There has been a shake up in the Muslim Judicial Council’s leadership after a special annual general meeting (AGM) was called to hold early elections.

Moulana Mohammed Shu-aib Appleby has been elected as the MJC’s first deputy president, Shaykh Riad Fataar remains as second deputy president, Moulana Ismail Tofie takes up the post of secretary general, and Shaykh Muhammed West as treasurer. The position of president was not contested due to the settlement struck with Shaykh Irafaan Abrahams.

The settlement came after Abrahams had filed an application to interdict the AGM as it would have likely seen his unseating as MJC president. Under the settlement Abrahams has been suspended and will face a disciplinary process. An election for president is expected to be held between 15 December 2023 and 15 January 2024.

The MJC’s general majlis called for the special meeting after invoking clause 4.8 of its constitution.

The MJC’s representative Shaykh Mohammad West explained to Radio 786 that this clause, which is broad, allows the general majlis to invoke it for whatever reason it deems fit including if they are unhappy with the direction of the executive council.