MAY 2022
Shawwal 1443
www.muslimmatters.org.za P.O. Box 212 Gatesville 7764
WE WRITE WHAT IS RIGHT
Al- Aqsa under attack! By: Abdurahman Khan
“We will die strong with our heads up around Al-Aqsa and the church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City. We will never hand over the keys of these holy sites at any price says Father Manuel Musallam, a Christian leader and head of the World Popular Organisation for Jerusalam Justice and Peace. Israel has launched an assault on Palestinian religious sites including Al-Aqsa and the Holy Sepulchre. “This savage attack was a brazen display of unbridled colonial power , and an expression of a culture of hate by Israel
Protesters in Cape Town supporting the call from Palestinians for a global solidarity and unity to defend AL-Aqsa and Palestine. in the ongoing war against Palestinians”, says the spokesperson for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Professor Usuf Chicktay. The Israel occupation forces have been rampaging and desecrating places of worship,
IMRAN KHAN – World Cup winner now Revolutionary!!!
WILL he be banned from politics, jailed, hanged or even assassinated?
By: Hanif Sablay PALESTINIAN Political analyst Jalal Al Fara calls him the modern day ERTRUGRAL GHAZI, the voice of the present day Muslim Ummah. Three days after being bowled out, by a no-ball, (USA/UK/ALLIES regime change playbook), as
Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Imran Khan padded up to start his second innings, this time batting without a helmet and is in a dangerous mood. Captain Khan facing the first ball and in front of a million strong supporters in the city of Peshawar and with millions of viewers watching on television channels and social media platforms, smashed the first ball out of the arena for a six. Whilst the opposition went looking for the ball, he moved along to the city of Karachi and in front of an even bigger audience, he announced his readiness
Continues on page 2
Imran Khan lifting the Cricket World Cup in 1992
gassing worshippers ,trouncing civilians, shooting defenceless demonstrators, attacking paramedics and cracking down on journalists”. The professor says that the aim of the Israeli assault is to erase the presence, identity, memory and any sign or a symbol of a
Palestinian relationship to their native land in the attempts by Zionist forces to Judaize Palestine. Palestinians have issued a call for a global solidarity and unity to defend Al-Aqsa and Palestine from a cruel system of domination and crime of apartheid
com.views@gmail.com perpetrated by Israel. The inhumane actions of this apartheid state have not garnered an outpouring of anger and grief from the international community. We call out the glaring hypocrisy of the response to the war in Ukraine. Within weeks trade and economic sanctions were imposed on Russia and overseas assets of pro-Putin oligarchs were seized. We call upon the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Provincial Government to take a stance. We have noted the ongoing refusal on the part of the leadership of both the City of Cape town and Western Cape Government to condemn Israeli atrocities. In the same time, they have taken a very firm stance Continues on page 2
Qiraah at Quds The annual International Qiraah competition took place at the Gatesville mosque on Sunday 24 April. The International Qiraah competition in its 32nd year drew a big crowd.
Quarie Mohsin Qasemi from Iran
The program was opened by a grand entrance led by Moulana Ahmed Tahier and 6 quaries hailing from various countries followed him. Some of them coming from Morocco, Egypt Zanzibar and Iran. Locals that recited were from Durban and Cape Town.
“Zille an embodiment of a political witch” DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille’s controversial comment in a radio interview, that “being poor in Langa was better than being poor in other townships” has been lambasted by the Economic Freedom Fighters.
Botoxed face: Helen Zille
More than 700 people were displaced after a fire destroyed more than 300 shacks in Joe Slovo informal settlement. Helen Zille, said that to be poor in Langa was “100, probably 1000 times better than being poor in many of the townships in the rest of the country”. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Provincial Chairperson Melikhaya Xego said that the EFF condemns her statement in the strongest possible terms her irresponsible and insensitive utterences. “Her statement reveals
the mentality of a racist settler who is an embodiment of her white ancestors who stole our land and later on treated our people with disdain. Zille’s statement is a direct provocation and attempt to undermine the dignity of the people of kwaLanga and as well as black people in general. It is a deliberate spit in the faces of the poor to demonstrate her white privilege. Her audacity to pontificate that black people are better off in squalors, their children exposed to open drains and sewers is a clear reflection of an individual who is completely ignorant and oblivious about the complex material conditions of our people.
