Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
15 February 2023 | 14:15 PM CAT
3 min read

Photo Credit: IONO

On Friday, the Ministerial Committee on the efficient management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages concluded its first meeting in Cape Town. Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool will chair the Committee after complaints about the management and administration of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages from South Africa.

The Ambassador elaborated on the reason for the setting up of the Committee and confirmed the complaints and those who were involved in the several disputes. Using a medical analogy, Rasool said that SAHUC was both the doctor and the patient and, to investigate the situation, called on various specialists to find solutions.

Providing background on the formation of SAHUC, Rasool also provided information on the quota increase after he engaged with then-Prince Muhammad Bin Salman.

He also highlighted the experience of various members who constitute the Ministerial Committee have come together as the “Hajj and Umrah experience of South African citizens has not been uniformly good. It has been punctuated with complaints, blame and sometimes, with real nastiness that subtracts from the divine and spiritual experience of the Hajj.”

He believed that SAHUC should be given an equal opportunity to explain and provide solutions to the situation.

Rasool spoke about the visit to Saudi Arabia by President Ramaphosa and Minister of Foreign Affairs Naledi Pandor, where they met with King Salman and asked for an increase to the Hajj quota for South Africans. This was met with positive feedback and a request for recommendations from the Saudi counterparts.

It was then decided that the South African Muslim community was facing a crisis with their house not being in order, which led to the Committee being formed.

After receiving the Minister’s terms of reference, Rasool provided an overview of the way forward for the Committee. He added that part of the terms of reference includes engagement with the community, SAHUC and other relevant stakeholders. Their work would include researching the demographics of Muslims in South Africa, including foreign nationals, the equitable allocation for South Africa, the equities within South Africa and bodies representing South African Muslims. An important factor, he added, was the cost of Hajj which he believes must be uniform.

He also mentioned that the Committee would look at halal savings for Hajj by looking at countries like Singapore with a saving incentive for Muslims.

“Ultimately, we must decide what the best vehicle for Muslim South Africans to be represented in the formation of Hajj is and has Government given too much or must Government give more authority on the issue of liaison with Saudi Arabia.”

On the quota issue, Rasool said that the Saudi King had given the President and Minister Pandor a sense that they would revise the Hajj quota. However, he added that getting the figures for the Muslim population in South Africa is essential. He recommended that Muslims fill in their religious affiliation in the next census.

He also suggested we negotiate with the President to revise the figures.

He also responded to allegations circulating on social media that there were complaints brought forth by influential travel agents, which were justified to enable the creation of the Committee and garner votes for the next election, saying that allegations and suspicions make a case for what should be done.

He added that the correct decision had been made to engage with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the quota issue, which will help us not lose our reputation, especially with the several complaints.

“Hajj for many is one of the divine obligations that Muslims owe, but Hajj for some is also their bread and butter. It is how they make money. And where money is to be made, I think there is a need for regulation. It can’t be a free for all.”

He also urged the ummah to allow the Committee to do its work and not to prejudge SAHUC or the Committee. Instead, the recommendations would allow for a way forward.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim, hosted by Ml Sulaimaan Ravat. Also, check out the interview with DIRCO Deputy General Zane Dangor here.