Umamah Bakharia
8 September 2026 | 07:40 CAT
3-minute read

PHOTO CREDIT: JUSA

The Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA) has concluded its elective Annual General Meeting (AGM), with Moulana Ebrahim Ismail Bham elected as its new president for the next four years.

The AGM was held at the Johannesburg Muslim School, with just under 300 participants in attendance, including Ulama, Huffaaz, representatives of Jamaats and members of the business and professional community.

Speaking after his election, Moulana Bham spoke of the responsibility of carrying forward JUSA’s longstanding legacy and the work of its earlier scholars.

“I don’t regard myself as worthy,” he said, before making dua that the new leadership be granted “the ability and the courage to continue the sterling work that was done by our earlier scholars.” He also called for the community’s continued duas, advice and assistance as the organisation enters a new chapter.

Moulana Bham emphasised that JUSA’s strength lies in collective leadership rather than any individual.

“Alhamdulillah, the Jamiat has grown to an extent that it is not personality-driven. It is not dependent upon one person, it is not dependent upon a personality,” he said.

He pointed to the organisation’s annual report as evidence of the wide-ranging work already being undertaken by JUSA, describing the comprehensive reporting of its activities as something that should not be taken for granted.

He indicated that this approach would continue under the new leadership, with JUSA maintaining its engagement with different sectors of society. The organisation is expected to continue its religious, educational, social, economic and humanitarian work, while also engaging government, civil society and other stakeholders on issues affecting the country and the Muslim community.

Moulana Bham said JUSA’s open-door approach would remain central to its work, including when engaging people with whom it may disagree.

“That will always remain the policy and strength of the Jamiat,” he said, emphasising the importance of continued engagement with different role players and stakeholders.

He also outlined JUSA’s broader responsibility to South Africa, saying its work should not be limited to Muslims alone. Drawing on the teachings of Hazrat Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madani, he said Muslims have a responsibility to contribute to the betterment of the country in which they live. JUSA, he said, would continue to work, to the best of its ability, for the benefit of “everyone in this country, Muslim and non-Muslim.”

He stressed that the organisation would continue engaging in activism rather than remaining silent simply because society does not always reflect its ideal.

Addressing criticism and commentary on social media, Moulana Bham said JUSA would respond without compromising its standards.

“The Jamiat’s response will always be dignified. Will always be with respect. We will never descend to the lowest common denominator,” he said, adding that the organisation would not “label and call people names or degrade the fraternity” or public discourse.

The new leadership team comprises President Moulana Ebrahim Ismail Bham, First Deputy President Moulana Ayoob Mohammed, Second Deputy President Moulana Ebrahim Pandor, Secretary General Moulana Yusuf Ismail Patel, First Assistant Secretary Moulana Sulaimaan Mohammed Ravat, Second Assistant Secretary Moulana Obeidullah Bhoja, Treasurer Moulana Heider Ali Dhorat and Assistant Treasurer Moulana Ismail Varachia. JUSA has served the Muslim community since 1923.

Listen to Moulana Ebrahim Bham’s full speech: