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The highlight of the day was the presentation of awards to women-led initiatives and individuals whose service continues to shape Cape Town’s communities.
By SHAKIR ACHMAT
The Bonteheuwel Civic Centre radiated with pride, unity, and gratitude on Sunday, August 10, as the Al Jama-ah political party hosted a moving Women’s Day celebration in honour of over 100 women who have made remarkable contributions to their communities.
Under the theme ‘Heroines of Change’, the event recognised women as the driving force behind social cohesion and progress. With a carefully curated programme, the gathering celebrated women’s resilience, leadership, and service while reaffirming Al Jama-ah’s commitment to placing women at the heart of community building.
The programme began with a Qur’anic recitation by a female reciter, offering verses that reflected on women, justice, and the essence of community. This was followed by an opening dua for unity and guidance.
Programme director, Advocate Yusuf Khan Dalwai, then delivered a heartfelt welcome that set the tone for the day:
‘It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the strength, wisdom, and resilience of the women in our community. On this Women’s Day, we are reminded that the heartbeat of Bonteheuwel, Kalksteenfontein and beyond is carried by the mothers, daughters, sisters, and leaders who uplift us all.
‘Today’s programme is not just a celebration, it is a call to action. A call to recognise the sacred role of women in shaping our homes, our institutions, and our future. From the Qur’anic verses that guide us, to the voices of our esteemed speakers, we are here to honour the legacy of faith, service, and unity.’
The celebration featured a series of speakers who brought their own perspectives on women’s empowerment, faith, and leadership.
Moulana Yassien Fortune, a respected community organiser and event coordinator, reflected on the value of inclusive empowerment. Moulana Rafiek Bharoochi and Moulana Moeneer Adams shared insights on women’s spiritual leadership and unity. Shaykh Abdurrazak Majjal spoke about the importance of youth engagement in women’s empowerment.
Activists and community leaders, among them Al Jama-ah Member of Parliament, Shameema Dollie, Najwah Mathews-Wingrove, and Shakiera Ganief offered moving testimonies on women in activism, youth leadership, and the journey of healing and resilience.
Professor Muhammed Haron brought a scholarly dimension, exploring gender, ethics, and community transformation.
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Deputy Minister of Social Development and Al Jama-ah founder, Ganief Hendricks, delivered the keynote address. His words reinforced the party’s long-standing stance on women’s leadership:
‘This is not just a commemoration – it’s a reaffirmation of our belief that women are the backbone of our communities and the heart of our future. Al Jama-ah stands firm in its support for women’s leadership, both in the home and in public life.’
Hendricks’ speech tied together the event’s spiritual, social, and political dimensions, highlighting the interconnectedness of women’s empowerment and national progress.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of awards to women-led initiatives and individuals whose service continues to shape Cape Town’s communities. Each honouree received recognition not only for their projects but also for the compassion and dedication driving their work.
Among those celebrated were:
- BaitulMaal, for extensive feeding programmes, skills development, and social upliftment.
- Ibaadurrahmaan Islamic Institute, for integrating education, feeding, and skills development.
- Nabeel Foundation, for unwavering commitment to feeding the hungry.
- Kalksteen Madressa, for combining religious education with food provision.
- Darul Hikmah, for sustaining impactful feeding initiatives.
- Hanover Park Feeding Scheme, for fighting hunger in vulnerable areas.
- Al Maamana Vegetable Garden, for promoting food security and empowering households.
- HBC Bonteheuwel, for serving the elderly and engaging in feeding schemes.
- Milena Se Kinnes, for caring for orphans and disadvantaged children.
- Pure Intended Foundation, for strengthening feeding programme networks.
- Gairuneesa Foundation, for educating Muslim children and providing food aid.
- Warrior Women, for assisting with missing persons cases while contributing to feeding initiatives.
These acknowledgements underscored a simple truth: behind every thriving community are women who give tirelessly, often without recognition.
Faith, service and unity
Event coordinator, Moulana Yassien Fortune expressed deep appreciation for the attendees and honourees: ‘This Women’s Day is about recognising the everyday heroines among us – those who lead with love, sacrifice, and strength.
The event blended spirituality with practical action, embodying Al-Jama-ah’s ethos of faith-based governance and social responsibility. Gifts were handed out in several rounds throughout the day, symbolising appreciation and solidarity with the women honoured.
After a pause for Thuhr prayer, the day concluded with closing reflections, a final dua, and words of thanks to all who contributed. The atmosphere was one of inspiration, with many leaving renewed in their commitment to serve their communities and champion women’s leadership.
As the last guests departed, the message was clear, celebrating women is not a once-a-year event, but an ongoing commitment to justice, compassion, and inclusive growth. In Bonteheuwel, on this Women’s Day, that commitment was renewed and the Heroines of Change stood proudly at the heart of it all.
