It was a day of tears and laughter as former activists, religious
leaders and civil society organisations within the Muslim community
gathered to pay tribute to those who persevered in bringing down
apartheid. More than 500 Muslims attended the Muslim Judical Council’s
(MJC) Khatamal Quran programme at the St. Athens Road masjid in Athlone
on Sunday, in commemoration of those who lost their lives in the
struggle and those who continue to fight for equality.
The
initiative forms part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the
African National Congress (ANC), and is one of many events being held
around the country. “We are honoured to be standing here today as a
Muslim ummah, remembering all Muslim brothers and sisters who has fought
for us in the struggle. Because of them we are standing here today,”
said Sheik Abdul Gamiet Gabier, president of the United Ulema Council of
SA (UUCSA).
“As Muslims living in South Africa, we should be
proud knowing that our people have made the Muslim community one of the
strongest in the world.” Gabier said citizens living in South Africa
should live up to the non-racial values and ideals fought for during
apartheid. Seventeen years after democracy, racism was still very much
alive, he added.
Retired judge and activist Dr Essa Moosa
remembered his days in the struggle, citing the significant role played
by Muslim political activists. The organisers of the event also
showcased various photos of political leaders, activists and community
members who were at the coalface of the anti-apartheid movement. “This
is not just a tribute to the Muslim community and to those who fought in
this struggle, but also looking back on our history to the very first
Muslims who rocked up on the shores of Cape Town and to those who made
it possible for us to be standing here freely today.” Moosa also paid
tribute to Imam Abdullah Haron who was killed in police detention as
well as Toufeeq Damon, a taxi driver who was banned and imprisoned
during the apartheid era.
MJC president Maulana Igsaan Hendricks
stirred the crowd with his powerful speech, urging the Muslim community
to draw on the lessons of the past. “If we look in our communities
today, there are many people who are not living up to what these people
have fought for. We still very much find racism and there are still
groups in our community who are practising it. We do not want our
history to be forgotten and shunned by the new generation. We as Muslims
should unite and appreciate our people and country.”
Hendricks
said they will continue to implore for the freedom of Palestinians and
believe that one day they too will achieve sovereignty. “There are many
countries still fighting for freedom and here many of our youth and
adults don’t appreciate their independence. If they could just imagine
and put themselves in the shoes of these people who are struggling.”
Hendricks
took the audience on a trip down memory lane to the humble beginnings
of the MJC during 1945, exploring the ulema body’s contribution to the
fight against oppression. While the event served to recollect the events
of the past, it was also an opportunity for old friends and comrades to
reunite. All those who attended were also treated to lunch after the
programme concluded.
Meanwhile, the MJC will host a public meeting
on Wednesday 29 February at the Rylands Civic Centre where they will be
inviting members of the ANC, as well as honour women who actively
resisted against apartheid. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Residents fight elegal dumping VOC NEWS AISHAH CASSIEM
The Parkwood community is putting the pressure on the local ward
councilor to do something about illegal dumping spots which has become a
norm in the area. After more than 80 residents signed a petition on the
matter, Parkwood Estate councillor for Ward 66, Melanie Arendse said
the issue is being investigated. “This is not a problem that could be
solved overnight. We have always had this problem in the area. It is the
people within Parkwood themselves who are dumping. In many cases, they
are without bins themselves,” said Arendse.
Residents were told to go to the nearest police station and make a case stating that their bins had been stolen. The city council would supply them with a new one within three days. “The dumping is getting worse…Parkwood looks like a terrible sight. Something must be done,” urged one resident Fahmeeda Gafieldien. Arendse disputed claims by some residents that the council’s solid waste workers only came to the area around four to five times a year. She said the collectors came around every three weeks and did not necessarily clean up everything. Some of this waste belongs to what they call "specialized equipment".
The City of Cape Town said illegal dumping remains one of its biggest challenges. In an article issued in the People’s Post on Friday 11 November 2011, Rustim Keraan, director of the Solid Waste Management Department of the City of Cape Town said the Solid Waste Management Department had already undertaken a number of initiatives to remove the dirt and dumped tyres from the area.
The City believed that the correct disposal of tyres will minimize tyre burning, which is an all too familiar sight across Cape Town, for the recovery of scrap metal. In another incident, a Parkwood resident had been caught out after residents within the community discovered that he was collecting money for tyes to be dumped off illegally in the area. The man was fined and is being monitored by the police and community.
In September 2011, Solid Waste Management Department issued fines amounting to almost R100 000 - the majority of which were for the illegal dumping of builders’ rubble and tyres. People within the area have also complained about children being mugged in these lanes where dump is situated. Arendse said that once that case has been investigated, the lanes will be closed down for sure.
“I believe that if they all stand together and point out these guilty people, saying that illegal dumping in the area is wrong, we will have less problems like this,” said Arendse. She added that Parkwood can become a beautiful place like other areas if residents take ownership. Some people within the community have already started with gardening projects and other safety measures.
Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping and to call for the dumped material to be removed by calling the City’s Customer Care Line on 0860103089 or email to wastewise@capetown.gov.za. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
Residents were told to go to the nearest police station and make a case stating that their bins had been stolen. The city council would supply them with a new one within three days. “The dumping is getting worse…Parkwood looks like a terrible sight. Something must be done,” urged one resident Fahmeeda Gafieldien. Arendse disputed claims by some residents that the council’s solid waste workers only came to the area around four to five times a year. She said the collectors came around every three weeks and did not necessarily clean up everything. Some of this waste belongs to what they call "specialized equipment".
The City of Cape Town said illegal dumping remains one of its biggest challenges. In an article issued in the People’s Post on Friday 11 November 2011, Rustim Keraan, director of the Solid Waste Management Department of the City of Cape Town said the Solid Waste Management Department had already undertaken a number of initiatives to remove the dirt and dumped tyres from the area.
The City believed that the correct disposal of tyres will minimize tyre burning, which is an all too familiar sight across Cape Town, for the recovery of scrap metal. In another incident, a Parkwood resident had been caught out after residents within the community discovered that he was collecting money for tyes to be dumped off illegally in the area. The man was fined and is being monitored by the police and community.
In September 2011, Solid Waste Management Department issued fines amounting to almost R100 000 - the majority of which were for the illegal dumping of builders’ rubble and tyres. People within the area have also complained about children being mugged in these lanes where dump is situated. Arendse said that once that case has been investigated, the lanes will be closed down for sure.
“I believe that if they all stand together and point out these guilty people, saying that illegal dumping in the area is wrong, we will have less problems like this,” said Arendse. She added that Parkwood can become a beautiful place like other areas if residents take ownership. Some people within the community have already started with gardening projects and other safety measures.
Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping and to call for the dumped material to be removed by calling the City’s Customer Care Line on 0860103089 or email to wastewise@capetown.gov.za. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
Get ready for Safari
Have you ever wanted to run a marathon but struggle to get beyond the
10km distance? The Safari Half Marathon will once again kick off in
Wellington and are offering their entrants training to get them ready
for this year’s event taking place on Tuesday 1 May. The Sports Science
Institute of South Africa (SSISA), New Balance and Safari hosted an
informative and exciting workshop on Thursday 23 February at the SSISA
building in Newlands, Cape Town.
The workshop entitled ‘Surviving your half marathon training’, aims to assist runners with their preparation for this year’s race. More than 150 entrants participated in the programme including the SSISA staff. “We are hosting this workshop to provide excellent, expert advice for any runner training for half-marathons and hope to get as much entrants to participate, as it will benefit them on the day,” said the institute’s Kathleen Mc Quaide-Little.
Guest speakers at the event included consultant sports scientist and scientific editor of the Runner’s World magazine, Dr Ross Tucker who briefly discussed the most effective training regime and running shoes. Speakers who also attended were Karlin Smit, SSISA’s resident dietitian, who explained how entrants can optimize their eating plan while training.
“I am glad I participated in this programme as many guest speakers pointed out very important facts and tips when participating in marathons. They also pointed out how our bodies functions if we don’t intake the correct foods before running,” said Rene Van Heerde, a participant in this year’s marathon. SSISA marketing assistant Byron Hendricks said that the positive response from the participants after the programme was immense and there was a request for another session next month.
Hendricks added that there are various workshops taking place throughout the month up until the last week before the event. These include a 10km running programme for athletes as well as a hands-on training course for three sessions a week run in conjunction with the SSISA and fully supervised by sports scientists. Those who are interested in participating in the marathon still have time to enter before the closing date on 29 March and if you would like to know more about participating in the various workshops hosted by SSISA, you may contact Kathleen Mc Quaide on 0216595600 or email kmcquaide@ssisa.com.VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
The workshop entitled ‘Surviving your half marathon training’, aims to assist runners with their preparation for this year’s race. More than 150 entrants participated in the programme including the SSISA staff. “We are hosting this workshop to provide excellent, expert advice for any runner training for half-marathons and hope to get as much entrants to participate, as it will benefit them on the day,” said the institute’s Kathleen Mc Quaide-Little.
