Whizz kid wins schools quiz Page 3 Page 11
No laughing matter for comedian wrongly accused by Independent Media
A Durban comedian and university lecturer, Mohammed Yacoob Vawda, is suing the media giant for mistakenly identifying him as the person behind posts published on Ghost X (Twitter), writes Nabeelah Shaikh.
Durban comedian and university lecturer Mohammed Yacoob Vawda is suing Independent Media for R1.2 million for defaming him. Vawda was allegedly falsely accused of being behind the Ghost X (Twitter) account @goolammv, which has been exposing corrupt politicians on the platform for about six years now.
Independent Media called a press briefing where they apparently “unmasked” Vawda as being @goolammv.
Vawda, shocked by the allegations, immediately took to TikTok to respond to the allegations against him last week.
“I don’t even use Twitter. I don’t get involved in any type of politics at all. My
family is getting threats and this is ridiculous. I don’t even know anything about politics, I only know the heads of political parties and nothing else,” said Vawda. He also then immediately issued a letter of demand to Independent Media to retract their statements and issue an apology on all platforms.
Two days later, Independent Media did a U-turn and announced that they made a mistake. They released a video message on X saying there was a mistake in the investigation.
“Initially, our investigations identified two individuals linked to the @goolammv X account, both named Mohammed Vawda. However, during the press conference, a technical error occurred in that the wrong profile was shared with our content teams and the public,” said IOL CEO Viasen Soobramoney.
In the video, Soobramoney said Independent Media “unreservedly apologises to Mohammed Yacoob Vawda, his family and friends, fellow reporters, and the South
African public.” By then, the damage was already done.
Vawda did not accept their apology and said: “This was not good enough at all, and I have now delivered a second Letter of Demand to Independent Media. I was really hoping that a well-established, prestigious media house like Independent Media would act in good faith, but it appears that I was wrong,” said Vawda.
Part of the papers read: “You have condemned an innocent man. Your conduct amounts to a blatant, reckless, and disgraceful act of disinformation and character assassination.”
Vawda’s Lawyer, Rupert Candy, said Vawda had suffered harm in the form of all the publications on social media.
“Vawda’s employment address was also being shared. Our client has thus also suffered severe reputational and emotional harm as a result of the false and defamatory publications. Most concerningly, is that our client, and
his family, have received multiple death threats,” said Candy.
He said a reasonable reader of ordinary intelligence would understand the published statements against Vawda to mean that he associates himself with racists and that he is in cahoots with political parties to spread disinformation.
“These statements lower our client in the estimation of right-thinking persons generally and are therefore defamatory,” said Candy.
Candy said they are now suing Independent Media because they believe an apology is just not enough and that Vawda has already suffered reputational damage.
Vawda issued a summons on Friday, which included details of all the online harassment he has received since he was falsely accused.
These comments include Vawda being labelled a ‘racist satan’, threats that people will ‘deal with him’,
and he was even labelled a ‘f***kin* Muslim terrorist’.
The summons also states that on 15 July, a contract killing was being arranged by an unknown person offering a R250 000 reward to anyone who could kill Vawda.
The summons states that Vawda has suffered extensive emotional and psychological trauma and had to move himself and his family to a secure location.
In the summons, Vawda is requesting an unconditional
retraction and apology to be published by Independent Media, Iqbal Survé, and its seven editors on their personal accounts.
He is claiming damages to the tune of R1.2 million and is also claiming costs on his application.
Meanwhile, Independent Media has since outed who they now say is the person responsible for the @ goolammv account. They claim he is a 49-year-old man, originally from Winterton, now living in Morningside.
Whizz kid Mohammed Sayfullah Khan wins schools quiz –
mum says ‘he knows too much’
prove their general knowledge skills, which boosts confidence and improves academic performance but also ensures more productive and valuable screen time. It was an inspiring
youth,” Mandapalli said. Mohammed walked away with a R10 000 cash prize as well as R10 000 for his school, and a further R5 000 for his proud teacher and coach Rashida Asmal. He said he plans to save his winnings until he identifies a good cause to spend it on.
Man who killed Durban mom over Palestinian views appears in court
A man who killed a Muslim mother showed no emotion when he made a brief appearance in the Durban Magistrates Court, writes an Al-Qalam reporter.
