards Indian Muslims.

“He was saying ‘all you Indian Muslims must die, I will kill you and your family,’ while using the most derogatory slurs. I did not understand what was happening,” he alleged.

He said he initially thought the confrontation had been caused by a mistake he had made while driving.

“I thought I did not have my indicator on. But it was on even after I had stopped,” he said.

Rahamaan said he believed the confrontation was motivated by ‘racism and Islamophobia’.

According to Rahamaan, the man then drove away, prompting him to begin recording the car registration and encounter on his phone.

The footage subsequently showed a confrontation between the two men outside a building.

During the exchange, Rahamaan alleges that the elderly driver repeated a racial slur and made a reference to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

A second man eventually intervened and gestured for Rahamaan to leave, bringing the confrontation to an end.

Rahamaan rejected suggestions that his actions amounted to road rage, saying he deliberately tried to remain in control despite being angry.

He added that his public profile and business also influenced how he conducted himself.

“I drive a branded vehicle which has my business name on it, so I always act appropriately but I am also respectful,” he said.

Rahamaan acknowledged that he was angry and emotionally affected by the incident.

He said he was not afraid to follow the vehicle because he believed the situation was unlikely to become physical.

He said his intention in recording the encounter was to ensure there was a record of the alleged threats.

Rahamaan said he had subsequently been informed of the identity of the man, whom he claimed was a businessman.

He said legal steps were being considered in response to the alleged incident.

“My lawyer is lodging a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission and I am opening a case of hate crime at the Norwood SAPS,” Rahamaan said.

“We are here to spread love and peace and harmony. We are not here to spread hate, racism and resentment.”

The video has since circulated widely on social media, prompting anger and debate among viewers.

Some users have expressed support for Rahamaan, while others have questioned aspects of the confrontation, including why he followed the other driver after the initial exchange.

He maintained that he intended to continue speaking about the incident.

Danny Mofsowitz, Gauteng chairperson of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), said they were appalled by the video, and called on all communities to prioritise to foster the multi-cultural ethos of the country.  

He said the SAJBD condemns the man’s use of language as well as his behaviour, and all forms of racism. 

“This is an isolated incident. There are some very good relationships between Jewish and Muslim communities in various fields, including business, professionals and interfaith. More recently, there are examples of cooperation between Jewish and Muslim places of worship.  

“Unfortunately, tensions in the Middle East have caused tension between the two communities, especially over the past three years, but we hope that foreign conflicts are not imported onto the streets of Norwood and South Africa, causing unnecessary hatred between fellow citizens,” Mofsowitz added.

Dr Faisal Suliman, chairperson of the South African Muslim Network (Samnet), said South African Muslims were not surprised by the anti-Islamic and Anti-Palestinian rant.

“We believe that the victim leaves no stone unturned in pursuing the full extent of the law against this Islamophobic person.

“Surprisingly, it is an elderly person who should have more wisdom and character. We commend the victim for his behaviour towards the man, and we hope that he opens a criminal case against the man.”

Suliman said the Muslim community needed to organise itself better, to educate the public about fostering religious cohesion.

He said mosques had open days during Heritage Month, which was a campaign launched many years ago to get people to visit mosques, meet Muslims, and engage in civil conversations.

“One of the ways to address anti-Islamic sentiments is to engage in creative cooperation between the various faith groups,” he added.

Lubna Nadvi, an activist from the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, said historically, community relations between South African Jews and Muslims were cordial, polite and positive. 

“However, there are political issues such as support for the apartheid state of Israel by some Jewish South Africans  where differences arise and can create tensions. 

“The South African Zionist Federation and SA Jewish Board of Deputies are often observed expressing support for Israel and these comments are usually opposed by not only Muslim South Africans.

“The issue of Israel and its ongoing genocide committed against the Palestinian people  continues to be an issue where both communities differ on fundamental aspects.”

Nadvi said profanity uttered by the Jewish man reflects a deep seated racism towards persons of colour especially people of Indian origin which is inappropriate in contemporary democratic South Africa.

“He and anyone else using such language should be held accountable for hate speech,” she added.

Mpiyakhe Mkholo, spokesperson for the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Commission), said there was no place for racism, hate speech or intolerance in South Africa.

“Our diversity is a strength, and all people must treat one another with dignity, respect and tolerance, regardless of race, culture, religion or language.

“The Commission urges law enforcement authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action where criminal conduct is established. Racism and hate speech have no place in a democratic South Africa, and those who undermine the dignity and rights of others must be held accountable in accordance with the law.

“The Commission calls on all South Africans to reject racism, exercise restraint in moments of conflict and promote tolerance, respect and social cohesion,” he said.