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‘SANZAF’s mission is far from over, and with continued support the organisation is committed to deepening its impact and expanding its reach in the years ahead.’ Yasmina Francke, SANZAF CEO
By SHAIKH ABDUR-RAZAAQ MAJAL
THE South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) recently hosted its 50th Gratitude Dinner, marking half a century of dedicated service to the community.
The event, held on October 4, 2024, was a heartfelt evening filled with reflection, appreciation and renewed commitment, honouring SANZAF’s unwavering efforts to uplift those in need through zakaah, charity and social welfare initiatives.
The evening began with a heartfelt welcome by the national chairperson, Fayruz Mohamed.
One of the evening’s highlights was an inspirational speech delivered by a founding member and stalwart of SANZAF, Shaikh Dr Faaik Gamieldien.
In his address, Shaikh Gamieldien reflected on the core mission of SANZAF and the profound impact the organisation has had on countless lives over the past 50 years. Focussing on Surah At-Tawbah he eloquently drew parallels between SANZAF’s work and the broader Islamic principles of charity, social justice and community support, reinforcing the importance of the organisation’s ongoing mission.
Adding a special touch to the evening, Shaikh Ismail Londt produced and presented a nasheed specifically focused on zakaah. The nasheed beautifully captured the essence of zakaah and its significance within the Muslim faith, serving as a heartfelt reminder of the collective responsibility to support those in need through this pillar of Islam.
Shaikh Ismail Gqamane, Imam at Masjid Murtaza in Gugulethu, spoke about the importance and urgency to actively serve the Muslims community within the townships.
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SANZAF’s CEO, Yasmina Francke, also addressed the attendees, expressing her deep gratitude to Allah, as well as to the volunteers, staff and partners who have worked tirelessly to ensure that SANZAF continues to play a pivotal role in poverty alleviation, education and empowerment within the Muslim community. She emphasised that SANZAF’s mission is far from over, and with continued support the organisation is committed to deepening its impact and expanding its reach in the years ahead.
The 50th Gratitude Dinner not only celebrated SANZAF’s remarkable legacy but also served as a call to action, reminding attendees that the journey of uplifting communities through zakaah requires sustained collaboration and support.
As the evening drew to a close, SANZAF took the opportunity to acknowledge the youth groups that participated in SANZAF Youth Week, a programme dedicated to promoting youth development and preserving the heritage of mosques. The recognition of these young participants highlighted SANZAF’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders within the Muslim community.
The event was a profound testament to SANZAF’s enduring values and its mission to serve humanity. Moving forward, SANZAF remains steadfast in its commitment to alleviating poverty, promoting education and fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility across the nation.