Guest speakers at the event included consultant sports scientist and scientific editor of the Runner’s World magazine, Dr Ross Tucker who briefly discussed the most effective training regime and running shoes. Speakers who also attended were Karlin Smit, SSISA’s resident dietitian, who explained how entrants can optimize their eating plan while training.
“I am glad I participated in this programme as many guest speakers pointed out very important facts and tips when participating in marathons. They also pointed out how our bodies functions if we don’t intake the correct foods before running,” said Rene Van Heerde, a participant in this year’s marathon. SSISA marketing assistant Byron Hendricks said that the positive response from the participants after the programme was immense and there was a request for another session next month.
Hendricks added that there are various workshops taking place throughout the month up until the last week before the event. These include a 10km running programme for athletes as well as a hands-on training course for three sessions a week run in conjunction with the SSISA and fully supervised by sports scientists. Those who are interested in participating in the marathon still have time to enter before the closing date on 29 March and if you would like to know more about participating in the various workshops hosted by SSISA, you may contact Kathleen Mc Quaide on 0216595600 or email kmcquaide@ssisa.com.VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
Belhar Imam passes on (VOC NEWS-AISHAH CASSIEM)
The tragic death of a Cape Town scholar and imam at the Owal masjid
in Belhar has left the community in shock. Maulana Uthmaan Johnstone
sadly passed away on Sunday morning, along with his three year old
daughter, Zaghrah, after their family van collided with another vehicle
on Baden Powell drive near Muizenberg.
ER24 spokesperson Angelique Jordaan told VOC News that they could not confirm the cause of the accident at the time and this still needs to be investigated by SAPS. There where 13 people involved in the incident including six children. Two were confirmed dead on the scene when they arrived there at 9:25am on Sunday morning.
Jordaan added that the adults who were involved included Johnstone's wife Adeebah and his sister in-law, who were both in a less serious condition. All seven adults involved in the collision were taken to Groote Schuur and Victoria Hospital. Johnstone’s three sons who are between the ages of five and 12, are still in a critical condition at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital along with his sister in-law's two kids.
Maulana Abdul Khaliq Allie of the Muslim Judicial Council ( MJC) expressed his shock at the news, saying the alim had been a great benefit to his community. "Today is a sad day for the Muslim community to have lost this young alim who has dedicated to serving this community for many years. It is at times like this that we have a moment of reflection not only on the ulama fraternity but to the entire Muslim community- that death is inevitable.." said Allie.
"Death will come to each and every one of us and as tragic as it is that it has happened to the honourable Imam Uthmaan, this should be an eye opener to me in my own personal capacity, to the ulema in our positions that we hold and it must be a reflection for the broader community." Allie added that the MJC would avail themselves to the mosque and the community during this time and made dua that the family and friends be granted sabr and strength. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
ER24 spokesperson Angelique Jordaan told VOC News that they could not confirm the cause of the accident at the time and this still needs to be investigated by SAPS. There where 13 people involved in the incident including six children. Two were confirmed dead on the scene when they arrived there at 9:25am on Sunday morning.
Jordaan added that the adults who were involved included Johnstone's wife Adeebah and his sister in-law, who were both in a less serious condition. All seven adults involved in the collision were taken to Groote Schuur and Victoria Hospital. Johnstone’s three sons who are between the ages of five and 12, are still in a critical condition at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital along with his sister in-law's two kids.
Maulana Abdul Khaliq Allie of the Muslim Judicial Council ( MJC) expressed his shock at the news, saying the alim had been a great benefit to his community. "Today is a sad day for the Muslim community to have lost this young alim who has dedicated to serving this community for many years. It is at times like this that we have a moment of reflection not only on the ulama fraternity but to the entire Muslim community- that death is inevitable.." said Allie.
"Death will come to each and every one of us and as tragic as it is that it has happened to the honourable Imam Uthmaan, this should be an eye opener to me in my own personal capacity, to the ulema in our positions that we hold and it must be a reflection for the broader community." Allie added that the MJC would avail themselves to the mosque and the community during this time and made dua that the family and friends be granted sabr and strength. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
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