Shameemah Salie (née Dollie; born 1974) is a South African advocate and politician who has been a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa since July 2024, representing Al Jama-ah, of which she serves as national spokesperson. She previously served on the Cape Town City Council from 2021 until 2024.
Shameemah Salie | |
|---|---|
| Member of the National Assembly of South Africa | |
| Assumed office 2 July 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Imraan Moosa |
| Constituency | National |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1974 (age 49–50) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Political party | Al Jama-ah |
| Spouse | Nathmi Salie |
| Alma mater | University of the Western Cape (B.Proc, LLB) |
| Profession | Advocate |
Early life and education
editThe youngest of six children, Salie was born in 1974 to Ebrahiem Dollie and Abeedah Mukaddam. The family first lived in the Bo-Kaap before moving to Bonteheuwel, then to Mitchells Plain in 1979 and then to Wynberg in 1987.[1] Salie studied law at the University of the Western Cape, earning a B.Proc degree and then a Bachelor of Laws.[2]
Political career
editSalie is a member of Al Jama-ah, a party for upholding Muslim interests in South Africa. She serves as the party's national spokesperson. In May 2021, Salie was announced as the party's candidate for deputy mayor of the City of Cape Town ahead of the local government elections to be held later that year.[3] While the Democratic Alliance retained control of the City of Cape Town, Salie was elected as a proportional representation councillor for Al Jama-ah, which won three seats.[4]
Controversies
editIn June 2023, Salie equated the high prevalence of rape and murder in South Africa to the LGBTQIA+ community, saying "We’re already living in Sodom and Gomorrah and you know that. The murders, the rapes, the LGBTQI+ community". As a result, Salie was named Mampara (buffoon) of the Week by the Sunday Times.[5]
Salie was criticised by DA national spokesperson Solly Malatsi for remarks she made surrounding the involvement of LGBTQI+ members in a parliamentary process relating to new family policies during an interview with journalist Stephen Grootes on Newzroom Afrika.[6]
Parliamentary career
editAl Jama-ah won two seats in the National Assembly during the 2024 national and provincial elections. The first seat was taken up by party leader Ganief Hendricks, however, the party decided against Johannesburg councillor Imraan Moosa taking up the second seat because he chairs the City of Johannesburg's Environment Infrastructure and Services committee. The party opted to choose Salie to take up his seat until May next year when he will be sworn in.[7] Salie was sworn in as a Member of Parliament by speaker Thoko Didiza on 2 July 2024.[8]
On 8 July 2024, Salie was nominated to serve on the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development and the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Art and Culture.[9]
Personal life
editSalie is married to Nathmi, and they have five children together.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b "Cllr Shameemah Salie – City of Cape Town | Aljama-ah Muslim Political Party". www.aljama.co.za. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
- ^ @ParliamentofRSA (5 July 2024). "#KnowYourMP Adv Shameemah Salie from the Western Cape holds a B.Proc and L.L.B from the University of Western Cape. She is a former councillor of the @CityofCT and was elected following the 2024 elections representing @Aljama_ah in the National Assembly of the #7thParliament #30YearsofDemocraticParliament #30YearsofDemocracy" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 July 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ Vuso, Siphokazi (31 May 2021). "Al Jama-ah announces mayoral candidate and deputy". Cape Times. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "List of published councillors declared elected as amended as at 19 November 2021" (PDF). Electoral Commission of South Africa. 19 November 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ Hogarth (11 June 2023). "Mampara of the week: Shameemah Salie". Sunday Times. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ Ditabo, Malaika. "DA criticises Al Jama-ah spokesperson for homophobic remarks, but mum on Zille's transphobic comment". News24. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
- ^ "Meet Our Second Member of Parliament | Aljama-ah Muslim Political Party". www.aljama.co.za. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
- ^ @Aljama_ah (July 2, 2024). "Advocate Shameemah Salie was sworn in as the second Member of Parliament at the Speakers Boardroom at Parliament" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Announcements, tablings and committee reports" (PDF). Parliament of South Africa. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
External links
edit- Adv Shameemah Salie at People's Assembly
- Profile at Parliament of South Africa