16 July 2025 | 12:10 CAT
3-minute read

Photo Credit: Ministry Of Hajj

In a nutshell:

• South African Hajj logistics will now be fully managed by SAHUC, ending the independent role of local travel operators.

• Travel agents can still play a role, but only under SAHUC’s banner as subcontractors.

• SAHUC cannot guarantee lower Hajj costs but has committed to transparency and will negotiate to keep prices as competitive as possible.

A new directive from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set in motion a sweeping transformation in how South African Muslims will undertake the sacred pilgrimage. The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) announced that traditional Hajj operators will no longer independently manage pilgrim logistics, marking a shift to a fully centralised system under SAHUC’s control.

The decision, confirmed by an official letter from the Saudi authorities last week, will fundamentally change decades-old practices familiar to South African hujjaj.

“In the past, accredited travel operators used to secure housing, catering, and transport directly,” explained Hafidh Moaaz Casoo, President of SAHUC, during an in-depth interview on Radio Islam International. “Now, all of that will be facilitated by a Saudi service provider selected by SAHUC.”

This year, the provider was Mashariq al-Masiah, and future arrangements will follow similar protocols. Under the new model, pricing for services will be submitted by the Saudi provider to SAHUC, which will then decide how to package and publish the Hajj offering to the public. Crucially, any local operator involvement must occur strictly under SAHUC’s supervision and name.

“If any operator is going to be assisting SAHUC with any of the Hajj matters, they will have to fall under the SAHUC banner,” Hafidh Casoo said.

This new structure aligns South Africa with smaller nations that are expected to interact with the Saudi Hajj system through a single, centralised body. Larger countries, by contrast, may receive split quotas, allowing some pilgrims to book through platforms like Nusuk.

While the move aims to streamline logistics and enhance accountability, it raises uncertainties for local operators and prospective pilgrims. Operators like Khidmatul Awaam, Yusra, and TWF have invested in staff and infrastructure to manage the short but intense Hajj season. With only around 2 500 South African pilgrims performing Hajj annually, many businesses will now have to reimagine their roles.

“The door is open,” said Hafidh Casoo. “We are not closing the door of opportunity for operators… But ultimately, if they come up with ridiculous proposals or proposals that are very expensive, unfortunately, they will be closing their own door.”

SAHUC has invited 20 travel companies to submit business proposals. These must outline how they can support SAHUC under the new rules—without independent branding or buying power. Operators were told that those who couldn’t attend the recent meeting would be sent recordings, ensuring equal access to the information.

Despite the uncertainty, SAHUC insists the quality of the Hajj experience will not be compromised. “Spiritual leaders are still going to remain. Mission workers still going to remain,” Casoo assured listeners. “As a minimum, SAHUC will not reduce any of the services that were rendered to the pilgrims in the past.”

One concern still looming large is cost. With a volatile rand-riyal exchange rate, and no clarity yet from service providers on pricing, it’s too early to say whether Hajj will become more affordable or more expensive. Some service providers may offer services at cost to secure contracts; others may include markups. SAHUC says it will remain transparent throughout the process.

“We will play open cards,” said Casoo. “We’re not going to be hiding anything away from the public. As we get it, we will inform the public exactly how pricing is going to work.”

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has proposed that SAHUC send a delegation to Saudi Arabia to negotiate hotel and transport costs directly alongside the service provider. This collaboration is hoped to drive down costs, although officials admit currency weakness will likely continue to affect affordability.

The rollout of the new system will begin immediately. Prospective pilgrims can expect updates as negotiations progress and timelines for accreditation and bookings become clearer.

While SAHUC promises continuity in service delivery and transparency, the onus is now on Hajj operators to adapt—or risk being left behind.

“This is their chance to align with a new system,” Casoo concluded. “It’s up to them to come through and put a business plan which will benefit their business entity as well as the pilgrims and for SAHUC, inshaAllah.”

Watch the full video on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.