Grayson James Beare (44) looked broken, lonely and dejected as he shuffled into the dock of Court 10 in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Portly and heavily built, Beare is alleged to have knifed to death a Muslim mother of two, Halima Hoosen-Preston, after breaking into her Glenmore, Durban home on June 2. He is also alleged to have stabbed and injured her
has made it clear that it was opposed to bail.
When he appeared, his lawyer had planned to bring an application before the court to declare Beare mentally unfit to stand trial, but because certain medical documentation was outstanding, the matter was adjourned to August 16.
Sporting a crew-cut and wearing an olive-green shirt, Beare had his head bowed most of the time and appeared to be wrapped in his own thoughts. His face was expressionless as he sat in the dock.
The victim’s family were in court along with a handful of pro-Palestinian activists who said previously
and Genocide Foundation. At the time of the attack, news had spread that Beare had apparently killed Halima Hoosen-Preston because of her support for Palestine. But in a statement released to the media, the woman’s husband, Sean Preston, downplayed that theory, saying it was plainly a criminal matter and should be treated as such.
“I would therefore like to clarify that in as much as the accused has tried to justify his actions, citing comments Halima supposedly made to provoke this heinous crime, from our perspective as a family, this is not a political or religious matter.”
“This is purely a criminal matter, and we want it to be
But her husband said that story was baseless. “The accused was, at most, an acquaintance of ours and someone we had last seen in around 2019, so the comments he has made in a video which went viral, are baseless.
“Halima was well-aware of the fact that what’s going on in Palestine has nothing to do with Muslim-Jewish relations, and she enjoyed friendships with individuals from diverse faith backgrounds, including Muslim, Jewish and Christian,” he added.
“In fact, when Halima expressed her views regarding Palestine to her loved ones, she was careful to emphasise that this wasn’t an at-
Moulana Mokgabudi launches Zakah book, concerned how Zakah utilised in SA
By Al-Qalam Correspondent
Moulana Ebrahim Mokgabudi, based in Johan nesburg, was recently hosted in Durban by the Islamic Forum for a series of events centred on his book ‘The Institution of Zakah as a Developmental Tool: A South African Con text’.
Moulana Mokgabudi is an Aalim, holds an Honours degree from the Universi ty of Johannesburg and is a seasoned community de velopment practitioner. His extensive grassroots work in poverty alleviation as well as his own experience of growing up in an impov erished household gives him a unique perspective that attendees benefited greatly from.
Moulana Mokgabudi’s first engagement in Durban was when he delivered a well-re ceived khutbah at the West
cating economic disparities and fostering sustainable community development. Emphasis was placed on prioritising projects that have a long-term socio-economic impact so as not to create a cycle of dependency and intergenerational poverty. He explained that harm can inadvertently be caused to recipients when the psychological impact of charitable interventions is not considered. The discussion with attendees from varied backgrounds was robust, with many relating to his concerns about the manner in which Zakah is utilised in South Africa.
Members of Muslim Non-Profit Organisations were invited to a Knowledge Sharing Workshop the next morning. Moulana Mokgabudi facilitated the interactive workshop using case studies as a means to brainstorm best practices in the charitable space. Over ten organisations sent representatives to attend
the workshop, and participants used the opportunity to network and share their challenges and ideas. He emphasised that it is essential to understand Zakah recipients’ needs and involve them in the development process. He also focused on the importance of maintaining the dignity of recipients, fostering deep community engagement, and encourag-
ing local leadership to drive development initiatives.
Tazkiyyah Amra, from the Islamic Forum, hailed Moulana Mokgabudi’s engaging presentation: “Moulana critiqued the short-term focus sometimes prevalent among NGOs and donors, which prioritises immediate visibility over long-term impact. He called for a shift to-
wards genuine development strategies that include Zakah recipients in decision-making and aim for sustainable outcomes.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, stressing the need for more collaboration among NGOs and a reassessment of how Zakah is administered locally.”
SAZF’s call to ‘recalibrate’ SA foreign policy on apartheid Israel wishful thinking
By Iqbal Jassat
Aiding and abetting Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian Territories has been outlawed by the World Court’s latest ground-breaking judgement.
This ruling has been welcomed by South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, as it conforms to the country’s long-held position on illegal settlements. Not surprising though, Israel’s
local Zionist lobby groups have expressed their dismay. Not satisfied with that, they have called for South Africa to “recalibrate” its foreign policy.
Whenever anyone representing the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) writes to complain about Israel being treated unfairly, I cannot help but be reminded of apologists of the white minority apartheid regime led by the National Party.