This same racist Zille praised colonialism, attributing the infrastructure that was built through the sweat and blood of our people to colonialism and in so doing she ignored the intergeneration pain and trauma suffered by the victims of both colonialism and apartheid. Zille remains a colonial and apartheid apologist who refuses to learn the lesson that her white ancestors who stole our land are the reason why our people continue to live in congested areas that are prone to health hazards and disasters. We are not surprised by her utterances as they can only come from a white racist settler who has neither respect nor regard for black people. Someone who uses and manipulates unsuspecting blacks as pawns and voting fodders in her political chess game. Zille is an embodiment of a political witch whose political witchcraft must
be exorcised through a public condemnation from all corners. She must be reminded that her wrinkled botox will not save her from this public scrutiny.
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Shawwal 1443
MUSLIM MATTERS
May 2022
AN IS LEAV A D A IN eo
M ct Oh p ple of F A aith G R Refle In The Name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful
EIDITORIAL Est. 20th August 1983
HOTLINE NUMBERS (+27)790794727 Whattsap (+27)729855444
Editor: Rouhani Quraish Contributors: Sh. Abduragmaan Alexander Brian Isaacs Fadli Wagiet Hanif Sablay Photos: Abdurahman Khan (Unless otherwise stated) Graphic design: Raeez Edwards Letters to the editor: P.O. Box 212 Gatesville 7764 Email: com.views@gmail.com
By: Sh. Abduragmaan Alexander The world today is in spiritual darkness. The global scandal of corrupt governments and the promiscuous state of nations across the world are clear symptoms of the world’s need for spiritual healing and reformation. It is only the majestic rays of divine guidance which can dispel he dark clouds of gloom, doom and spiritual bankruptcy. The majestic Month of Ramadaan The sacred and majestic month of Ramadaan has almost left us. We are already at the end of this glorious month, on the brink of bidding farewell to Ramadaan, and with great preparation for Eidul-fitr, in thanksgiving to Allah. Nabi Muhammad(pbuh) said: “If my ummah knew the value of Ramadaan they would wish Ramadaan to prevail the entire year. Month of Introspection During these last phases of this Month of Introspection, have we progressed and came in touch with our beloved creator,
IMRAN KHAN continued to raise the flag of ISLAM. He called out to his fellow Pakistanis to stand up and join him to topple the IMPORTED GOVERNMENT of the newly appointed PML – N League PM SHEHBAZ SHARIF. Millions of Pakistanis, locally and those working in foreign countries, have responded to his calls and forging great strategic allegiance to him. The cry is loud and the patriotism is reaching great momentum and their demands for an early elections to restore a democratically elected government is rising. While the opposition is still out there looking for the ball, Imran Khan and his party, PAKISTAN TEHREEK INSAAF (PTI), the tigers are moving to the next city of LAHORE. Even before arriving in Lahore, Imran Khan unleased his ‘keyboard
warriors’, the social and digital media army. Imran Khan has already won the battle of gaining huge following and popularity through the use of social media. The “# imported government not accepted”…. has trended at number 1 for 10days and over 10 million likes. His one hour question and answer session on ‘twitter space’ broke all records with up to 23million people tuning in. In Lahore he announced the call for long march to the capital city Islamabad. He asked his people to be ready for the final push and to wait for his call. The Pakistani people are aware that a plot is underway to ban him and his party from politics, perhaps arrest and put him in jail and possibly hang him, very much like MORSI of EGYPT, ANWAR EBRAHIM of MALAYSIA, GADDAFI of Libya
whois closer to us than our lifevein in our necks? This is the idealopportunity to awaken the divine in us. Every believer of Tauheed is a dormant volcano. Activate your faith and let your spiritual lava erupt and flow towards the Divine throne. How wonderful is it to know Allah and feel His ever divine presence? The great Turkish Sufi master, Sheik Muzaffer Ozak AlJerrahi urges:
The great Turkish Sufi master , Sheikh `Jerrahi urges: “How does one explain to blind the beauty of colours, or the majestic sunrise and spectacular sunset? How will the deaf ever appreciate the joyful chirping of the morning birds and the melodious songs of the nightingales? How does one describe the fragrance of the scent of the roses to those who have no sense of smell?
