Saldanha welcomes VOC

VOC's outside broadcast team had an early start on Friday as they made the long trek to Saldanha Bay for a special Jumuah broadcast at Nurul Mahribi Masjid in Vraagom Street. With a crew of 12 members on board, the team got off to a shaky start when first the OB needed to be jump started. Then they got stuck on the N7, after driving over a snake on the road. There was more bac luck when a bird flew into the high top of the van and as added insult they got lost on the way.

But despite the drama which started as early as 6am, the team made the 140km journey safely to the West Coast town to interact with the small Muslim community and raise the profile of he station in the more remote broadcast areas. According to Goolam Fakier, VOC’s technical manager, the overall planning went well.
“The road trip was one of the most exciting ones we have ever had and definitely a memorable one," he quipped. "Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by the wonderful hospitality of the Saldanha Muslim community, who made us feel very special. As Capetonians, it is great to see a masjid so far from the city and after this visit, I believe that VOC should look at investing a bit more time here."

Fakier added that despite the minor problems enroute, the journey lived to be an "upbeat adventure". VOC presenter Ayesha Laatoe hosted the Afternoon Cruise show from the Saldanha madrassa with presenter Jamiel Wallace co-hosting with her from 2-4pm. The rest of the team which included technicians, producers and members of marketing helped around making it a successful OB.

Warm welcome

For Laatoe who had been to Saldanha previously, this was the first time she had an opportunity to get to know as much about the growing Muslim community and its activities. "I was amazed to see the masjid and madrasa when we arrived. The warmth of the people was even more heartwarming and the fact that they went all out to make us feel at home was wonderful.”

A highlight of the program was the participation of the madrassah children in the program with the on air recital of some of their lessons. "I was amazed to hear how the children had practice for our arrival. Having VOC there to broadcast from their community was something big for them and it showed. We interacted with the community throughout the show and also enjoyed the fact that the little kids took over the kiddies club house section,” she chuckled.

The officiating imam at the masjid, Maulana Naim Abrahams, told VOC that Saldanha has a strong Muslim community with many Islamic activities that has been ongoing for many years. “This masjid has been a haven for foreigners and those travelling daily along this route. We have a number of qualified teachers at our madrassa and alhamdulilah, the number of residents who embrace Islam is increasing tremendously.”

According to the alim, they recently started something special in the Saldanha community byinviting Muslims from surrounding areas to join them on their fun days which is hosted annually. As such, they hoped to see VOC at their next event, a desire Fakier ecchoed. "Having been to Saldanha once more, we hope to stay in touch, but to extend this type of outreach to other parts of our rural broadcast areas," he said. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)