Rowan Polovin of the SAZF, in his article “Crucial crossroads - Realigning South Africa’s foreign policy” (News24 - July 23), resorts to discredited tactics used by the Nats that not only irrational but also steeped in the era of racism apartheid and oppression of yesteryear.
Does it surprise anyone...?
Certainly not because the SAZF is, by its own admis
sion, an arm (pun intended) of the settler colonial regime. Its declared aim is to defend Israel at all costs.
Usurping (no pun intended) the role of Israel’s embassy, the SAZF has, in effect, been swimming against the tide to save the disastrous public image of Israeli genocidaires. Polo vin’s latest piece is a clas sic specimen of “Hasba ra” (false propaganda) by painting Israel as a “victim” of South Africa’s foreign policy.
In doing so, he fails mis erably to display an under standing of the history of our country’s revolutionary evolution of international relations from the vile era of apartheid to democracy.
The “recalibration” he ar gues for was instituted way back post-94 when Nelson Mandela’s leadership laid the foundation for a foreign policy underpinned by hu
man rights as enshrined in both the Bill of Rights as well as the constitution.
And, of course, informed by it, South Africa’s stance on Palestine aligns perfectly with our values of Ubun-
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The preservation and sanctity of ALL places of worship
It is with great concern and apprehension that we received the news on Tuesday 9 July, 2024 of an attempted bomb attack on a Masjid in Durban North. We thank Allah that the masjid security guard was alert and disturbed the suspects who fled after placing two undetonated explosive devices near the masjid entrance.
We condemn this sacrilegious act and call on the South African Police Services to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice for this inexcusable act of terror. We also call on masajid committees to put in place strict security measures and for congregants especially to be vigilant and proactive so as to avert any attacks on our places of worship.
The Qur`an on the Preservation and Sanctity of ALL Places of Worship
At this time, it is fitting
Continued from page 5
“That the Palestinians struggle against and resist this state of affairs is a function of how injustice and sufferings do not defeat a people, nor compel it into submission, but rather drive that people to resist more, and to struggle further for political justice and rights”, Said wrote.
This climate of oppression and discrimination is known to most South Africans who were on the receiving end of white minority rule as apartheid, which is a perpetual atrocity committed by Israel against Palestinians.
It is thus no surprise that our foreign policy is rooted in a paradigm that espouses a firm commitment to freedom and justice for Palestine.
Polovin is completely out
to remind ourselves of the sanctity and sacredness with which Islam regards not only masajid but indeed, ALL places of worship. Allah, the Lord of all Humankind, proclaims in Surah alHajj, chapter 22, verse 39 and 40, the following: Permission (to defend themselves) by means of armed combat is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged.
And indeed, Allah has the power to succor them. Those who have been driven from their homelands against all right and for no other reason than their saying, ‘Our Lord and Sustainer is Allah!’ For, if Allah had not enabled people to defend themselves against one another, monasteries and churches and synagogues and masajid – all in which Allah’s name is abundantly extolled – would surely have been destroyed. Allah will certainly help those who assist Allah’s cause. Allah is truly All-Powerful, Almighty.
of depth by alluding that South Africa is “out of touch on the global stage”, whereas the facts are entirely different.
The articulation of sound legal arguments by South Africa’s galaxy of legal eagles at the International Court of Justice, led the way for a host of countries to follow through.
Far from being “out of touch”, it affirmed a stamp of approval for being in touch with the harsh reality of the worst form of genocide against Palestinian civilians. If anyone can be accused of being out of touch, it can only be the SAZF and fellow pro-Israel lobby groups.
If Polovin and the SAZF dare to honestly scrutinise the levels of anger and disillusionment against Benjamin Netanyahu and his criminal gang of warlords,
The above Quranic verses were revealed shortly after the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (hijra) from Makkah to Madina.
The above Qur’anic verses are significant since it marks a policy shift from passive resistance – and for the very first time after 15 years grants the Prophet (pbuh) and the early Muslims permission to resist the relentless persecution of their enemies through armed struggle. These Quranic Verses, however, not only provides legitimation for resisting persecution and oppression through armed struggle as a last resort but also underscores the high and lofty ethico-moral virtue for which Muslims charged to do so.
It is edifying to note that verse 40 of Surah al-Hajj gives precedence to the protection and preservation of monasteries, churches and synagogues over that of masajid in order to underline the sacredness and sanctity of
they will be surprised to discover that far from being a land of “milk and honey”, Israel is, in fact, a rogue regime.
