Cnews_ July 2008

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Keeping you in contact with your community JULY 2008 ­- RAJAB 1429

22ND EDITION

Inside this issue

SA Youth connecting hearts with their African brothers

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Darul Arqam Scoops “Most Developing Mathematical School” Award

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Health Minister To Assume More Powers If New Bills Are Passed PAGE 5

fter visiting the Soetwater Refugee camp and helping the victims of the xenophobic violence at their school. The learners of the Ibn Al Jazariy Academy in Kromboom were appalled at the living conditions of the refugees and saddened by the many traumatized and displaced children.

a beautiful and safe country,” said Raees Ismail, team leader of the “Helping Hands, Connecting Hearts” project.

going children at the various refugee camps. “The children are further traumatized by not being able to attend school and

“Helping Hands, Connecting Hearts” are appealing to young South Africans to assist them in rebuilding the hope, trust and friendship with the refugee children and families by dropping off toys, books, art and To affirm their love school stationery and support for at Masjidus Sunni the children and in Ayeshire road, families displaced Kromboom or by the senseless Albaraka Bank, attacks, they have cnr Belgravia arranged to spend and Klipfontein one Friday per road, Athlone. month after-school Community bank, at the Soetwater Albaraka, has Refugee camp kindly partnered interacting and with the “Helping playing with the Hands, Connecting children. Hearts” project Ghaafithau Razak, learner of ‘Helping Hands, Connecting Hearts” project playing with to help the youth 21month Fasug at the Soetwater Refugee camp. “We are hoping to realize the dream assure the children of building bridges that not all South Africans are The learners will also conduct losing their school stuff,” said with all people. bad and that South Africa is a needs assessment of school Zakkiya Lalla, learner of the

Us Planning Big New Prison In Afghanistan

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How To Help The Xenophobia Survivors

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ISLAMIC MEDIA AGENCY CC CK 2002/001313/23

Editor: Sanaa Petersen Religious Contributors: Dr Abdul Malik Printers: Independent Contributors: Mariam Salie, Roshaan Misbach and Sheikh 'Abd Al-Rasheed 466 Lansdowne Road, Lansdowne, 7780 Tel: 021 697 2294 • Fax: 021 697 2304 Email:[email protected] Website: www.islamicmedia.co.za

“Helping Hands, Connecting Hearts” project.

Muslim Judicial Council leadership building bridges with the ANC president Jacob Zuma on 24 June 2008.

The

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NEWS BITES Compiled by Sanaa Petersen

Capetonian awarded for his contribution to Melayu Keris Lok 9

Mogammad Hartley, local Capetonian, was invited by Tuan Guru Azlan Ghanie of Silat Melayu Keris Lok 9 and publisher of the only Martial Arts Magazine “Seni Beladiri” in South East Asia to a grading in Kuatan,Malaysia in May 2008. He was awarded with a symbolic sash for his contribution in promoting Melayu Silat in Cape Town. The Malay Keris is the only sword featured prominently at the IZIKO Slave Lodge museum in Adderly street, Cape Town. This sword was awarded for the bravery shown by the “Panglimas” Malay Warriors (shortened to Pang here in Cape town) in fighting the Portugese, Dutch, English and Spanish during their occupation of the Melayu world. This Malay Keris is the only sword that can stand on its point and known to have mystical powers. Urban legends have written about the Malay Keris including a prescribe

book in our schools titled, “Golden Keris” written by Dr Cassiem D’Arcy. -----------------------------------Local doctor stops four-storey construction Azeem Hassan Walele, a doctor from Walmer Estate, won an appeal in the highest court to stop his neighbours from putting up a four-storey building next to his property. “The applicant applied to the High Court to set aside a decision by the City of Cape Town to approve building plans for a four-storey block of flats to be erected on a parcel of land situated in Walmer Estate, Woodstock, Cape Town. The applicant owns the residential property adjoining the property on which the block of flats is to be erected,” read the judgment. It said Walele raised numerous objections to the city’s approval of the plans. “The first major complaint

was that the city had failed to comply with the mandatory conditions set out in sections 6 and 7 of the National Building Regulations and Building Standard Act 103 of 1977 (the Building Standards Act). “(Walele) contended that the city’s decision-maker had not considered the effect that the erection of the flats would have on his property. He argued that this violated his right to property protected by section 25 of the Constitution. He secondly asserted that the city had violated his constitutional right to procedural fairness by failing to afford him a hearing prior to the approval of the building plans,” said the judgment. Walele’s victory didn’t come easy with the City of Cape Town and the (friend of the court) City of Johannesburg, arguing that Walele was not entitled to a hearing in relation to his neighbours’ building plans and that the city had complied with the Building Standards Act. Walele only met success when he turned to the Constitutional Court for leave to appeal -----------------------------------Re-integration is a deadly reality for (African) foreign nationals The re-integration of foreign nationals back into the community following the recent spate of xenophobic attacks may not be possible for some time under current conditions,