“Whosoever commits a sin on Eid day is one who commits a sin in Allah’s presence on Judgement day.” Take note how crowds of people will go about on Eid day. Some will be walking on foot, while some will be riding in various modes of transport. The physically handicapped will struggle along, while the blind cant find their own way without the necessary assistance. Many will wear fine garbs, while a great number will be barefoot and in poor clothing. Reflect Oh people of intellect! How will our condition be on Judgement day? Do not walk with arrogance, but remember the day when we wake from our graves and are made to walk the plain of accountability and judgement. Do not scorn the cripple and handicapped people who struggle along, but pray that we are not raised with throne. How wonderful is it to know Allah and feel His ever presence?
Laylatul Qadr Soon we will commemorate Laylatul Qadr, which is described in the Quran as ‘a night better than a thousand months.’ The night of Power, in which was revealed the first revelation of the Glorious Quran . On this night of divine pardon and mercy, I implore you to garb yourselves with the costume of Taqwah and dive into the ocean of spirituality and immerse yourselves in the overflowing Rahma and blessings of the remainder of this gracious month of Ramadaan. Spend time in worship and seclusion with your Lord and follow the footsteps of the great Sahabah and worthy Awliya (saints of Allah), and the obstructing veils will be lifted from your eyes. Soon you will see the beautiful colours, acquire the spiritual sense of smell and the ears of your unbelievers who will rise from their graves, dragging themselves along like snakes and worms.
and Saddam Hussein of IRAQ. USA/UK ALLIES regime change playbook is scripted to silence the voices of Muslims and stop any advances of a United Islamic Bloc. Imran Khan, as a visionary leader and born to lead has calmed down his people and informed them that he is not concerned about his life or death but he will not want any Pakistani to be a slave of the west. He repeatedly reminds them that he fears none but ALLAH ALLMIGHTY alone. He bows down to ALLAH ALLMIGHTY and no human being. Imran Khan promised his people that he will fight and bat till the last ball and continue to call for early, free and fair elections. He is prepared to accept whatever the democratic process outcome will be, but until then he will raise his armour against the present corrupt and puppet government of SHEHBAZ SHARIFF.
Released on bail for billions of rupees, fraud SHEBAZ SHARIF is at the helm of the country and controlling the treasury, while his son HAMZAH SHARIF, who is also out on bail for fraud has been appointed Chief Minister of Punjab, a region that contributes two thirds to the Pakistani economy. A further 24 cabinet ministers are on bail for multiple criminal charges. Senior lawyer, SAAD RASOOL, based in LAHORE, reports that Imran Khan and his government did not violate the CONSTITUTION, nor interfered with the judiciary, courts, police and the army. He further reports that in spite of a massive blackout from major media channels, which are all fronts for the corrupt Sharif, Zardari and mafia, Imran Khan is a honest and sincere leader that Pakistan has been waiting for years to have and deserve. Haroon Yasin, a businessman
Be compassionate to the orphans and the under privileged, that you may be mercifully received by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who was the greatest orphan that ever lived. Oh Muslims! Eid is not a day to strut around boastfully with expensive garments to show off. Eid is not for those who ate and drankin Ramadaan without a valid excuse. Eid is not for those that neglected their parents, causing them hurt and abuse. Eid is for those only who are conscious of the meeting with their Lord, who live in His obedience and strive for the good and upliftment of humanity. Spiritual heart will open and you will delight in the recitation of Al-Quran. Beneath the songs of the nightingales and the gurgling of the waters, you will hear the sweet sound of the affirmation of Divine unity. In Preperation for Eid While we are bidding farewell to the glorious month of Ramadaan and everyone will be joyfully looking forward to celebrate the festival of Eid-ulFitr, yet we must remember the poor and needy. Our beloved Prophet (pbuh)said: “Your fast of Ramadaan is suspended between heaven and earth, until you have paid your Zakat-al-Fitr.” This is to ensure that the poor and needy will have some food on their table too. based in LAHORE reports that the Imran Khan government has turned around its economy, with the world bank listing it in the top three best performing economies. Haroon also reports that his team of professional highly educated and energetic ministers has played important roles during their tenure and uplifted the poor and impoverished people of Pakistan, including the humanitarian package of the Health Card for free medical services. In spite of all these positives the USA/UK /ALLIES together with the corrupt Pakistanis members of parliament successfully implemented the regime change playbook. While Imran Khan has been batting and scoring freely, the opposition (Nawaz and shehbaz sharif, Asif “Mr.10% Zardari and Maulana “diesel rehman”) are still looking for the ball.