Professor John Dugard in his “Confronting Apartheid”, deals extensively with this theme. And makes an interesting observation in his assessment of Israel’s failure to comply with its obligations in human rights law.
He writes that evidence of Israel’s violation of human rights law and international humanitarian law in the OPT is contained in the reports of UN fact-finding missions, NGOs and special rapporteurs, in books and press.
Unlike in the past, Israel’s gruesome violence and defiance of international laws are vividly displayed on television screens throughout the world. Indeed the
ALL places of worship and ultimately freedom of religion.
`Umar ibn Khattab (ra) and the Church of Holy Sepulcher
The Quranic exhortation and injunction to protect and sanctify ALL places of worship, including Synagogues and Churches, found in the Quran is supported by a number of prophetic traditions and was embodied in the praxis of our pious ancestors. I would like to provide the example of `Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) as a case in point.
When `Umar ibn al-Khattab liberated Jerusalem, in the year 638 of the Common Era he was invited by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Sophronious, to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. `Umar (ra) politely refused to do so, because he was afraid his followers may misinterpret this and destroy the Church.
`Umar (ra) thus chose to
correctness of South Africa’s foreign policy – both moral and legal – has been vindicated by the highest court of the world, the ICJ.
Al Jazeera’s summary of the court’s latest ground-breaking judgement underlines the relevance of South Africa’s foreign policies:
The court said Israel has no right to sovereignty of the territories, is violating international laws against acquiring territory by force and is impeding Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
It said other nations were obliged not to “render aid or assistance in maintaining” Israel’s presence in the territory. It said Israel must end settlement construction immediately and existing settlements must be removed, according to a summary of the more than 80-page
pray outside the Church and subsequently a masjid was built outside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to remind future generations of Muslims of the great sanctity and respect Islam holds for all places of worship.
This is indeed a far cry from the current situation in Jerusalem and its blessed surroundings where Israeli Zionists forces have thus far destroyed over 300 masajid, and several Churches, including the damaging of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrius, thought to be the third-oldest Christian church in the world
The Importance of Observing Masjid Safety Protocols
I have been inspired and reassured by the response of the Muslim community to the news of the aborted bomb attack on a masjid in Durban North. They have used this shocking news, not to create panic and paranoia, but rather
to bolster and augment the existing safety measures instituted at all masajid. I would like to commend their efforts and ask Allah to keep us all safe. I would like also to make a special appeal to musallis to be disciplined and vigilant whenever we visit the masjid. I urge you to inform yourself and comply with masjid safety protocols. Chief among these is to avoid coming to the masjid with large bags and especially not to leave these bags unattended.
In conclusion, we supplicate and ask, Allah, the Lord of Mercy, to protect and preserve all of our places of worship and render them sanctuaries of safety, peace and tranquility and to keep our physical bodies, our mental health, and most of all our faith secure and flourishing.
opinion read out by Salam. Israel’s “abuse of its status as the occupying power” renders its “presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful”.
If any “recalibration” is required, it must be by the relevant security and prosecuting authorities to inves-
tigate whether the SAZF is guilty of providing “aid or assistance in maintaining Israel’s presence in the OPT” in violation of the ICJ ruling.
*Iqbal Jassat is an Executive Member of the MEDIA REVIEW NETWORK, Johannesburg.
Imam Dr. A. Rashied Omar Imam at Claremont Road Mosque, Cape Town
MRN: Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh ‘won’t end Palestinian Resistance’
By Al Qalam Reporter
Haroon Ja -
zbhay, the Executive Member of the Media Review Network said his organisation is saddened by the cowardly killing of Hamas political leader Shahid Haniyeh at his residence in Teheran, but vowed that resistance against the Zionist entity will continue.
“To Allah we belong and unto him we shall return,” he wrote in a press statement. An Iranian spokesman, interviewed by Al Jazeera, reports that a missile was apparently fired at his residence in Teheran, killing Haniyeh and a guard.
In its statement, The Media Review Network expressed it’s heartfelt condolences to the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas and the Palestinian people on the
martyrdom of its leader, Ismail Haniyeh.
Jazbhay said. “Haniyeh was assassinated in the early hours of Wednesday morning in a cowardly operation, the details of which are still unclear.
“MRN had the privilege of meeting Shahid Ismail Haniyeh early this year to express condolences on the martyrdom on his beloved sons on Eid day in Gaza.
