Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
18 February 2025 | 12:30 CAT
2 min read

The Minara Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Ebrahim Patel as its new president. Patel, who previously served as chairperson now takes over from outgoing president Solly Suleman.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Patel expressed gratitude to the Almighty [Allah] for having given them this responsibility and role. “I also must thank the previous president, Solly Suleman, and the previous board for laying a very strong foundation on which we can continue to build,” he said.

The Minara Chamber of Commerce, formed in February 2000, is a formal business representation organisation aimed at fostering networking and business relationships both within South Africa and internationally. Initially founded within the Muslim community, the chamber has since expanded to accommodate businesses from various sectors and industries.

Reflecting on the chamber’s achievements over the past 25 years, Patel highlighted the impact of the Minara Business Awards. “The business awards that we launched fifteen years ago have been one of the greatest achievements of the chamber. It recognises excellence within the Muslim community, particularly in business and professional sectors, giving individuals the recognition they deserve. More importantly, it serves as encouragement for future generations by providing them with examples to follow,” he explained.

Beyond the awards, the Minara Chamber has positioned itself as a significant voice within the South African business sphere. “We are consulted by government, we represent businesses on government forums, and we are able to lobby the SA Government on issues that affect our members,” Patel said.

Strengthening regional offices

Patel’s vision for the chamber includes strengthening its regional offices and expanding its relevance to members across the country. Originally based in KwaZulu-Natal, Minara has expanded with offices in Johannesburg and the Western Cape. “The focus is going to be how we strengthen those three regions so that we become more representative in all three regions?” he stated.

The chamber is also looking to leverage international relationships to create new opportunities for South African businesses. “We have strong ties with the International Islamic Chamber of Commerce. The question is, how do we use those relationships to open doors for our members, particularly in those countries and particularly the Middle East? Last year, South Africa began exporting Halal beef to Indonesia. There is potential to expand exports and strengthen our trade relationships with several key markets,” Patel said.

Minara has also appointed new regional leadership. Patel confirmed that Shabir Chohan, CEO of Albaraka Bank, is now the vice president of the KZN region. Riaz Ahmed, CEO of Globe Meat in Cape Town, will head the Western Cape region, while Asgar Mohammed, CEO of Esquire Technologies, will take up the role of vice president for Gauteng.

Challenges and Opportunities

Patel acknowledged the economic and political challenges facing South Africa, but he remains optimistic about the future. “We are in very challenging and trying times, both economically and politically. There is a global focus on South Africa from the United States, and we need to prepare for any eventualities that may arise. However, within these challenges, there are great opportunities,” he said.

He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a key avenue for businesses. “There is huge potential in the 52 countries that make up this unified economic bloc. South Africa has also strengthened its relationships in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where we are now an observer member of the ASEAN region. The focus will be on leveraging these opportunities to help our members expand globally,” he stated.

As he embarks on his new term, Patel remains committed to advancing Minara’s mission of fostering business growth and creating opportunities for South African enterprises on a global scale.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Ebrahim Patel, here.