Give heed to the golden advice of our illustrious Master, Nabi Muhammad(pbuh). “Enhance your days of Eid with good actions. Beautify your Eid day by giving charity to the poor and needy, supplicate to Allah and reconcile with your families, mending your estranged relations. Glorify Allah, as He looks upon you with His Eye of divine Mercy.” The gracious day of Eid resembles the Resurrection Day. The Noble Prophet(pbuh) said: Conclusion As the auspicious day of Eid will usher in the grand month of Shawaal ( the season of Hajj), let us heed the encouragement of Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) who said: “Whosoever fast six days in the month of Shawaal, will be rewarded as if the person has fasted the entire year.” Allahu Akbar! This will only add to our spiritual rejuvenation and revitalization to meet the grooving challenges of our time.. Ailing humanity stands at the brink of destruction through the stupendous achievement and production of weapons of mass destruction. Corruption and fraud is the order of the day, even on government level, which resulted in global , political and economic instability. The high levelof crime and promiscuity is eroding the moral fibre of society at large. Oh Muslims! When we stretch forth our hand of Eid Mubarak, let it be a resolve to be part and bring about a positive change. Let our Eid Mubarak be a meaningful step towards a spiritual and moral revolution of love, justice, peace and harmonious co-existence.
Al Aqsa Continued
“Al- Aqsa is calling on you and its eyes are weeping, so do not fail it” in support of Ukraine in the war with Russia, actually going against South African foreign policy. We call on the City to light up the city hall in the colours of the Palestinian flag. “We salute the Christian and Muslim Palestinians who have come together to defend Al- Aqsa”,says Chicktay. Father Manuel Musallam vowed to protect the Old City against Zionist aggression at al costs. “Al- Aqsa is calling on you and its eyes are weeping, so do not fail it,” he said. He vowed, ”We will die strong with our heads up around Al- Aqsa Mosque and the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City. We will never hand over the keys of these holy sites at any price”.
May 2022 MUSLIM MATTERS Boeka and Easter egg hunt in the Having a Date in the Park park Shawwal 1443
Two years after the world was thrown into upheaval by Covid restrictions, for many it was the first time during the Holy Month of, Ramadaan and Passover that they could spend a time together as a community because the two events coincided. Since the Holy month of Ramadaan many communities have hosted mass street iftars (fast- breaking meals) but in Greenhaven they decided to break the fast in the park and also have an Easter Egg Hunt. “It all began with an idea to share some love between our Muslim and non-Muslim residents”, said Greenhealth Squad Member (GHS), Amanda Juries. She said that they decided to have an Easter egg hunt the afternoon and the
Boeka at sunset in the Winter Crescent Park. Amanda said that in this way we build bridges and break down barriers and learn to accept our multi-cultural faiths. “So on the 9th April we shared our faiths, not as Christians and Muslims, but as a Greenhealth Squad family, to build a community spirit in Greenhaven”, said the vibrant Juries. The idea of the Easter egg hunt came about because of a small orphanage that is based in the area. The idea was then to have this Easter egg hunt for the 19 children that reside at The Small Wonders Orphanage (SWO). The GHS has been walking now for six months since October and also have seven children walking with
Mass iftar held by Sport Stepping Stones Sport Stepping Stone (SSS) has been in existence for the past 24 years. It is a non-profit organisation that supports children and the elderly from the underprivileged communities within the Western Cape. It is an initiative that was established by Abubaker Cassiem fondly known as Boebie. He is a well known sports personality in the community. Boebie has gone beyond the implementation of sports programs and has made his mission, through his passion for serving the underprivileged in the communities that he serves.
