Two mass iftars have brought the communities of Belgravia, and Kewtown together during the Muslim holy month of Ramadaan
Nearly 400 people shared a meal together in Kewtown on Saturday. The event was organised by Aziza Hendricks, of Kannabast Court in Klipfontein Road, with support from others in the community.
“The food, cake, soup, fruit, party packets, water, boeber, and tables and chairs were all donated by the community, family and friends. We really hope to do this again on a bigger scale as we look forward to keeping the community together. This a beautiful start of a new beginning for the community. They really appreciate it. We are so blessed,” she said.
One of the sponsors, Shariefa Khalfey, said: “This needs to be done in more communities. It’s a place where we can all come together, no discrimination. The children were so happy and smiling. They are so enthusiastic and excited for their party packets.”
On Friday, Belgravia High School hosted a mass iftar for around 250 orphans from Leliebloem House in Athlone, and children from Langa and the Vygieskraal informal settlement.
School governing body member Zeenat Dawood said donations of goodie bags, food, cake and water had all come from the community and it was the 12th year the school had held such an event.
“We started planning this a week before Ramadaan. It has brought so much joy to us because we know that an orphan is a very special guest. I really thank all the sponsors, pupils, and the community and our orphans for allowing us to host them. I also thank ward councillor Magedien Davids for his donation,” she said.
Belgrvia High matric Aaliyah Dawood, 17, said she had been involved in mass iftars for several years and had joined the school’s Muslim Students Association in Grade 8.
“This is the least that we can do for the community, and others should too to make a difference,” she said.