QatarIn Nquthu, South Africa, a 105-year-old man named Zwelibi Jack Ngubane chose to be buried according to Muslim traditions despite living in a predominantly Christian and traditionally African-believing community. His family honored his wishes, conducting a Muslim funeral and burying him in the family plot. This event did not spark controversy, highlighting the local acceptance of Islam in this rural area. However, nationwide, anti-Muslim sentiment has grown, particularly online, where posts claim Muslims are trying to take over South Africa, questioning their belonging, and accusing Muslim organizations of exploiting poverty to convert Black South Africans. Despite such rhetoric, many locals in Nquthu report peaceful interactions with Muslims, including shopkeepers and neighbors who show curiosity but no hostility. The contrast suggests that while Islamophobia may be rising, social media might be amplifying isolated incidents, creating a distorted perception of widespread conflict.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the growing anti-Muslim sentiment online and the contrasting local acceptance of Muslims in Nquthu. It does not favor one perspective over the other, instead highlighting the disparity between national discourse and local experiences. The framing remains balanced, avoiding