Abubaker Cassiem addressed the children before iftaar
On Saturday 23 April, SSS held a mass iftar program at Talfalah Primary school in Sherwood Park. “The iftaar program is one of 11 programs throughout the year,” says Cassiem. The iftaar initiative and the proceeds there- of is not restricted to Muslim children and elderly, but to all regardless of religion and colour. Over 900 children attended the iftar program.
Uthmaan Kaprey , SSS member giving a ‘boeka box’to one of the children at the Mass Boeka.
them. Many people in the area heard about this event and asked the organisers if their children could also take part in the Easter egg hunt. Amanda says that it is a predominantly Muslim community but the beautiful thing is, that it is an inclusive community and later the community will have Iftar together . The laughter and joy of the kids throughout the event was clear to see and showed what kind of effect community work could have, especially on young children, said
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Haajr Reagal breaks her fast with a date in the park. Juries. After the Easter egg hunt people later came for Iftar. Before Iftaar , a thiker was made and Mufti Habib Madani gave a small talk
about the importance of fasting during the month of Ramadaan. After the talk people broke their fast and shared some meals together. Amanda
said that in this way, as a united community they could celebrate Ramadaan and Easter together.
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Shawwal 1443
MUSLIM MATTERS
May 2022
Athlone High celebrates 75 Glorious years
Quaries at Quds
Back: L/R- Yasmine el Kouzini (Morocco), Sheikh Ahmed FarajAllah (Egypt), Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Wahab Tantawy (Egypt) Mohsin Qasemi (Iran), Ali Mohsenzadeh (Cultural Ambassador of Iran) Maulana Aftab Hyder, Sheg Abduragmaan Alexander, Hafiz Mahmood Khatieb
Seventy five years ago, when Athlone High School opened its doors, there were no books and desks. The then principal, the late Sydney Vernon remarked, “We don’t even have a cane-just a prayer and a hymn”. Present Principal, Vincent Hendricks says, “ Today there is still a prayer and hymn but no cane”. He spoke at a thanksgiving service held at the school last month to mark Athlone High’s 75th anniversary. Reflecting on the year the school opened, Mr. Hendricks said, “There were 89 pioneering learners at the school way back in 1947. They were Ivan Abrahams, PhilipBurger, Joyce Collison, Angeline Gabriels, Gadija Jones,Lilian Oliver and Edmund Malander. Mr. Petersen decided then, that the school motto will be, ‘Nothing but the best’. His teacher friend at Trafalgar High School, Paul Heneke, translated the motto into Latin, which reads Nihil sed optimus.’ Through sound teaching, Athlone High became an august, sought-after high school. Dulcie September also attended Athlone High. Dulcie who studied teaching, later became a dedicated, principled political activist and was murdered in Paris where she was in exile. The HOD for education in the Western Cape, Brent Walters was the guest speaker and spoke about the importance of education.
Front: Mukhtar Ahmed, Nadeem Dawood (Durban), Omar Masoud (Zanzibar), Mubarak Taliep (CT), Moulana Ahmed Tahier and Mafooz.
Brent Walters(SG WCED), Vincent Hendricks (Principal), Sydney Petersen , Rafeeq Kajie (Deputy Principal).
MUSLIM MATTERS
Shawwal 1443
May 2022
SSS Function at Ghousia
Ameerah, Zaheerah, Fatimah, Khairunnisa Gaffoor and Zubaida Adams at the SSS function.
Tasneem Alie breaking her fast at the Gatesville Mosque mass boeka
Judge Siraj Desai, Zelt Marais, Brian Isaacs and Hamied Sawant at the SSS function.
