logo
From sacrifice to solidarity: 150,000 fed through Awqaf SA's Eid effort

From sacrifice to solidarity: 150,000 fed through Awqaf SA's Eid effort

IOL News2 days ago

Over 150,000 families received food parcels this past Eid al-Adha as part of a Qurbani (sacrifices) campaign by Awqaf SA.
Image: Supplied
Over 150,000 families across South Africa received food parcels this past Eid al-Adha as part of a Qurbani (sacrifices) campaign by Awqaf SA.
'Our mission is to restore dignity,' said CEO Mickaeel Collier, adding that it was a project rooted in faith, driven by heart, and made possible through unity.
'We want to build communities, not dependencies.'
For more than 25 years, Awqaf SA has quietly built a legacy of sustainable social investment — it is not a charity in the conventional sense, but a community development organisation, grounded in Islamic endowment principles.
Over 150,000 families received food parcels this past Eid al-Adha as part of a Qurbani (sacrifices) campaign by Awqaf SA.
Image: Supplied
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Collier said Awqaf SA uses invested capital to generate long-term benefits for education, health, and poverty alleviation.
The Qurbani campaign, a sacred annual tradition that honours the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham, has evolved into one of Awqaf SA's flagship projects. More than 200 cattle were ethically sourced and processed, resulting in over 120 tonnes of meat distributed from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
'In a country where food insecurity is growing, our challenge isn't just about reaching people, it's about doing so with consistency, dignity, and integrity,' said Collier.
He said that the work was fuelled by private donors, community partnerships, and the unpaid labour of volunteers.
Over 150,000 families received food parcels this past Eid al-Adha as part of a Qurbani (sacrifices) campaign by Awqaf SA.
Image: Supplied
Then there are the emotional challenges; like the grief carried by Berto du Toit, a white Afrikaner farmer, who, despite losing his son in a tragic accident during the Qurbani week, honoured his commitment to ensure the delivery of livestock.
His actions, carried out in the midst of mourning, became a powerful gesture of Ubuntu and a reminder that real humanity is defined not by words, but by deeds, Collier said.
'Oom Berto and his late son believed in this work,' he said.
'They understood that compassion has no colour, and that faith in humanity must live in action.'
Over 150,000 families received food parcels this past Eid al-Adha as part of a Qurbani (sacrifices) campaign by Awqaf SA.
Image: Supplied

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Unlocking the future of African tourism
Unlocking the future of African tourism

IOL News

time19 hours ago

  • IOL News

Unlocking the future of African tourism

As Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, I've witnessed firsthand how cruising not only offers unforgettable travel experiences but also acts as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional development. Image: Supplied Africa is on the cusp of a tourism renaissance. With its extraordinary natural beauty, cultural diversity, and expansive coastline, the continent is perfectly poised to become one of the world's most exciting cruise destinations. Now is the time to transform long-recognised potential into lasting progress – and cruise tourism is one of the most promising ways to do just that. As Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, I've witnessed firsthand how cruising not only offers unforgettable travel experiences but also acts as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional development. Together, through strategic collaboration and forward-thinking investment, I believe we can unlock the full value of cruise tourism across Africa. A coastline of opportunity Africa's more than 30,000 kilometres of coastline span vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems, from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic. Ports like Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Richards Bay, Maputo and Walvis Bay already welcome cruise ships with some offering advanced facilities that allow servicing of the vessels too. These destinations are proving just how much potential exists, and they provide an inspiring foundation for future growth. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ We're particularly excited about MSC Cruises' upcoming 2025/26 season, which includes MSC Opera returning to South African waters and extending her reach to stunning destinations such as Port Louis and, for the first time, Mamoudzou in the Comorian Archipelago. These itineraries are a testament to the growing appeal of African coastal cruising, and to what's possible when we embrace a shared vision for tourism growth. Laying the groundwork for growth To ensure this industry flourishes, there's growing recognition of the importance of holistic infrastructure development. Modern ships like MSC's World America can carry nearly 10,000 people (passengers and crew), representing a bigger economic opportunity. However, many African cities will need to gear themselves up to handle this scale of tourism. While well-equipped ports are essential, a truly world-class cruise experience depends on the entire journey, from seamless airport connections and modern roadways to efficient services and memorable inland excursions. In Durban, for example, guests would be thrilled to be able to easily access highlights like Hluhluwe or the Drakensberg. Equally important are the enriching leisure activities that make each destination unforgettable. From snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and exploring World Heritage sites to savouring local cuisine and enjoying traditional music and dance, these experiences create lasting memories for guests while supporting local businesses. Whether it's a guided township tour in Gqeberha, a spice market visit in Port Louis, or a sunset dhow cruise in Maputo, curated excursions help connect travellers with the heart of each destination, transforming a port stop into a meaningful cultural journey. Cross-sector collaboration is essential to unlocking the full potential of cruise tourism. At MSC Cruises, we are proud to work hand-in-hand with port authorities, tourism boards, local governments, hotels, transport operators and leisure activity providers to align our efforts with broader development goals and help build a vibrant, sustainable tourism economy. By co-creating cruise-ready cities where ports act as welcoming gateways to rich inland adventures and cultural experiences, we can generate lasting value for both local communities and international visitors. Tourism that enriches and empowers Sustainable growth lies at the heart of MSC Cruises' approach. From adopting cleaner fuel technologies and advanced waste management systems to designing efficient itineraries, environmental responsibility is embedded in everything we do. Just as importantly, we believe cruise tourism should uplift the people and communities it touches. That's why we prioritise partnerships with local guides, artisans and entrepreneurs, ensuring that every stop on a cruise route contributes to local job creation, cultural exchange, and small business growth. With the right training and enterprise support, local communities can become active participants in the tourism economy, creating authentic, meaningful experiences for visitors while expanding opportunity at home. Working together for shared success One of the most exciting aspects of Africa's cruise tourism journey is the growing spirit of collaboration. Around the world, successful cruise destinations have been built on coordinated strategies between public and private stakeholders. Africa is no exception. From shared marketing to joint infrastructure projects, there's a unique opportunity to harness the power of partnership. Regional cooperation can take this even further. Multi-country cruise itineraries offer unmatched variety, and by working together to streamline visa processes, harmonise standards, and co-promote cruise corridors, African nations can create a world-class, interconnected cruise experience that benefits all. A bright future in sight The global cruise industry has already proven its transformative potential. For example, Florida's cruise sector contributes over $168 billion to its economy. While every region is unique, there's no reason Africa can't chart its own bold course. Already, tourism contributes 8.8% to South Africa's GDP – and it is poised to grow. We have only to look at the success of South African peers like Morocco or Greece to understand the potential. In Morocco and Greece, strategic investment, coordinated marketing, and public-private collaboration have transformed coastal towns into vibrant cruise destinations. In Morocco, ports like Casablanca and Tangier have become gateways to rich cultural experiences, while Greece has leveraged its islands to offer seamless itineraries filled with history, cuisine and natural beauty. These countries show that with the right infrastructure and partnerships, cruise tourism can become a powerful engine for inclusive growth, job creation and global visibility, an inspiring blueprint for South Africa and the wider African continent. This is a moment filled with promise. With aligned policies, smart investment and a shared commitment to inclusive development, Africa can emerge as a leading cruise destination, one that blends innovation, sustainability and authentic cultural connection. We believe this transformation is not only possible, but already underway. By working together with purpose and positivity, we can unlock the future of African tourism and shape it for generations to come. Ross Volk is Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa. He champions sustainable and inclusive tourism as a key driver of economic opportunity across the continent. Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa. Image: Supplied. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:

WCED accused of spinning infrastructure woes into a success story
WCED accused of spinning infrastructure woes into a success story

IOL News

time20 hours ago

  • IOL News

WCED accused of spinning infrastructure woes into a success story

The WCED announced an infrastructure rollout to meet growing learner demand, but critics cite teacher cuts and inequality. Image: File THE 19% enrolment growth in public schools between 2015 and 2024 placed pressure on school infrastructure and staffing resources, says the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). To address the demand driven partly by in-migration from other provinces, the WCED said it was ramping up infrastructure investment. Speaking during a meeting of the Provincial Parliament's Standing Committee on Education this week, WCED officials said the province recorded a 2.3% average increase of enrolment in public schools annually. The department currently serves more than 1.3 million learners across 1,887 schools. In response to infrastructure demand, the WCED has launched its Rapid School Build Programme, with a hope to deliver 26 new school projects over the next three years. According to the department, a further 290 new classrooms and 21 Grade R classrooms are also planned for the same period. The department said 59 school maintenance projects are currently under construction for the 2025/26 financial year, with an additional 26 projects in planning. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Leon van Wyk, DA Western Cape spokesperson on education, said the department had maintained discipline in budget allocation despite rising costs. 'From 2022 to 2025, the WCED has kept employee compensation at a sustainable 71% to 72% of its budget — the lowest among major provinces,' said Van Wyk. 'This has allowed us to invest more in critical services like textbooks, learner transport, nutrition programmes, and infrastructure.' Van Wyk contrasted this with other provinces, stating that KwaZulu-Natal had spent over 83% of its education budget on salaries over four consecutive years, leaving less for other education needs. 'To ensure every learner has a seat in a safe, functional classroom, we must continue to prioritise infrastructure spending. It's not optional — it's essential.' However, ANC Western Cape leader of the opposition, Khalid Sayed, said the DA's narrative 'attempts to spin the Western Cape Education Department's infrastructure crisis into a success story'. In a statement, Sayed said: 'The WCED has had more than enough time to plan for the enrollment increase. Instead, what we have seen is delayed school builds, under-resourced township and rural schools, and an overreliance on rapid or modular builds.' Social service and educational organisation, Ilitha Labantu, also raised concerns about staffing reductions. The organisation cited figures from the WCED indicating that 2,407 teacher posts had been cut across the province as of January. These cuts took place in the context of a R3.8 billion projected shortfall in the education budget over the next three years. According to Ilitha Labantu, nearly 70% of the schools affected by the staff reductions were no-fee schools that serve township and vulnerable communities, meaning. Schools in areas such as Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain reported class sizes exceeding 50 learners per teacher. In a statement, Ilitha Labantu said: 'While the department promotes LED lighting, fencing upgrades, and solar installations at some schools, learners in township communities continue to endure unsafe, overcrowded, and dilapidated school infrastructure.' Ilitha Labantu cited recent incidents, including the abduction and rape of a 14-year-old learner in Langa, and the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old learner from Samora Machel while walking to school, as examples of the vulnerability learners face. Both the ANC and Ilitha Labantu called for the WCED to release a detailed breakdown of infrastructure and staffing backlogs by district. CAPE TIMES