“At the meeting and in many public utterances, he expressed the sentiment that the blood of his sons or any Palestinian leader is no more valuable than that of ordinary Palestinians.
He also expressed the same at news of the assassination of Hamas Deputy Head Saleh al Arouri in Beirut.
“Whilst we mourn the death of Haniyeh, we are acutely aware that Hamas
and the Palestinian people are not ruled by a cult of personality.
“The cowardly assassination will not diminish the Palestinian struggle for liberation. In fact, it will embolden it. No one is indispensable.
“The Islamic Resistance shall not flounder but emerge stronger. Martyrdom is the ultimate rank for any Mujahideen.
“MRN is confident in the strength of Hamas and the Resistance Axis to remain committed to cause. Assassinations and targeted killings are hallmarks of Mossad’s terrorism since Israel’s Illegal founding.
Haniyeh’s blood is no more sacred than the rest of Palestinians. The Resistance shall continue until Zionism and the Zionist entity are dislodged from Palestine,” he added.
LAKE GLENCAIRN
World reacts to killing of Hamas political chief Haniyeh in Iran
Hamas’s political chief was in Tehran when he was killed, writes Al Jazeera
Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in Iran’s capital Tehran. His death has been confirmed in separate statements by the Palestinian group that runs the Gaza Strip and Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Here are some reactions to Haniyeh’s death, starting with the actors closest to the situation:
Hamas
“This assassination by the Israeli occupation of Brother Haniyeh is a grave escalation that aims to break the will of Hamas and the will of our people and achieve fake goals. We confirm that this escalation will fail to achieve its objectives,” said senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri. “Hamas is a concept and an institution and not persons. Hamas will
continue on this path regardless of the sacrifices and we are confident of victory.”
Israel
“This is the right way to clean the world of this filth. No more imaginary peace/ surrender agreements. No more mercy,” said Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu. “The iron hand that will strike them is the one that will bring peace and a little comfort and strengthen our ability to live in peace with those who desire peace. Haniyeh’s death makes the world a little better.”
Iran
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, honour, pride and dignity, and make the terrorist invaders regret their cowardly action,” President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose inauguration Haniyeh was in Tehran to celebrate, said in a post on X.
“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and
made us sad, but it also prepared a harsh punishment for itself,” read a statement from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Hezbollah
“We in Hezbollah share with our dear brothers in the Hamas movement all the feelings of pain over the loss of this great leader, the feelings of anger at the enemy’s crimes, the feelings of pride that the leaders in our movements are leading their people and their mujahideen to martyrdom,” read a statement posted on Telegram by the Hamas and Iran-aligned Lebanese armed group.
Palestinian Authority
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas strongly condemned the assassination, describing it as “a cowardly act and a dangerous development”, according to a statement from the official Wafa news agency.
The president also called on Palestinians to unite and “be patient and steadfast in
the face of the Israeli occupation”.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad
“This assassination is not only directed at the Palestinian resistance and Hamas, in particular, but it is also directed at Iran,” said Deputy Secretary-General Muhammad al-Hindi. “Israel is on the verge of collapse, and its reactions reflect confusion and inability to achieve any of its goals. Israel is facing such resistance for the first time in its history.”
Reactions have started to come in from around the globe also.
China
“We are highly concerned about the incident and firmly oppose and condemn the assassination,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.“Gaza should achieve a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire as soon as possible”.
Malaysia
“Malaysia urges for an im-
mediate and thorough investigation into this assassination, and those responsible to be brought to justice.
Malaysia also urges all parties to exercise restraint while facts surrounding the assassination are being established,” Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“The incident underscores the urgent need for de-escalation and reinforces the necessity for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue peaceful resolutions.”
Qatar
The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of Dr Ismail Haniyeh … [and] considers it a heinous crime, a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that this assassination and the reckless Israeli behavior of continuously targeting civilians in Gaza will lead to the
region slipping into chaos and undermine the chances of peace.”
Russia
“This is an absolutely unacceptable political murder, and it will lead to further escalation of tensions,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
Turkey
Haniyeh’s killing “once again demonstrates that Israel’s Netanyahu government has no intention of achieving peace”, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. “[The] region will face much larger conflicts if [the] international community does not take action to stop Israel.”
Yemen’s Houthi “Targeting Ismail Haniyeh is a heinous terrorist crime and a flagrant violation of laws and ideal values,” said Mohammed Ali alHouthi, head of the Yemeni Hourthi’s Supreme Revolutionary Committee.