Children at the Winter Crescent Park for the Easter egg hunt.
Farid Sayed(Muslim Views Editor), Allahuddin Sayed (Gift of the Givers), Boebie Solomons, Abduragmaan at the SSS function.
Butt Brothers: Ahmed and Taymur were at the Winter Crescent Park for the Easter egg hunt.
Nadeem Hendrickse and Nazier Paulse of the EFF at the SSS function
POF Executive: The POF elected their executive commitee at the inaugural launch, Vincent Hendricks (treasurer), Brian Isaacs (Chairman), Paul Hendricks (secretary).
Shireen Dalwai, Ayesha Ahmed, Ghafsa Fakier at the SSS function.
Galacticos FC
Batool Ajam breaks her fast at the Greenhaven Residence Association mass boeka in the park.
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Back Left: Imaan Amien, Rameez Omar, Azhar Ebrahim Khan, Zaydaan Patel, Ziyaan Moton. Front Left: Mohammed Seedat, Zidaan Mohammed.
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Shawwal 1443
MUSLIM MATTERS
May 2022
A morning with James Matthews YOUTH POETRY WORKSHOP
By: Fadli Wagiet James Matthews (92 years old) facilitated a poetry writing workshop with twenty-two grade 10 learners from six Western Cape high schools. The workshop was held at Bertha House, an activist centre situated in Mowbray. During the workshops learners debated the meaning and relevance today of the iconic Cry Rage poem. In addition learners worked collectively to co-create a poem wherein which James set the tone by writing the first five lines of same. Each of the
Ifaat Rawoot (Lotus River H), Bessie Longwe (Thandokhulu HS), Latiefa Mayeza (Darul Isalam (HS), Suhayr Ismail (South Peninsula HS), Zanda Mrwebi (Trafalgar HS). They were part of the top five that submitted their articles. Sitting with them is legendary poet, James Mathews.
schools then contributed either one or two lines. The end result was truly inspired! The learners, in preparation for the workshop, had researched and submitted an article discussing: “Who is James Matthews.” The articles were assessed
Suhayr Ismail recieves a signed copy of a poetry collection written by James
and it was decided that that articles submitted by Suhayr Ismail (South Peninsula), Latiefa Mayeza (Daryl Islam), Iffaat Rawoot (Lotus), Bessie Longwe ( Trafalgar) and Zanda Izipho Mrwebi (Thandokhulu) formed part of the final top five. After much consideration the article (which commenced with a poem written by the author) deemed to be the the winner was that of Suhayr Ismail from South Peninsula High School.
Suhayr received a signed copy of a poetry collection written by James as a prize. The workshop left all inspired. We are all indebted to the sacrifices of icons such as James and immensely fortunate to be able to engage with their lived experiences. It is hoped that this workshop will ignite a passion in the learners in attendance and that they will heed the call to become active citizens striving for equality for all! Poem by Suhayr Ismail Grade 10F, South Peninsula High School Poems written by a black man who could not understand why black and white people could not live hand in hand so his poetry was banned by the apartheid government who knew he would be too powerful if given the chance to take a stand the things he achieved even with the restraint of the white man surely changed the entire land
Shawwal 1443
MUSLIM MATTERS
May 2022
Progressive Organisations’ Formation Launch By: Raphael Wolf (former reporter with the Cape Times) It is not often that a new organisation emerges with great promise and potential to dramatically influence, or improve the circumstances of people in a sphere in which it has decided to operate. Fitting that profile is the Progressive Organisations’ Forum (POF), whose promise and potential reflected in the idealistic mood that prevailed among the participants at its recent launch. Attended by about 120 students from six Cape Flats high schools, teachers, parents, workers and community organisation representatives, the launch was held on Human Rights Day (March 21) in the Athlone High School hall. The six schools included South Peninsula (SP) in Diep River, Livingstone in Claremont, Heathfield in Heathfield, Belgravia and Athlone (both in Athlone), and Steenberg in Steenberg. Formed two years ago, initially to counter Covid-19 pandemic’s effects on schools, POF had since broaden its aims to include the struggle for free, compulsory, quality education for all from early childhood to up to tertiary level.
