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Nearly 4 000 people across Cape Town will receive food support this Ramadan through a ‘Share the Care’ campaign led by Awqaf SA and the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation.
By SHAFIQ MORTON
Cape Town – As South Africa navigates deepening economic strain and rising levels of food insecurity, close to 4 000 people across Cape Town will receive essential food support this Ramadan through the distribution of nearly 1 000 grocery hampers.
The initiative forms part of the annual ‘Share the Care’ campaign led by Awqaf SA in partnership with the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation. This marks the tenth consecutive year of collaboration between the highest Turkish religious authority and the South African nonprofit organisation.
The food hampers will be distributed to vulnerable households in Hanover Park, Parkwood, CAFDA, Lavender Hill and Khayelitsha — communities where many families continue to face the harsh realities of unemployment and food scarcity. South Africa is widely regarded as one of the most food-insecure countries in the world, with millions experiencing hunger or limited access to nutritious meals.
Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, reflection and spiritual renewal, is not merely about abstaining from food and drink. It is a period of intensive personal discipline — cultivating humility, compassion, restraint and a deeper sense of social responsibility.
‘Ramadan transforms the individual, but its ultimate purpose is to transform society,’ said Mickaeel Collier, CEO of Awqaf SA.
‘The true success of Ramadan is measured not only by how we improve ourselves, but by how we uplift those around us. In a world driven by consumption, Ramadan teaches contribution.’
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Collier explained that the month reinforces universal values — justice, dignity, service and compassion — which align strongly with South Africa’s constitutional vision of human dignity and equality.
Awqaf SA, formally known as the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa, is a community-based endowment organisation that develops sustainable charitable assets to fund long-term education, healthcare, youth development and social upliftment programmes.
This year’s Ramadan carries additional significance as it coincides with the Christian period of Lent — a season similarly marked by reflection, sacrifice and spiritual growth. Leaders say the overlap presents a powerful opportunity for shared values to unite communities across faith lines.
‘Ramadan embodies Ubuntu — the understanding that our humanity is interconnected,’ Collier added.
‘It reminds us that spirituality is not about isolation, but about strengthening our contribution to society.’
Türkiye’s Consul General in Cape Town, Yonca Sunel, welcomed the decade-long partnership as a symbol of enduring solidarity between the people of Türkiye and South Africa.
‘For ten years, this collaboration has reflected the shared humanitarian values of our nations,’ said Consul General Sunel.
‘Ramadan teaches us that compassion knows no borders. Through our partnership with Awqaf SA, we are honoured to stand alongside South African communities and contribute to dignity and hope during this sacred month.’
Sunel added that the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation’s involvement underscores a broader commitment to international humanitarian cooperation, reinforcing bonds of charity that transcend geography, culture and language.
She saluted efforts across South Africa, in mosques and through Muslim organisations, that significantly increased feeding schemes and charitable outreach during Ramadan, serving thousands daily — often to beneficiaries of all faiths and backgrounds.
As the food hampers are distributed in the coming days, Awqaf and Diyanet organisers say the effort is about more than sustenance.
‘Ramadan produces individuals who do not ask, “What can society give me?” but rather, “What can I give society?”’ Collier said.
In a time marked by economic pressure and social fragmentation, this year’s Ramadan outreach stands as a reminder that when individuals transform themselves, they gain the power to transform society.
Hasanain Abdullah is the Project Manager at Awqaf SA.
