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[[Muslims across South Africa are observing Ramadan with prayer and fasting. Some
see the holy month as an opportunity to reach out to those in need within their
communities. Zaheer Cassim spoke to residents in Johannesburg and has the story.]]
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/ScriptSouth Africa Ramadan - Cassim
HEADLINE: Muslims in South Africa Give Back to Those in Need
TEASER: Some are using the holy month to lend a helping hand
PUBLISHED AT: 04/09/2023 at 4:10 pm
BYLINE: Zaheer Cassim
DATELINE:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: KEnochs; MAS
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO __
TRT:
VID APPROVED BY:
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: All interviews are in English. For questions and final review, send it
back to Africa senior editor, Salem Solomon, email: salemsolomon@voanews.com,
Africa Division’s executive producer, Betty Ayoub, email: bayoub@voanews.com.))
((INTRO))
[[Muslims across South Africa are observing Ramadan with prayer and fasting. Some
see the holy month as an opportunity to reach out to those in need within their
communities. Zaheer Cassim spoke to residents in Johannesburg and has the story.]]
((NARRATOR))
In Fordsburg, a predominantly Muslim area in Johannesburg, the streets are quiet
during the day as fasting for the holy month of Ramadan is well underway.
But Imam Shaniel Cassiem, a principal of a school for underprivileged children in Cape
Town, is hard at work.
He makes his way from store to store looking for donations. Cassiem says that is the
spirit of Ramadan, or a way to build up Iman, a demonstration of faith and good deeds
in Islam.
((Imam Shaniel Cassiem, Community Leader)) ((In English))
“Ramadan is a blessing for us, you know. It’s not about starving ourselves, staying away
from food and drink, it’s building up of Iman .So Allah brings everything to a standstill
and reminds us, listen here, this is the month you must try to uplift yourself spiritually.”
((NARRATOR))
Nonprofit organizations in the city such as Islamic Relief also collect food donations for
those in need. The organization provides food to more than 1,000 families across the
country. But members say economic troubles limit their work.
((Aadila Sirkhoth, Islamic Relief Community Fundraiser))
“Groceries that used to cost 300 Rands [$16] last Ramadan are now almost double, 600
to 700 Rands [$32 to $38]. And that also being said, the amount and the cost of the
hampers and, you know, the food aid that we also distribute has also increased
because of the economy. So, the economy has taken a toll ,the need is definitely, it’s
increasing, I think, every day rapidly.”
((NARRATOR))
But the price increases haven’t stopped the festivities.
Shalimar Delights is an institution in Fordsburg, specializing in sugary confections,
known as sweetmeats. The store gets busy closer to iftar, sunset, with Muslims wanting
to end their fast with a treat. Mussa Ayami has been a cook for eight years. He is
currently fasting but manages to get orders out without feeling any temptation to take a
bite.
((Mussa Ayami, Shalimar Delights Cook))
“It’s not so hard, because you see when you are fasting, God gives you Risq
(sustenance) more. Again power, so you can be strong, so you don't get tired. You can
make whatever you want, no problem.”
((NARRATOR))
Ramadan is a time for unity, compassion, and solidarity. The acts of giving back make
the holy month even more meaningful.
((Zaheer Cassim, for VOA news, Johannesburg.)
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateApril 9, 2023 19:20 EDT
Byline
((Zaheer Cassim, for VOA news, Johannesburg.))
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