Zuma’s silent ousting - a KZN view
Politics is an unforgiving playground. Jacob Zuma had barely logged onto his virtual disciplinary in front of ANC grandees when innuendo about the apparent discrepancies in his struggle record started to fly thick and fast on social media. There was more slaughtering of holy cows to follow.
Just hours before the announcement of his expulsion from the ANC, “The Showerhead” documentary cataloguing the cartoons of one of his arch nemeses, Zapiro, premiered at the Durban International Film Festival. The film is a scathing commentary about the most Teflon coated politician in South African politics. Its centrepiece is the appendage of the showerhead which Zapiro uses to mock Zuma after he declared in a rape trial that he showered after unprotected sex to reduce the risk
of HIV infection. Editors and analysts from Mondli Makhanya to Anton Harber reflected on the dark days of the Zuma presidency when he limply threatened to sue the cartoonist for defamation but gave in when Zapiro challenged him to take the matter to court. He balked again before the ANC disciplinary committee when they threw out his demand to appear in person as he wanted to look his prosecutors in the eye.
There is little doubt that Zuma remains a significant figure in South African politics despite the series of controversies throughout his career. His expulsion from the ANC hardly sent a ripple through the political landscape, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. His MK Party expressed the stock response of shock and dismay but said little else. Perhaps there are too many other fires to put out on the home front. It is now common knowledge that the engine room of the party is in disarray. Handpicked Secretary-General Arthur Zwane was in then he was out and now he appears out again.
There is palpable relief at Luthuli House. Zuma’s expulsion represents a significant move by the ANC to distance itself from his controversial legacy and
to restore its image amidst widespread public dissatisfaction. KwaZulu-Natal has long been a bastion of support for Zuma, with many seeing him as a champion of the Zulu people and a defender of their interests within the broader national framework. His removal from the ANC is perceived by his supporters as some kind of betrayal by his comrades. Among the members of the disciplinary committee is Faith Muthambi who Zuma promoted to the cabinet well beyond her station in both party rank and personal capacity.
One can safely assume that Zuma’s expulsion has not dimmed his political in-
fluence. Instead, it has propelled the MK Party among its supporters after its strong showing in the May elections. This underscores the deep-seated loyalty that Zuma commands among his followers.
The rise of the MK Party has effectively challenged the ANC’s dominance in the region effecting a realignment of political allegiances that will be hard to break.
Zuma’s detractors are hard at work. As Zuma reasserts his presence through MK, scrutiny of his record in prison and exile has resurfaced. Allegations and suspicions have emerged,
particularly on social media, suggesting that Zuma’s contributions during the anti-apartheid struggle may not have been as exemplary as previously believed. There are whispers of distrust from ANC President Oliver Tambo, which, if substantiated, could further complicate Zuma’s legacy.
These innuendos, whether grounded in fact or mere speculation, add a layer of intrigue to Zuma’s narrative. They also reflect the broader tensions within the ANC regarding the portrayal and preservation of its historical legacy. As these exchanges unfold, they may influence public perception of Zuma and impact the
broader discourse on South Africa’s struggle history.
There can be no illusions that Zuma’s expulsion from the ANC marks a significant turning point in South African politics, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. The rise of the MK Party underscores his enduring influence and reconfiguration of political power in the province. Simultaneously, the re-examination of Zuma’s historical record adds uncomfortable spice to his legacy, highlighting the ongoing struggles within the ANC to reconcile its past with its future.
Dr Buccus is editor of Al-Qalam
IMASA says “regrets” serving Coke” at function, blames caterer for mistake
By Al Qalam Reporter.
The Islamic Medical Association of South Africa
said it has taken note of concerns from the community that “Coke” was serverd at its function held at its offices in Durban on Saturday adding
that the caterer had made a mistake. IMASA hosted NGO’s and representatives from various stakeholders in the health sector. There were two talks and an interactive discussion.
There was also an Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the IMA Durban branch and
the election of new office bearers. The programme started at 12pm and finished at about 6pm. The National Executive Committee of the Islamic Medical Association pointed out that “catering for the function was outsourced and regrettably, the service provider included Coke in the meal
ordered.,” “The IMASA staff and executives were so busy with all the logistics etc. that it was missed that Coke was served. Clearly, the oversight is regretted. “The caterer has been informed to make alternative choices in the future and to be cognisant of the call to boycott Coke, and IMASA
staff and execs have been conscientised about not using products that are linked to Israel, including Coke.