the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) said on Monday. “If government does not engage with the sentiment being expressed by ordinary residents that foreign nationals should leave the country, the risk is that these feelings of alienation between government and South African citizens will deepen and the possibility of a successful reintegration will be diminished,” said the report released by the HSRC. The HSRC invited Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya to receive the report. Skweyiya said the xenophobic attacks were an embarrassment to all South Africans. “We didn’t do enough work in educating the masses about the help we received from the African countries during the apartheid era,” said Skweyiya. The HSRC recommended that a national summit or Indaba on foreign nationals and immigrants in South African should be held to achieve social integration and peaceful coexistence. A sign of the danger still faced by returning refugees was still evident in the Southern Cape where people assisting in the so-called refugee camps that were set up there in the last month reported that one Somali who tried to return to his shop in the Nekkies location was beaten and his car badly damaged by a crowd of 30 who threw stones at him. This prompted a call for urgent advocacy help for dis-

placed non-nationals. “The Somali national has now returned to the Loerie Park camp, as have about five other Somalis so far who had tried unsuccessfully to return to their shops. They have now decided, in view of this latest attack, that they are not safe in the location. -----------------------------------Corruption delays houses for the poor A 260-unit housing scheme in Kewtown, Athlone which is due to begin on 19 April, has been delayed for more than a decade due to allegations of corruption and constant changes in the leadership of the programme, stretching the patience of beneficiaries to the limit. The provincial department of housing said the People’s Housing Process (PHP) initiative would cost nearly R10million. Addressing more than 100 excited Kewtown residents, who had braved the cold weather to attend the meeting addressed by Housing MEC Richard Dyantyi. Dyanti said housing needs had to be met. While the residents were happy that the project was now taking off, there was some tension over the likely beneficiaries. Some argued that they had been on the waiting list longer than others and therefore deserved preference.

Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain Tel: 021 372 1106 Fax: 021 372 1110

Forgotten Young Heroes Of Islam These days it seems that the only heroes/ idols our youth know about are singers, actors and the like. Yet in Islam there were many brave young heroes. Here are some of them:

Aisha (RA) the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). She lived with the Prophet (SAW) for most of her teenage years and learnt a great deal • Sayyidinaa during that time. The Prophet (SAW) died when she was 18 years old. She was the authority on marriage related matters. She narrated thousands of Ahadeeth as well and taught the companions for 40 years.

Bin Zaid (RA) – at the tender age of 17 he was chosen by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) because of his abilities, war acumen and tactic to serve as a • Osama General in the army.

(RA) – accepted Islam at the age of 10. When the Prophet (SAW) life was threatened and he migrated to Madinah, Ali (RA) risked his own life by sleeping in • Ali the Prophet’s bed pretending to be the Prophet.

• Abdullah Bin Affan (RA) – he was a commentator/interpreter of the Quran. At the age of 13/14 he sat on the senate of Sayyidinaa Umr (RA). Bin Umair (RA) – before the advent of Islam, he was a wealthy prince of the Arabs, well dressed and extremely handsome. When he accepted Islam he • Musab donated all his wealth for the spread of Islam and for battles. He died a martyr at the battle of Uhud.

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Celebrating our Youth – Radio 786 ‘hands’ over airwaves

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outh day, 16 June, is a historic event etched in the hearts and minds of all South Africans. It is a day aimed at remembering the sacrifices made while celebrating youth and developing them into future leaders. Radio 786, a community radio station decided to take it one step further by having the youth run the station on youth day. Shanaaz Gool-Hamid, station manager of radio 786, says that youth day is a time to reflect on the history but more importantly to focus on the future and identify ways to give youth opportunities to learn. The youth day programme is one such project which aims at developing youth and encouraging them to discover their capabilities through practical learning. Empowering the youth is very important to Radio 786 and through training during the year they are exposed to the management of various departments at the radio station. On youth day, the radio station is “handed” over to the youth who are in charge of running the station for the day. “This project allows the youth to gain experience for the day and developthemselves in a practical manner, which is the best way to learn skills, build confidence and acquire the skills and tools that they can use in their everyday lives,” said Hamid My experience as Chairman of the Youthopia team – Tashreeq Truebody This year the broadcasting of youth day was clearly unforgettable as well as mind-blowing. With 10 members being assigned to certain duties such as Station Manager, programme’s manager, technical duties, reception duties etc. I had the opportunity to be the Station manager for the second time in a row, being only 16 years of age I managed to be in charge of the radio. It wasn’t easy though. Youthopians started pitching up at the radio in the early hours of the morning, (06:30 to

be exact). Clearly it was a major sacrifice as most of us are still busy with exams. I myself as well as other Youthopians coming from the so-called impoverished areas has shown that although there are many factors that contributes to why youth are going astray we are capable and equipped to live up to our motto, that being taking the lead and being apart of a meaningful change.

Darul Arqam scoops “Most developing Mathematical School” award F

ive thousand learners competed in the annual UCT Maths Olympiad on the 11th June 2008. This year the thirteen-year old school, Darul Arqam High in Mitchells Plain scooped the “Most developing Mathematical School” award. The proud principal, Sheikh Ebrahim Dawood, said ‘I am extremely proud of the school’s achievement especially since Darul Arqam is a fairly young school that was only established in 1995’.