Speaking after the launch, at which he had been unanimously elected as inaugural POF chairperson, retired SP principal dismissed by the WCED for his opposition to WCED’s uneducational policies) Brian Isaacs, said:
Mr Isaacs lauded the launch as having been successful, with students - whom he described as the backbone of society - indicating their interest in society and in the progress of society. ‘The students can actually start
Speaking after the launch, secretary Paul Hendricks said as far as he was aware, the POF was the only organisation on the organisational front that was taking up the struggle in education since the emergence of Covid-19 in March 2020. He said the organisation had taken up the struggle of Heathfield High principal Wesley Newman in his attempts to resist victimization by the WCED, for defending his Heathfield High School community.
“I think that the launch of the POF is a culmination of all those community organisations who have struggled over the years before 1994 - the apartheid years - and then after the apartheid years, for quality education. And I think (in this instance) of organisation’s such as the Concerned Education Forum (CEF). I think of the Western Cape Parent/Teacher/ Student Forum (WCPTSF) and Concerned Teachers Group (CTG). So, this (POF) organisation represents all those organizations that fought before apartheid and also after apartheid. It has now become the Progressive Organisations’ Forum (Education) in education which we will move forward as workers, parents, teachers, non-teaching staff and students.”
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“We in POF has stood with him and supports the Heathfield Action Committee in its quest to defend Mr Newman.
Students at the POF launch at Athlone High School organising themselves in the POF where they can assist the struggle in education,” said Mr Isaacs.
of being involvement with POF over the past two years. They stressed the need for their peers to engage in sociopolitical issues of the day.
Their debate centered around Professor Salo’s thoughts on the impact of oppression in various parts of the world and South Africa.
Africa, as well as the need for this situation to be corrected. A vigorous question and answer session ensued with Professor Salo and Mr Isaacs answering students’ questions. More highlights consisted of launch participants adopting the POF constitution, as well as a resolution denouncing Israel as an illegitimate rogue apartheid state. Another highlight saw SP teacher Paul Hendricks being elected as POF’s inaugural secretary and Athlone High principal Vincent Hendricks as treasurer.
It also touched on his and Mr Isaacs’ views on the uncomplimentary state of government schools and poor state of education in South
Four students from different schools and a female ex-pupil of Belgravia, in displaying leadership potential, told the gathering of their experiences
“We are here to serve the community, to build at grassroots and to be totally committed to social justice,” he added.
A launch highlight featured a riviting video-link debate (in audio only) between him and Professor Ken Salo, a South African serving as Professor of Regional Planning at the University of Illinois in the USA.
Athlone High principal Mr. Hendricks, in earlier welcoming participants to the launch, said he believes that POF has a very important role to play in bringing about a new world order in South Africa. He said his is the oldest school on the Cape Flats and that it celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
“The POF has been involved in mobilizing around the issues of students being affected by the virus and have put forward suggestions to schools as to how they should respond to what is happening. “The POF intends taking forward the struggle in education to improve on the communities of the poor in their endeavour to have their children receive equality, excellent education for all,” Mr Hendricks added. Other launch speakers included Omar Parker of the Bonteheuwel History Society and Abdurahman Khan of the Movement Against Illegitimate Leaders (MAIL). Brian Isaacs thanked all for their participation and he looked forward to growing the organization to improve education in SA.
Wishing all our clients Eid Mubarak
Shawwal 1443
May 2022
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A soccer tournament was held at Athlone Stadium last month. The tournament was hosted by an organisation called, I Deserve It. Sixteen teams participated in the tournament and the final was held under floodlights. The final was won 2-0 by. Putin F.C who played the final against Cape Town Football Academy( CTFA)
Wahied Parker, (left) captain of Putin F.C tackles Ziyaan Motan of Galacticos F.C while his team mate Aiya runs in to support him. Putin won this semi-final game 3-1 against Galacticos to reach the finals.