“The IMASA’s record of working for the Palestinian cause is well documented and continues, much of which is also work done without publicity seeking.
“We are disappointed that a tabloid publication in Laudium sought to publish an over the top article about this mistake without contacting the IMASA for a comment.
“IMASA considers this matter adequately addressed and closed.”
By Imraan Buccus
Moerat’s pick as captain of Springboks ‘significant’ for Muslim community’
By Nabeelah Shaikh
South Africa’s Muslim community has been rejoicing over the historic appointment of Salmaan Moerat as captain of the Springboks.
The 26-year-old from the Western Cape became the first Muslim to captain the national rugby team during its game against Portugal on Saturday. The Springboks emerged victorious with a 64-21 win.
The Muslim Judicial Council says there has been great delight and pride in Moerat’s historic achievement.
“The appointment of Salmaan Moerat as captain was a significant milestone for our community and the nation. It reflects the values of inclusivity, diversity, and unity that are the cornerstone of our beloved South Africa.
Salmaan’s leadership on the field will inspire young Muslim athletes and all South Africans who dream of
achieving greatness through dedication and perseverance,” said MJC President Sheikh Riad Fataar. Fataar said from Moerat’s early days at the Western Province Rugby Academy to his remarkable performances in the Super Rugby, Currie Cup, United Rugby Championship, and Investec Champions Cup, he has consistently showcased his exceptional abilities and sportsmanship.
“His leadership qualities were evident as he captained the Junior Springboks and led his team to several victories on the international stage. He hailed from a family with a deep and rich rugby heritage and has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication to the sport.
His father, Nazeem Moerat, was a revered figure in the rugby community, known for his formidable prowess on the field and his unwavering commitment to the development of the sport at the grassroots level,” said Fataar. He said Moerat’s appointment was not only a testament to his hard work and
talent but also a fitting tribute to his father’s enduring legacy. “His appointment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing our diverse cultural heritage and working together towards a brighter future for all,” said Fataar. Awqaf South Africa said Moerat’s captaincy was a milestone that coincides almost exactly with the 220th anniversary of the unbanning of Islam in South Africa.
“Arriving as political prisoners, exiles, and indentured labourers, Muslims have been an integral part of South Africa’s history for over 350 years. Despite facing great odds, our community played a courageous role in opposing colonial rule and apartheid. This legacy is a testament to our enduring spirit of resilience and commitment to justice in the face of adversity,” said Awqaf SA’s communications manager, Shanaaz Ebrahim.
She said Moerat’s appointment as captain was not just a personal triumph but a significant milestone for the Muslim community and South Africa as a whole. “It
symbolizes the overcoming of historical injustices and the fulfillment of dreams that many were denied due to the discriminatory policies of the apartheid regime. Salmaan stands as a proud representative of those great sporting legends from our community who were never given the opportunity to showcase their talents on such a grand stage. Salmaan’s journey is one of discipline, perseverance, and dedication. He embodies the unfulfilled aspirations of countless individuals who were denied the honour he now holds,” said Ebrahim.
She said as he steps into this prestigious role, he stands firm on the shoulders of those who fought for truth, justice, and human dignity.
“His achievement is a testament to the foundation laid by freedom fighters and peace-loving people who paved the way for a brighter future. His accomplishment is a source of immense pride for all of us, and we are confident that he will lead with the same courage and integrity that defines our commu-
nity,” said Ebrahim. Moerat was raised in Paarl, Western Cape, and attended Paarl Boys’ High School, a prestigious Rugby school that has produced multiple Springboks. The Paarl Muslim Jamaa congratulated him on his remarkable achievement.
Moerat’s rugby history includes that he debuted for the Boks in 2022 and made two appearances in the same year. He was called up again in 2024 when the Boks played Wales in June and recently featured in the squad that played Ireland in both Pretoria and Durban.
Moerat has used social media to express the importance of his faith and what it means
to him.
Last year, he performed his Umrah after he suffered a pectoral injury. He posted on his Instagram: “When the injury happened, I was really torn between acceptance and mourning. I think, for the most part, I was trying to convince myself I was ok.
But then, when booking and confirming our Umrah, I came to the realization that this injury was a dua [prayer] answered. It has always been a longing of mine to complete an Umrah during the Holy Month of Ramadan. And inshallah that will shortly become a reality – all because of this injury”.