On a lighter note, the day was successful, with so many different moods existing within the studios of radio 786 such as, excitement, teamwork. The day also made me aware that Radio is not just about sitting behind the microphone. As the acting Station manager for two successful years it has been real fun and also ‘a lot of work’. We were present at radio from 06:30 till 24:30. These are only but some of the sacrifices that we normally do to serve our youth and the community. We say Shukran to our parents as well Radio 786 for enabling us to do what we do. Without Radio 786 for granting us this opportunity and the support we would’ve not been able to achieve what we have. We urge youth to join Youthopia and Radio 786 and be apart of such an activity as it can only do you good. We looking forward to many more good times and experiences as it can only get better.

Tashreeq Truebody(chairperson of youthopia, producer, presenter and acting station manager for youth day )

Learners of the Darul Arqam High school that competed in the UCT Maths Olympiad in June are Imraan Starks, Sheikh Ebrahim Dawood - Principal, Gadija Taliep, Zainab Kamaldien and Aneesa Chibba.

Legal battle to recognize Muslim Polygamous marriages

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he High Court in Cape Town is to decide if polygamous Muslim marriages should be recognised so that the wives can benefit if their husband dies without leaving a will. However, the courts recognise polygamous African customary marriages, but not polygamous religious marriages.

Jennifer Williams, director of the Women’s Legal Centre, said “The Surviving Spouses Act and the Intestate Succession Act in this sense discriminate against people in this kind of religious marriage.”

If the court rules in favour of Fatima Gabie Hassam, thousands of other Muslim widows in

polygamous marriages could have their claims to inheritance recognised by the courts. Hassam wants the court to order the executor of her husband’s estate to recognise her marriage and allow her to inherit. She was married to Ebrahim Hassam for 30 years and bore him four children before his death in

2001. She now stands to lose the house they lived in. Under Muslim law, Ebrahim Hassam had another wife, Miriam, and fathered more children while she lived elsewhere. Miriam is not opposing Fatima’s application. Hassam’s attorney, Igshaan Higgins, said: “Under current legislation, neither wife in this

instance can rely on any relief from the courts.” The consequences of dissolution of a Muslim marriage by divorce remain unregulated and under the jurisdiction of the Muslim Judicial Council (Cape Town), whose decisions remain largely unenforceable.

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BAHASA MALAY GRADUATES

The Stone – weapon of the oppressed

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Ismail Osman

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he language teacher, Hadji Osman was sent on the instructions of the Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Hj Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam at the request of the Western Cape Premier, Ebrahien Rasool during a Malaysia - South African seminar at Capetonian Hotel in early March of 2007 to promote the Bahasa Malay language.

ince the beginning of time the stone has played a significant role in the life of the oppressed. During times of conflict and war the disadvantaged, because of the exploitation by those in power, they found it difficult to procure the bare necessities needed for their sustenance and survival, let alone finding resources for arms and weapons. They were forced to the most crude, though inexpensive form of defence and counter attack - the STONE. The stone need not to be purchased as it never had and never will have a market value. It is and always will be freely available and there for the taking. Almighty Allah has made it possible that the whole earth is strewn with the stone. Allow me to cite a few cases in history of the power of the stone. At the time when the Holy Kaa-bah made of stone, became the focal point of mankind’s attention and direction, Abra came with a herd of elephants to break down the Kaa-bah. Allah had a better plan. A host of birds each carrying tiny stone pebbles in their beaks, with utmost precision, released the pebbles onto the approaching elephants, thus preventing them from destroying the Holy Kaa-bah. Goliath the giant had the strength to crush David to a pulp, yet again the stone saved David, who carried a sling, in which he placed a stone. As Goliath approached he swung the sling a few times releasing the stone, knocking Goliath against the forehead bringing him crashing to the ground.

caption: BAHASA MALAY graduates of 2007 held at IPSA, Habibia in Athlone on Sat, 14 June 2008. Back : [L] Nazeema Salie, Mogamat Kamedien, Nazreen Salie Front : Riedoh Allen, Ebrahiem ManuelL, Hadji Osman [Malaysian language teacher], Achmat Abrahams, Ganief Toefy

When the Nabi (PBUH) was in Mecca, there existed many warring tribes who were continuously at each others throats in their struggle for possession and power. The Nabi (PBUH) task was to place the stone in its position. Each of the tribes wanted to gain the honour of lifting the stone. The Nabi (PBUH) realized this and while tension was starting to build up amongst the tribes, the Nabi (PBUH) removed the scarf which he wore around his head and shoulders. He laid the scarf on the ground, moved the black stone onto it and called each leader of the four tribes

Cape Muslim Attitudes T

he Institute for the study of current Islam (ISCI), a research wing of the International Peace University of South Africa (IPSA), conducted a ‘Muslim Attitudes Survey’ during the month of April 2008 to assist the ‘ulamā in strategizing for their communities and to locate and obtain insight into the views and feelings of Muslims in Cape Town. The survey was conducted with random participants via the ISCI and VOC website and focused interviews in Delft and Lansdowne. A total of 320 respondents were surveyed.

