Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
4-minute read
01 October 2025 | 14:38 CAT

📸 SAHUC navigates its role during the transition to the Nusuk Hajj system.

The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) is entering a transitional phase following Saudi Arabia’s adoption of the Nusuk Hajj platform, a move that limits the council’s direct role in organising Hajj trips. SAHUC President Hafiz Moazz Cassoo told Radio Islam International that the organisation will continue engaging with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to define its role in supporting South African pilgrims.

“We want to also find out from the ministry what is our role going forward with regards to Hajj and for the pilgrims of South Africa,” Cassoo said. “Even though we are now on the Nusuk platform, from an administrative, support, and educational perspective, we will continue serving the pilgrims, inshallah.”

Political attention has intensified. ANC MP Imraan Subrathie praised SAHUC’s audited results and encouraged greater public engagement, urging efforts to restore South Africa’s annual Hajj quota of 2,500 pilgrims. “We have been discussing this matter with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and, inshallah, we request the duas of the South African Muslim public that at some point the ministry would increase our quota at least back to the normal numbers of 2,500,” Cassoo said.

The Democratic Alliance has called for a probe into allegations of self-enrichment following the Nusuk transition. Cassoo responded: “We welcome any investigation… We’ve got nothing to hide. Our financials are available on the website. We are volunteers. We don’t earn a salary from the South African council.”

Concerns have also emerged about non-refundable registration fees and accumulated assets. Cassoo explained that senior ulema are consulting on registration fee policies while existing assets, including property, office systems, and cash reserves, cannot be liquidated immediately. “You can’t just sell it on the market tomorrow morning. Some assets, like our registration and accreditation system, can only be transferred to another Hajj Affairs office,” he said.

Despite the scrutiny, SAHUC emphasises ongoing support for pilgrims. Cassoo highlighted that their offices remain open to assist those unsure about registration under Nusuk, particularly first-time pilgrims and senior citizens. “Stop focusing on yourselves… We’ve got 66,000 first-time pilgrims in the queue. By keeping our offices open, we can help them, inshallah,” he said.

Regarding SAHUC’s potential future role as a guide under Nusuk, Cassoo clarified: “No decision has been taken whether SAUC individuals or member organizations would want to become a guide. To become a guide, you don’t need to be a travel operator. We may take the decision in the future, but we will take that one day at a time, and inshallah, make the necessary announcements.”

SAHUC’s ongoing commitment underscores its mission: supporting South African pilgrims during a period of uncertainty, while navigating political scrutiny and a shifting operational landscape.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Hafiz Moazz Cassoo.