By Annisa Essack

28:06:2019

The Soweto mosque, located in the Dlamini area, was severely damaged after suspected right-wing extremists bombed the area close to it in 2002. Built in 1984, it was the first mosque in Soweto township and became home to many anti-apartheid activists, including the late President Nelson Mandela and famous visitors such as late legendary boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

Leaders of the historic mosque approached the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) for assistance in repairing its roof but Mehmet Akif Sekerci, TIKA’s coordinator in South Africa decided to complete the massive renovations at the historic mosque.

Turkish calligraphy has been used to decorate the mosque but the uniquely South African artwork has been painted on its exterior. TIKA said the South African art on the mosque’s walls at the gate is meant to indigenise the mosque as being a natural part of the Soweto landscape.

All the materials used to renovate the mosque were procured locally, with the exception of a few items imported from Turkey.
Luqmaan Mogapi, head of communications at the mosque said that the people of Soweto were grateful and appreciative to the Turkish government for the refurbishment, whilst Lebohang Matsoso, an administrative assistant at TIKA’s Pretoria office, said that his interaction with residents in the area also reflected the thankfulness of the community.

The mosque will be officially opened as TIKA is waiting on a delegation from Turkey to participate in the event.