In general the survey showed that immorality, Islamic educational institutions and joblessness feature high on the list of challenges and priorities as compared to racism, income gap, global onslaught against Islam and the building of mosques and Islamic associations. However, in Delft the priorities and challenges are substantially different. The majority of respondents felt that there should be a stronger

focus on local issues and less on International issues because it seems that there is an obsession with namely, Palestine instead of local poverty, crime and violence.

The results of the survey indicated that the Muslim community are diverse in its thinking with respondents from the 50+ age group varying greatly from their 18-30 year old counterparts. There is also a vast difference in the results from respondents from the Upper and Middle Economic Sectors (UES & MES) and the Lower Economic Sector (LES), which in this case was the Delft area. There is however, no significant gender divide. According to the survey facilitator, DrAuwais Rafodien, the survey results are available on the website http://iscisa. tripod.com and may be used by individuals and/ or Ulema to determine a needs analysis of the Muslim community or may be used for information purposes. For our readers that have limited access to the internet, we have published

a snapshot of the survey, for your empowerment.

Findings of Muslim Attitudes Survey Ethnographic data Options were also given to respondents to expand upon their particular responses. The following represents the data collected in this respect.

to lift it while he placed the black stone into position, thus bringing peace and harmony to tribes who for years were at war with each other. When performing the pilgrimage, Muslims are required to pelt the jamaraats at Muna. This ritual stems from the time Nabi Ebrahim (A.S) was tormented by shaytaan, where upon he pelted shaytaan with stones During the year 1976 the notorious apartheid government was fought with stones. As the army advanced towards the schools firing real bullets, the students’ only method of counter-attack was to hurl stones at them. The persistent stone-throwing proved to much for the army, as well as their sophisticated caspers and buffels. So, finally after years of oppression, exploitation, and subjugation the perpetrators of the evil apartheid regime were annihilated by the power of the stone. Another case of note is that of the Afghanistans against the Russians. For years Muslims were prevented from freely practicing Islam under Communist rule. Once again the catapult fitted with the stone being the only weapon in the hands of the oppressed did great damage in that part of the world, liberating people from the shackles of oppression. In recent times the significance of the stone has once again surfaced vis-à-vis the oppressed of the land of Palestine. Israel possessing the world’s most sophisticated weaponry are at this very point in time experiencing great difficulty in coping with the young stone-throwing Palestinians. Indeed this continuous hurling of stones has caused great consternation with in the Israeli camps and has surely proven itself a force with which to be reckoned. Oh! You who are the oppressed, Do not grieve while being dispossessed, For if in your hand you have a stone, You shall never ever be alone

3. SA Muslim community has its ups and downs with more downs than ups: Too many unresolved issues; too ritualised; its a fragmented community with many ulama bodies

What is your general view of the South African Muslim community:

4. The South African Muslim community is in deep trouble: Gay marriages and apostasy; materialism; hypocrisy; large scale immorality; disillusioned youth

1. The SA Muslim community is a well functioning one : As compared to other places; we have laid a solid foundation in SA; we have a major influence on national policy;a vibrant financial, educational and religious infrastructure

5. None of the above (state other) …Community has seriously lapsed into “Shaytani practices”; certain sectors display range of above four; problems in coping with the demands of the modern world; need to assert Muslim identity

2. The SA Muslim community has its ups and downs, with more ups than downs: Compared to countries abroad; we have good basic knowledge of Islam; we tend to be a close-knit family

Q: The biggest challenge facing Muslims in South Africa is: 6. Racist attitudes by Muslims themselves: Holier than thou attitude; racism towards black and

foreign Muslims; we only stick with and help our own 7. The increasing gap between the rich and poor Muslims: Affluent Muslims do not give; gap leads to immorality; rich Muslims look down on the poor ones; conspicuous consumption leads to class envy 8. The increasing immorality we find in society: dress code; gay couples; disrespect of mosques; a society without taqwa is a dangerous and scary one; superficiality; children are not taught how to implement their rights 9. The global onslaught against Islam generally: West sees us as a threat because of our religious beliefs and values; they make trouble in Muslim countries; we are constantly put on the defensive; negative media portrayal Continue to page 7

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Health minister to assume more powers if new bills are passed Anso Thom

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wo bills recently tabled in Parliament are set to shake up the private hospital industry and centralise decision-making over hospital tariffs as well as the regulation of new medicines and scientific trials within the health minister’s office.

ing that National Health Insurance is a more urgent priority at this stage and would have a greater impact on the lives of especially poor South Africans. But there just seems to be a lack

see an exodus of specialists and the destruction of private healthcare. The medicines bill seeks to replace the inefficient and overburdened Medicines

national regulatory bodies, which operate on the premise of that medicine registration is a technical process overseen by a specialist body that considers safety, quality and efficacy and are independent

The National Health Amendment Bill (health bill) and the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Bill (medicines bill) were both published in April and there is widespread agreement that they are the most important pieces of health legislation to be proposed in recent years.

“There is a strong feel-

“In our view, this [bill] is the latest attack on evidence based regulation of medicines and clinical trials,” the organisations said. “This latest development, made in the name of improving effectiveness and efficiency, seeks to destroy what to date has only been weakened. It does so by proposing an amendment to the Act that will effectively allow the health minister to block the registration of medicines of proven quality, safety and efficacy, as well as to allow the sale and provision of untested ‘treatments’ and ‘cures’,” said ALP lawyer Jonathan Berger.

