Africa Muslims Agency and Spice Mecca hosted a joint media briefing to launch its respective projects at the Al-Ikhlaas Academia Library and Resource Centre in Lansdowne on Tuesday April 10.
Africa Muslims Agency launched its Quench SA project, an initiative to bring water relief to South Africans who are facing water shortages because of the drought.
Over the years, Africa Muslims Agency has been active in drought-stricken areas across the country, where boreholes were dug. Its current project involves the provision of water tanks for sustainable rainwater harvesting.
Ten sites have been identified in Cape Town, where water tanks will be installed. These include Islamic Primary School in Belhar, Sea View Primary School in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain, Silverstream Primary School in Manenberg, Al Hidayah School/Masjid in Kraaifontein, Community Centre/Masjid in Mfuleni, St Simon’s Church in Hout Bay, a community centre in Delft, Mustadafin Community Centre in Khayelitsha, Fatima Tu Zahra Ladies School in Philippi and Masjid Nur in Parkwood.
The cost for each of the water tanks is R40 000 for the full operation.
Spice Mecca announced that its annual expo will now be known as Ramadaan for All in order to promote unity and break down barriers. The event takes place from Friday May 4 to Sunday May 6 at the Castle of Good Hope. Organisers of the event hope to attract people from all religions and backgrounds.
Shreef Abass, chief executive of Spice Mecca, described the upcoming event as a transformative one.
“This is a magnificent project that will truly be Ramadaan for all. We want to bring all communities together. The exhibition is about preparation for Ramadaan, but this time around, we are also serious about community activism. It will have a non-sectoral approach – to bring businesses, education, and people from all walks of life together where they can engage and trade. The Qu’ran is a symbol of hope, comfort, and resistance to oppression. Let us redefine Cape Town and prepare for Ramadaan as one joint community – that will benefit the entire community of Cape Town,” Mr Abass said.
The expo will also showcase the Qur’an of Tuan Guru, who opened one of the first Muslim schools in the Cape in 1820.
