Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
19 September 2025 | 09:30 CAT

📷 Image: DA campaign material highlighting Parliament’s adoption of a motion to protect South African Hajj pilgrims from rising travel costs.

Parliament has unanimously adopted a Democratic Alliance (DA) motion aimed at protecting South African Hajj pilgrims from escalating travel costs and safeguarding their rights. The motion, tabled by DA spokesperson on tourism Haseena Ismail MP, calls for urgent intervention by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), an investigation by the CRL Rights Commission into the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC), and transparency through the Nusuk Hajj system.

The decision follows widespread complaints from tour operators, Muslim organisations and ordinary pilgrims regarding SAHUC’s alleged attempts to establish a monopoly over Hajj bookings. “There was an outcry within our Muslims in South Africa with regard to SAHUC now wanting to start having a monopoly on the Hajj,” Ismail explained. She added that many feared the move would strip pilgrims of their right to choose and result in significant job losses within the tourism sector.

According to Ismail, the issue escalated when SAHUC indicated it would transition from a pilgrims’ affairs office into the sole tour operator for South Africans. “That is obviously unconstitutional. You’re taking away the right of choice and the right of freedom,” she noted.

Questions have also been raised about the handling of pilgrims’ funds. Ismail pointed out, “What right does SAHUC have to actually handle your funds for so many years and do whatever you want to with it without the consent of the person that actually gave you money?” Allegations have surfaced of mismanagement and a lack of accountability.

The DA MP confirmed that she has submitted written questions to DIRCO, engaged the CRL Rights Commission, and appealed repeatedly to SAHUC for transparency. “If you are saying that you are representing South African Muslims, you need to be accountable to the South African Muslims,” she emphasised.

Parliament’s unanimous adoption of the motion signals cross-party concern. Ismail stressed that DIRCO must clarify whether the Saudi Hajj ministry has introduced new requirements and whether these justify SAHUC’s claims of authority. She further highlighted the potential benefits of adopting the Nusuk Hajj app, already in use in other countries, to streamline bookings and reduce monopolistic practices.

“This is about justice for South African Muslims. We want justice for our South African Hajjis. We want everybody to get the opportunity to go for Hajj,” Ismail said.

The next steps will depend on DIRCO’s response and the outcome of investigations. For now, the motion ensures that the voices of South African pilgrims remain firmly on Parliament’s agenda.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Haseena Ismail.