However, the health department has been accused of hasty drafting and being hell bent on rushing both bills through parliament before the general elections early next year. Some groups in the African National Congress and the Congress of South African Trade Unions are lobbying for the bills to be withdrawn to attend to other priority issues, according to wellplaced sources.

it would signal the death knell of the scientific governance of medicines and clinical trials in South Africa.

of enthusiasm on the side of the minister to tackle such issues, rather going for easy targets which are important, but not a priority at this stage,” said an ANC source. Doctor groups have also warned that the laws would

Control Council with a new regulatory authority, and it gives the health minister the power to turn down an application to register a medicine on the grounds that it is not in the public interest. This is in contrast to inter-

of political structures. In a joint submission to Parliament, the Aids Law Project (ALP) and Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), called for the medicines bill to be withdrawn, warning that if it became law

Youth Day message from Premier Ebrahim Rasool The symbolism and associations of National Youth Day resonate powerfully with millions of South Africans. The generation of 1976, who stood up resolutely against injustice, will recall the bitter conflict of the time * the teargas, the batons, the caspirs, the marches - and close their eyes in remembrance of their compatriots who sustained injury or died in pursuing their just cause. The generation of the 80s will reflect on how they built on the foundation of their predecessors by forging unprecedented levels of solidarity in the face of intensifying state violence, in their efforts to finally end apartheid and usher in democracy. Today, we have the privilege of joining our young people as we explore the full potential of our creativity and abilities in an unfolding non-racial democracy. As you mix-it, dance to Kwaito, Hip Hop Pantsula and Brasse vannie Kaap, listen to I-pods, connect through Facebook, read novels, enjoy recreational facilities, watch DVDs, debate freely, recite poetry and pursue educational opportunities, understand that these and other seemingly simple freedoms were hard fought for and must be protected. I wish you well on National Youth Day. Premier Ebrahim Rasool For information on the range of Youth Services offered by government, phone 0861 142 142

The ALP and TAC also accused the health department of developing the bill in an unaccountable and non-transparent manner that makes a mockery of public consultation.

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However, Dr Anban Pillay, Chief Director Health Economics in the health department said efficacy, safety and quality would not be compromised. He said a body similar to the MCC would investigate the efficacy, safety and quality of a drug. A “declaration” would then be made and a certificate issued. The company would then be able to export the medicine to a market outside of South Africa. However, if its intention was to sell it locally, then it would be scrutinized by committees in accordance with its benefit to the population, the burden of disease and its appropriateness for the local market. The pricing committee would rule on the value for money of the drug in question. “These committees have to report to someone to make the final say and it has to be the minister,” said Pillay. He denied that the process would be slowed down significantly stating that many of the applications could run in parallel. According to Pillay, international evidence showed that government would also have more bargaining power in terms of pricing if the drug was not registered until an agreement was reached on the price. He confirmed that every new drug application would have to go via the minister for final approval, based on the recommendations from the various committees. Meanwhile, the publication of the National Health Amendment Bill has seen a forceful response from various stakeholders including threats of legal action. The health bill aims to make private health care more affordable by regulating the annual price negotiations between the private healthcare providers and medical schemes. A facilitator would be appointed by the minister to facilitate negotiations between the private healthcare industry and medical schemes. By combating rising private healthcare costs, the department believes medical scheme membership would become more affordable to more people. It is also not an unprecedented type of health reform. Japan, Germany, Belgium

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and Switzerland, among others, negotiate tariffs with the private sector. However, there is concern that the facilitator would be a political appointment, working under the direction of the health minister. Medical aid companies are complaining that rising costs have made medical aid cover unaffordable for low income earners. The private sector is primarily funded through contributions to medical schemes, which provide health insurance coverage to some 7 million beneficiaries (of a total South African population of approximately 47 million). Interim results from the Council for Medical Schemes has revealed that the closed medical aids serving mostly blue collar workers have had to dip into reserves as medical costs rise. As this is unsustainable, there is a fear that these medical aids will have to close and that their members will be dumped on the public sector. The 2007 South African Health Review (SAHR) reported that just over R100 billion was spent on health care in South Africa in 2005, equivalent to some 7.7% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, only about 40% of total health care funds in South Africa are spent in the public sector, while 60% flow through private intermediaries.

public sector. However, Pillay said that the bill created an opportunity for medical schemes to negotiate with private healthcare providers. “I do not see the problem with this,” he said. Professor Di McIntyre, health economist at the University of Cape Town said there had been a massive outflow of doctors from the public sector to the private sector since the eighties and only a slight increase in private patients. “So the number of patients per doctor in the private sector has dropped. Doctors in turn have to push up their fees and make sure people see them more often. Also, the current power imbalance, where three hospital groups own 85% of beds and 120 or more schemes have to nego-

tiate individually with these large provider groups, is not healthy,” she said. Private hospital groups told Parliament’s health portfolio committee this week that is had been impossible to consult with the health department. “We have often felt like an orphan … tugging at the skirts of a mother who will not listen,” Nkaki Matlala, chairman-designate of the Hospital Association of SA, said. Medi-Clinic CEO Koert Pretorius maintained that private hospital tariffs were reasonable and that annual increases had been reasonable. Mark Bishop, head of funder relations at Netcare,

expressed concern that the proposed facilitator was not independent and that neither the facilitator nor the health department accepted any liability should the results of the regulations cause damage to any organization or individual. “This leaves one with the impression that they themselves have a lack of faith in the proposed legislations,” said Bishop. Dr Richard Friedland, CEO of Netcare acknowledged the substantial inequities in the delivery of healthcare, but said he believed the private sector could play a meaningful role in the provision of services to those people who are unable to currently access private healthcare services. – Health-e News Service.