Classroom to world-class: how companies can rewrite SA's future
Classroom to world-class: how companies can rewrite SA's future

IOL News

timea day ago

  • IOL News

Classroom to world-class: how companies can rewrite SA's future

Natasha Mkhize is Executive: Strategic Relations at the Ruta Sechaba Foundation. Image: Supplied. Investing in education doesn't just help an individual; it has a ripple effect that benefits their families, communities, and ultimately, the economy. This simple truth, often referred to as the human capital theory, underscores the profound impact that education can have on society's Africa has made notable strides in its commitment to education. Between 2008 and 2023, our nation increased its education spending by 39% – a figure that surpasses the benchmark recommended by UNESCO. While we celebrate these achievements, we also recognise that continued innovation and partnership are key to ensuring every learner gains the full benefit of these investments. Recent insights remind us that there is always room to nurture and improve. A study released by the World Bank in February highlighted an opportunity to further support early reading skills among Grade 4 learners. By emphasising enhanced teaching methods and well-coordinated reading programmes, there lies great potential for fruitful collaboration between the public and private sectors, especially in extending quality education to all learners, including those from lower-income families. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Since 2016, the Ruta Sechaba (Sesotho for 'educating the nation') Foundation has demonstrated the value of this approach with its support for learners from low-income households. More than 3 000 young people – selected for their academic and sporting excellence, leadership potential and commitment to making a difference in their communities – have been awarded scholarships at Curro schools, and the outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. In 2024, every Grade 12 learner passed matric and 94% achieved a university exemption. Two Ruta Sechaba scholarship recipients were among Curro's top 10 performers nationally. But it is in individual achievements that we really begin to understand the possibilities of investing in potential: Bayanda Walaza, a Grade 12 learner last year at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria, warmed up for his matric exams by winning an Olympic silver medal as a member of South Africa's 4x100m relay team in Paris last August. And on 24 May he was faster than ever, running a personal best of 9.94 sec that made him the world 's fastest under-20 so far this year. 's fastest under-20 so far this year. Dash Gilbert, who matriculated at Curro Durbanville in 2022, dreams of being the next South African to design championship-winning Formula 1 cars. He is studying motorsport engineering and leads the motor-racing fluid dynamics team at Oxford Brookes University in the UK. And Phoebe Mgxaji, who shone as a scientist and head girl at Curro Somerset West – she represented South Africa at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition in 2019 – was one of South Africa's 'voices of power' in the recent Vroustemme concert in Cape Town. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music degree at Wits University. This month, Bayanda, Dash and Phoebe will be among Ruta Sechaba alumni 'back at school', this time at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton. The foundation is setting up an outdoor classroom where a book on each desk tells the story of a world-class learner supported by the desk, however, will convey a different narrative. It will be empty, telling the story of an exceptional learner whose potential is yet to be unlocked; a story of an already-stretched education system that will have to accommodate an additional 1.2 million learners by 2030; and a story in which hundreds of thousands of bright young individuals and an entire economy are being let down by their schooling. The subplots of this story are distressingly familiar: unemployment and crime. Several studies have found that the education system produces graduates who often cannot meet basic literacy and numeracy requirements for available jobs, even at entry levels. And because gaps in education limit legitimate earning opportunities, criminal activity becomes relatively more attractive. Economists say there are correlations between areas with lower educational attainment and higher rates of property crime. This is a story that can be rewritten, of course, which is what the foundation's 'world-class' campaign this Youth Month sets out to do. We are urging companies throughout the country to emulate the likes of PSG, Absa, Capitec and Exxaro in sponsoring bright young learners who need nothing more than the chance to show what they can become. Put differently, we are asking them to invest in the future of South Africa, as shown by a recent North-West University study which analysed 26 years of data and concluded: 'People who completed their Grade 12 (with matric certificate) and bachelor's degrees contribute positively to South African economic growth.' This is a scalable proposition. If each of the 270 JSE-listed companies sponsors 100 learners annually, within five years there will be 13 ,000 new reasons to believe in South Africa's future. If unlisted companies join them, the impact becomes exponentially greater – and so does the payback. The skills base in the economy improves; positive brand associations make it easier to attract top talent; educated consumers with higher earning potential expand markets; companies benefit from operating in more stable, prosperous communities; and the risks associated with inequality and social instability us to fill that empty desk this Youth Month. Help bright young minds go from the classroom to world-class. Natasha Mkhize is Executive: Strategic Relations at the Ruta Sechaba Foundation. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store