Jacinta Ngobese Says South Africans’ Concerns About Halaal Certification Should Be Heard

Jacinta Ngobese has weighed in on the debate surrounding Halaal certification in South Africa, arguing that people’s concerns should be heard rather than dismissed, even when others disagree with them.

Ngobese made the remarks while reacting to a post questioning why products such as Oros need Halaal certification if the certification is not compulsory. The post also raised concerns about the growing visibility of Halaal labels on various consumer products and argued that South Africans had not been consulted on the matter.

Responding to the debate, Ngobese said her main concern was that South Africans often felt their views were ignored, particularly when they raised questions about issues affecting them.

She argued that even when some people consider those concerns invalid, they should not be shut down without being given an opportunity to express themselves.

According to Ngobese, people should be allowed to hear the information being presented, consider different perspectives and decide for themselves what they believe.

She also criticised the country’s leadership, accusing those in authority of using the media to dismiss or undermine public concerns rather than encouraging open discussion.

Her comments have added another voice to the ongoing conversation about Halaal certification, consumer choice and the way public concerns are handled in South Africa.

Halaal certification indicates that a product or process complies with Islamic dietary requirements. Depending on the product and certification scheme, the process can involve checking ingredients, production methods and handling procedures.

The presence of a Halaal label does not, by itself, mean that a product is exclusively intended for Muslim consumers. However, questions about certification, transparency and consumer understanding can become points of public debate.

Ngobese’s response focused less on the technical requirements of certification and more on the need for people to feel that their concerns are being taken seriously.

She maintained that allowing people to raise questions and make up their own minds is preferable to dismissing their views outright.

https://x.com/JacintaNgobese/status/2114298926996045914

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