Muslim Journalists attend investigative journalism workshop

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ournalists of the local Muslim media organisations were amongst the fifteen community journalists who attended a twoday investigative journalism workshop held earlier this month in Stellenbosch. The workshop was commissioned by Birgit Schwarz, Director of Investigative

Journalism Project of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and facilitated by Frayintermedia. Most participants echoed that investigative journalism skills are needed to strengthen community journalists as most of their reporting are from grassroots – directly affecting the ordinary person.

Another complaint is that the expanding private health system disproportionately absorbs health resources in the country. Historically, the distribution of health personnel in the country has been highly inequitable, skewed in favour of the private sector, the richest provinces and urban areas. Hospital and doctor groups as well as opposition political parties have warned that the bill would see the collapse of the private health sector and exodus of doctors, particularly specialists who usually charge higher rates than medical schemes’ recommended tariffs. A snap survey conducted by a South African Medical Association committee revealed that 66% of doctors surveyed, the vast majority specialists, would consider emigration if the health bills becomes law. Only eight of the 1 000 doctors said they would consider joining the

(f) Sanaa Petersen – Islamic Media Agency, (l-r) Mariam Salie – Islamic Media Agency, Shanaaz Gool Hamiet – Radio 786, Nabuweyah Malick – MJC-Media Desk, Muneebah Benjamin – Voice of the Cape, Mahmood Sanglay – Muslim Views and facilitator Michael Schmidt

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10. no commitment to the deen; to find balance between local and global commitment; youth are the biggest challenge as they out of control; growing prevalence of shirk; must see ourselves as part of the global ummah; lack of direction; drug abuse and gangsterism Q: Respecting other religions and cultures means that Muslims should: 11. interact with them to find out what they believe and practice: needed in order to engage and live with neighbours; interaction develops true respect; it makes one appreciate one’s own religion more; one exposes them to Islam through interaction; it is an opportunity for da’wah; it demystifies the boogie man 12. respect from a distance and be more concerned about one’s own beliefs: To you your religion and to me mine; cleanse our own morals first; we tend to become like them; temptation to practise easier religions; we first need to respect ourselves; many Muslims too weak to engage with others Q: The first priority for well to do Muslims is to put their money into : 13. building and maintaining mosques and Islamic associations: so that other religions and cultures can look up to Muslims and associations can spend money where it is needed in the Muslim community; build infrastructure for Shariah compliant youth activities; masjids struggle financially and need help; mosques is where people pray 14. building and maintaining Islamic educational

institutions: Knowledge is the key

everone has the right to their opinion

15. projects that will result in job creation for the unemployed: hungry stomach leads to crime; self-sustenance leads to education and social upliftment; society reinforces inequality; will bring people to Islam; leads to increased selfworth; this is a practical benefit

Culture is an important part of religion:

16. educational, health and social projects that benefit all; selfsufficiency; create Islamically focussed conventional education systems of a very high standard; provide basic human needs such as food and shelter; we need to uplift people with both employment and guidance; to educate one’s own children; support da’wah and relief organisations; should be helping township people Agree or disagree: Differences of opinion weaken the community: 17. Agree-Breaks family ties; art of debate has been forgotten; disagreements have proved divisive at leadership level and have led to dishonesty and arrogance; we nitpick over secondary issues; renders community vulnerable to attacks; results in confusion 18. D i s a g r e e - M e t h o d rather than content of differences that is the problem; differences healthy and leads to educational enhancement and critical thinking; we should not be like sheep; leads to awareness, respect and sharing; mindless agreement leads to stagnation and monopolies; it can be positive and constructive; leads to a more democratic and hence stronger community;

19. A g r e e - B o n d s communities; if you know where you come from you can make the right decisions; creates pride and sense of belonging; keeps religion alive; creates vibrancy in a community; culture is the gateway to religion; 20. Disagree-Religion first, culture second; culture not part of religion; there is no clear understanding of what is acceptable culture; can lead to bidah and racism Madrassa education is still a vital part of a child’s education: 21. Agree-Teaches the basics; in today’s rat race no time to educate children on our own; with strong fundamentals faith will not be compromised; kids need to interact with their own kind; children with no madrasah education are mislead; a child can be easily moulded 22. Disagree-Parents should become more involved rather than leaving it up to a third party Islamic schools are better for Muslims than secular ones: 23. Agree-they can get both religious and secular education allowing free time in the afternoon; are better if done well 24. D i s a g r e e - M o r e important for Muslims to integrate rather than be isolated; some have become elitist and serve class interest; does not provide necessary quality and balance; misbehaviour of students; we are part and parcel of secular society as well;

