In light of the terrorist attacks, killing 129 people in Paris on 13 November, which the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for, the News wanted to know what locals thought about the group’s presence in South Africa.
Most Krugersdorpers believe ISIS indeed does have a wide presence, but suspect they are not really that active.
At the Anthos Shoping Centre where the Newsasked residents about their thoughts, Costa Lecatsas commented that the world is not ready to give up their own religion for Islam.
“ISIS does not respect other religions, so they started a religious war,” he said.
Yannoula Teichert said she respects other people’s religion and feels that violence is by no means necessary.
The News also wanted to know who applied the filteron their Facebook profile pictures in support of France. Many did not bas the attack did not affect them personally. Others felt that too much exposure was given to the attack and crimes such as South African farm murders do not receive enough attention.
Tell us if you think ISIS will creep into South Africa?
This is what residents had to say:
Elgin Hlaka changed his profile picture, but quickly changed it back again when he realised that Africa’s crimes never receive as much attention as they should, he said. “As for ISIS in SA, I think their ideology can reach anyone, anywhere in the world, even South Africa.”
Chaté van Loggenberg said she changed her profile picture and belives ISIS has a presence in South Africa. “They reach everyone through social media,” she said.
Brigid Gibson did not change her profile picture. “I was not affected personally,” she said. “But I do think ISIS is present in the country. They are trying to infiltrate the world.”
Hermien van Loggenberg said ISIS is everywhere and they will aim to leave no stone unturned when trying to infiltrate the world. “But I don’t use Facebook a lot so I did not change my profile picture.”
Landie van Loggenberg said the Paris attacks had nothing to do with her and she feels ISIS is still a distant reality that is not present in South Africa.
William Stuart is not very active on Facebook, so he never changed his profile picture. But he thinks ISIS already has many sympathisers in South Africa. “They already have tried to recruit people and ISIS flags have been seen cast in Durban.”
