Cape Town – A Muslim man has slammed the City of Cape Town for being culturally insensitive after his wife was barred from a public pool for dressing modestly.
The 32-year-old father from Cafda said officials at the newly renovated Retreat indoor pool told his wife she cannot swim in a burkini.
Ikraam Philander said his wife was wearing a headscarf and the two-piece swimsuit which covers the whole body except the face, hands and feet – in accordance with the Islamic dress code for women.
Philander, his wife, who asked not to be identified, and two children arrived at the pool on Saturday just after 11am.
“I went for a dive first and a lifeguard called me over to say diving was not allowed,” he said. “I did not see any signs to that effect, but I complied.
“But a few minutes later this woman came screaming at me. She was rude and arrogant, and unnecessary, as I had already told the lifeguard I understood I could not dive.”
Philander said his wife then decided to go for a swim, but she was also treated badly.
“As a Muslim woman, she must be covered and I would never allow her to wear anything unsuitable,” he explained.
“She wore a [burkini] to cover her aurah [modesty]. They told her she can’t go into the water like that and I just decided then and there we should leave.”
He said at that point they’d only been at the pool for 15 minutes and he requested a refund, which was denied.
He now demands a public apology and insists the City investigate the matter.
Anda Ntsodo, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, apologised for the incident, and explained that bathing rules are in place for the safety of the public.
Clothing such as jeans, or tops that “balloon” in the water are “unsafe”.
Bathing costumes, tight-fitting shorts and tops are, however, acceptable.
“The City is mindful and sensitive to the acceptable forms of attire within different cultural groups, including Muslim women,” said Ntsodo.
“The City would like to apologise for this incident and the discomfort that it caused to the residents.
“We are looking into the matter and will ensure that our staff undergo further cultural sensitivity training where needed.”
The burkini has sparked controversy in other countries, especially France last year, where at least 20 towns banned the swimsuits, citing a possible link to Islamic extremism. A French court later suspended the ban.