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creates silos that leave them unprepared to deal with the real world; do not live up to their mission statement; can lead to exclusive mentality; too expensive; they focus more on secular rather than Islamic studies; we live in a multi-cultural society Islamic financial institutions benefit the Muslim community: 25. Agree-provides free facility; them progress retarded; they the community

interest without will be do help

26. Disagree-they concerned with their own profits; have not seen them build an orphanage Learning Islamic law is more important than being able to read Quran: 27. A g r e e - B e a u t i f u l recitation meritorious but does not lead to understanding and knowledge; Obligations have to be fulfilled first; both are important 28. Disagree-Everybody can read the Quran but not everybody can afford to study law; Quran is the same as the Law or leads to the Law; Quran and Islam must be imbibed in hearts first before details of law The South African government protects Muslim’s interests: 29. Agree-Enjoys protection like other faiths; more freedom than in some Islamic countries; Government enables efficient Hajj; we have financial institutions, halal food and are allowed to practise our deen in schools and universities 30. Disagree-No, protects interests of all its citizens; politicians only fill their own pockets; marriages

not legal yet;many rights and provisions opposed to the Shariah; its becoming increasingly Islamophobic; too much poverty and struggling Muslims Muslims should focus more on local rather than international issues: 31. Agree-Charity begins at home; think global, act local; our own people are struggling; grassroots work more effective than marches; too much focus on what is happening elsewhere; this is the country of our birth and we owe it a duty 32. Disagree-World affairs affect us; Muslims are an Ummah; Solidarity with Muslims first above other religious groups; there is greater suffering in other parts of the Muslim world; The West is the major cause of our problems: 33. A g r e e - C o n t r o l everything including media and business; they are jealous of our practice of the Sunnah; the importation of their values erodes ours; they wish to dismiss importance of religion; due to ubiquitousness of West; their way of life misleads and they see us as terrorists 34. Disagree-It is due to our failure that they do not know Islam; they are able to impose themselves because of our weakness; we created our own problems; we have not armed ourselves with Islamic knowledge and behaviour; we lack unity; the earth is borderless; Muslim excess can rival Western excess; if we think like that then we just like them; we choose what can influence us

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US Planning Big New Prison in Afghanistan The Pentagon is moving forward with plans to build a new, 40-acre detention complex on the main American military base in Afghanistan, officials said, in a stark acknowledgment that the United States is likely to continue to hold prisoners overseas for years to come.

escalating fight against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. The proposal for a new American prison at Bagram underscores the daunting scope and persistence of the United States military’s deten-

facility at Guantánamo Bay. Military officials have long been aware of serious problems with the existing detention center in Afghanistan, the Bagram Theater Internment Facility. After the

minimal areas for the prisoners to exercise, and kitchen, shower and bathroom space is also inadequate. Faced with that, American officials said they wanted to replace

American officials also acknowledged that there are serious health risks to detainees and American military personnel who work at the Bagram prison, because of their exposure to heavy metals from the aircraft-repair machinery and asbestos.

The proposed detention center would replace the cavernous, makeshift American prison on the Bagram military base north of Kabul, which is now typically packed with about 630 prisoners, compared with the 270 held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

“It’s just not suitable,” another Pentagon official said. “At some point, you have to say, ‘That’s it. This place was not made to keep people there indefinitely.’ ”

Until now, the Bush administration had signaled that it intended to scale back American involvement in detention operations in Afghanistan. It had planned to transfer a large majority of the prisoners to Afghan custody, in an American-financed, high-security prison outside Kabul to be guarded by Afghan soldiers. But American officials now concede that the new Afghanrun prison cannot absorb all the Afghans now detained by the United States, much less the waves of new prisoners from the

That point came about six months ago. It became clear to Pentagon officials that the original plan of releasing some Afghan prisoners outright and transferring other detainees to Afghan custody would not come close to emptying the existing detention center. tion problem, at a time when Bush administration officials continue to say they want to close down the

PALESTINIAN SOLIDARITY GROUPS COMMEMORATE THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PALESTINIAN AL-NAKBAH 0F 1948

W

hile the Israeli administration celebrates 60 years of occupation a human tragedy unfolds in the occupied territories of Gaza and the West Bank. The Palestinian people are refugees in the land of their birth. Access to basic supplies like water, electricity and medicines are denied to them. South Africans, experienced in the horrors of apartheid, are able to identify and sympathise with the people of Palestine, who are subjected to atrocities at the hands of the Israeli government. Meanwhile, South African based Palestinian solidarity groups namely, Salahuddeen.com, the Al-Quds Foundation S.A and the Friends of Al-Aqsa hosted a tour guided photo exhibition on the Palestinian Al-Nakbah (Catastrophe) of 1948 in May at the Darul Islam boys High School in Athlone. The 60th Anniversary of the AL-Nakbah was com-

Sandra L. Hodgkinson, the senior Pentagon official for detention policy, in a telephone interview. “It was renovated to do a temporary mission. There is a sense that this is the right time to build a new facility.”

