Muslim and traditional Khoi-San leaders forge new alliance

The MOU formalises a powerful alliance between two major civil society structures, setting a precedent for cooperative leadership rooted in shared moral values

By SAYED RIDHWAAN MOHAMED

The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) have entered into a landmark partnership aimed at fostering social cohesion, combating gender-based violence (GBV) and improving rural welfare across South Africa.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed in Cape Town on October 27, 2025, represents a historic step in uniting South Africa’s Muslim leadership with traditional authorities who represent millions of indigenous people. The collaboration is founded on shared principles of justice, morality and ethical governance, and is seen as a major non-governmental intervention addressing the country’s deep social and moral challenges.

The signing was formalised by Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo, chairperson of the NHTKL, and Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie, president of UUCSA. The event was attended by leading Ulama, members of the Global Imams and Scholars Council, and community representatives from across South Africa.

Blueprint for moral regeneration

The agreement outlines a wide range of collaborative priorities to tackle urgent national concerns:

Moral regeneration and GBV: A shared effort to address the scourge of gender-based violence through community-based moral reform initiatives.

Rural development and welfare: Joint programmes to improve infrastructure, welfare and living standards in traditional and rural communities.

Youth and ethical leadership: Mentorship projects to promote responsible leadership and civic values among young people.

Conflict resolution: Coordinated mediation and community peacebuilding through both faith-based and traditional leadership structures.

Cultural and religious education: Campaigns to deepen mutual respect and understanding across South Africa’s religious and cultural diversity.

Consultation with government: Collaborative engagement with government on legislation and policies affecting faith-based and traditional communities.

Speakers at the signing ceremony emphasised that the partnership gives practical expression to South Africa’s founding promise of unity in diversity.

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A partnership rooted in Ubuntu

Shaykh Riad Fataar, president of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), described the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen the spirit of Ubuntu — the principle of shared humanity and interconnectedness.

‘This event serves as a platform to further build upon the profound Ubuntu spirit that stresses the shared humanity of all people,’ he said. ‘Our commitment to dialogue and unity is crucial to maintaining South Africa’s identity as a rainbow nation and a model for others to emulate.’

Kgosi Seatlholo, representing the NHTKL, said the partnership was vital to rebuilding social cohesion in a fragmented society.

‘Traditional leadership is central to representing the needs of indigenous people, but our mandate also includes promoting unity among all South Africans,’ he said. ‘We must actively address the divisions in our country and build bridges of understanding.’

Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie, president of UUCSA, reflected on the significance of formalising cooperation after extensive preparation.

‘This MOU is the result of months of deliberation and consultation,’ he said. ‘We now have a strategic framework to expand our collaboration, and the NHTKL will be a key partner in that process.’

Building bridges beyond government

Zeinoul Abedien Cajee, founding CEO of Awqaf SA, framed the initiative as an independent step toward addressing the legacy of apartheid and colonial inequality.

‘The lingering effects of our colonial history continue to shape inequality,’ he said. ‘This agreement represents a positive and proactive attempt to address these structural injustices through community partnerships rather than relying solely on government action.’

Mikaeel Collier, CEO of Awqaf SA, highlighted the practical application of the partnership in supporting under-resourced communities.

‘This collaboration will help advance development in critical areas such as agriculture, education, healthcare and infrastructure,’ he said. ‘It represents a sincere commitment to strengthening communities and ensuring inclusive progress for all South Africans.’

The MOU formalises a powerful alliance between two major civil society structures, setting a precedent for cooperative leadership rooted in shared moral values. It reinforces the social and ethical foundations of South Africa’s democracy — and signals a renewed commitment to unity, dignity and justice for all.