Thursday 20100527 – The Mail & Guardian, in a frank and robust meeting with the United Muslim Forum of South Africa yesterday, stated their regret over the harm caused by the publication of the cartoon and apologised for the effects thereof. The following is the Press Release by the United Mulsim Forum of South Africa: 

URGENT PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE UNITED MUSLIM FORUM OF SOUTH AFRICA

As a result of an offensive cartoon published in the Mail and Guardian on the 21st of May 2010, an urgent
meeting was called at which the following organizations, representing the broader Muslim community ,
being:-

 Jamiatul Ulama
 Channel Islam International
 Muslim Judicial Council
 Media Review Network
 Jamiatul Ulama Gauteng
 Sunni Ulama Council of S.A.
 Muslim Lawyers Association
 Muslim Students Association – Wits
 Association of Muslim Accountants and Lawyers
 Call of Islam
 Jameah Mehmoodiya Springs
 KZN Society for the protection of Human Rights
 Jamiatul Ulama KZN
 Islamic Research Organisation
 Radio Islam
 Somali Association of S.A.
 Saaberie Chisty
 Darul Ihsaan
 Al Ansaar Foundation

Which formed the United Muslim Forum of South Africa.

2. The meeting appointed a committee to meet with representatives of the Mail and Guardian.

3. This meeting was held on 26th May 2010 (11 Jumad-al-Thani 1431 A.H.). The meeting, although addressing
very serious issues was conducted in a respectable and mature manner.

4. As a result of the meeting, attended by the Editor of Mail and Guardian, cartoonist Zapiro, and the CEO of
the group, together with members of the United Muslim Forum of South Africa, the Mail and Guardian have
agreed to issue a press release in which they record:-

a. Mail and Guardian regrets the harm caused by the publication of the cartoon and apologises for the
   effects thereof;
b. Mail and Guardian record that they repudiate Islamophobia in the strongest possible terms;
c. Mail and Guardian record that they have learnt an enormous amount about the depth of reverence
   in which Muslims hold the Prophet Muhammad (saw);
d. Mail and Guardian will commence reviewing their editorial policies on religious matters broadly and
   in particular the depiction of the Prophet Muhammed (saw) and will during this review period
   prohibit any representation of the Prophet (saw), and will consult with the Muslim community about
   this issue.
e. Zapiro specifically regretted his association with Islamophobics / Facebook “Paint Muhammad day”
5. We welcome the regret shown, apology issued, prohibition on publication and the review of the editorial
   process undertaking.
6. We commend the Muslim community, for not over reacting, exercising restraint and behaving in a dignified
   and responsible manner as usual.
7. We as Muslims are committed to editorial independence and press freedom, provided that it is exercised
   with due regard to common respect and human dignity.