The South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) has been honoured with two Global Good Governance Awards for its community work.
The NGO received this year’s “transparency” and “capacity building championship” awards during an online ceremony on Tuesday May 25.
The Global Good Governance Awards, or 3G Awards, recognise good governance and commitment to social welfare in three streams: government and politics, the corporate sector, and the social sector and philanthropy.
Sanzaf was awarded for the various projects it runs throughout the year, often with a focus on poverty-relief, education and small-business development. In June last year, it received the 3G “capacity building” award.
Sanzaf CEO Yasmina Francke said the awards reflected the organisation’s 47-year commitment to alleviating poverty.
“Through our various outreach initiatives, we aim to provide the enablers to economic self-sufficiency in order to transform lives and make a meaningful difference,” she said.
Fayruz Mohamed, the organisation’s national chairwoman, said Sanzaf’s projects offered long-term sustainable solutions to rampant poverty and unemployment in South Africa.
“This has always been done in a manner that is transparent and accountable,” she said. “We are humbled to receive this prestigious award and thank the team for their hard work and efforts in delivering on our mandate amidst the current challenges of the global pandemic that is affecting the world right now.”
Sheikh Riad Fataar, second deputy president of the Muslim Judicial Council, said Sanzaf had come far in providing for the community in a humble, professional manner. Its positive impact could be seen daily, he said.
“They are doing great justice to the community,” he said. “We admire that kind of tenacity. They are bringing joy to various communities, and Sanzaf has helped many students by giving them bursaries.”