memorated through exhibitions highlighting the plight of the people and advocates a free Palestine and the “right of return” of the Palestinians living in the Diaspora. According to the director of the Al-Quds Foundation and President of the Muslim Judicial Council, Moulana Igsaan Hendricks, says: “the Al-Nakbah (catastrophe) of 1948 saw the mass deportation of a million Palestinians from their cities and villages, massacres of civilians, and the razing to the ground of hundreds of Palestinian villages which continues today.” The Al-Nakbah has made a whole people virtually stateless aliens in their own homeland, kept them in an indefinite and vicious form of colonial domination, and permitted the ideology of militant Zionism to massacre innocent Palestinians.

prison was set up in early 2002, it became a primary site for screening prisoners captured in the fighting. Harsh interrogation methods and sleep deprivation were used widely, and two Afghan detainees died there in December 2002, after being repeatedly struck by American soldiers. Conditions and treatment have improved markedly since then, but hundreds of Afghans and other men are still held in wiremesh pens surrounded by coils of razor wire. There are only

the Bagram prison, a converted aircraft hangar that still holds some of the decrepit aircraftrepair machinery left by the Soviet troops who occupied the country in the 1980s. In its place the United States will build what officials described as a more modern and humane detention center that would usually accommodate about 600 detainees - or as many as 1,100 in a surge - and cost more than $60 million. “Our existing theater internment facility is deteriorating,” said

Although a special Afghan court has been established to prosecute detainees formerly held at Bagram and Guantánamo, American officials have been hesitant to turn over those prisoners they consider most dangerous Some detainees have been held without charge for more than five years, officials said. As of April, about 10 juveniles were being held at Bagram, according to a recent American report to a United Nations committee. By Eric Schmitt and Tim Golden, NY Times

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Muslim Youth Engineering the Future Sanaa Petersen

The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) recognised through its 2006 and 2007 interactive 40-day campaign titled, ‘Working Towards an Exemplary Society’ the vital need to play a pivotal role in supporting today’s Muslim Youth (MY) in its rapidly changing and challenging environment.

This realization has activated the MJC to facilitate a Participatory Muslim Youth conference titled, ‘Youth Engineering the Future’ with the objective of establishing a functional think tank to revitalize existing Islamic models or create new Islamic models to respond to the challenges of young Muslims growing up in a contemporary and pluralistic environment. These Islamic models can hopefully; 1. create a supportive platform for SA Muslim youth growing up in a pluralistic environment with respects to the debate of identity, culture, tradition and religion. 2. develop and enhance proactive and preventative initiatives with regards to peer pressure, HIV/Aids, substance abuse, sexuality and all forms of violence and abuse. 3. enhance civic participation with regards to community and economic development inorder to eradicate poverty

4. enhance civic participation in responsible engagement with the media and its technological tools

The MJC commissioned Sanaa Petersen from the Islamic Media Agency (IMA), a grassroots women engendered media and community development organisation to develop and manage the ‘Youth Engineering the Future’ project. ‘Sanaa Petersen was the Project Developer for the successful 2006 and 2007 MJC–40day campaign ‘Working Towards an Exemplary Society’ her partnership with the MJC can ensure that the ‘Youth Engineering the Future’ will attain its outcome (s) to be a catalyst ‘…Towards an Exemplary Society’, said Sheikh Achmat Sedick. The conference was symbolically hosted in June to commemorate Youth month and attracted 138 young participants from senior grades (14-16years) of the independent Muslim high schools and Hifz (religious) academies. The opening session on the 27 June was held at The Green Shed in Schaapkraal with renowned South African Muslim comedian Riaad Moosa, who enthralled the young guests. The ConsulateGeneral of Indonesia, Mr Andrajati, reminded the young participants of the eight steps to success, “the prophet Muhammad (saw) has left you the perfect model to succeed”. One of South

Africa’s first Muslim chartered accountants and senior Financial Planner of Oasis Group Holdings, Ebrahim Bardien, inspired the young participants to not be afraid to want to achieve as a Muslim. He expounded on the Quranic verse found in Chapter 3, Verse 104: “Let there arise out of you a band of People inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.’ Sheikh Shaheed Esau, a tireless community developer, expressed that Islam is the answer for life “many of the self-help books and advice of non-Muslim inspirational and motivational speakers are based on Islamic thinking’ and the MJC Youth Affairs Co-ordinator,

role in the development of MuslimYouth (MY) namely;

1. MY& Politics 2. MY & Education 3. MY & Gender, Sexuality &related 4. MY Religion, Culture & Tradition 5. MY & Community Development 6. MY Sharia &SA Law 7. MY and Media

Moulana Shuaib Appleby, concluded that the structure of the conference was to ascertain the status of Muslim Youth in Cape Town and ‘develop the tools to support their growth in a pluralistic environment.’

All the workshops were facilitated by experts in the particular fields to maximize the outcomes of the “Youth Engineering the Future’ project. The facilitators were chosen on the basis of their expertise academically and ‘real’ knowledge. ‘We sought facilitators that were Muslim Achievers in their fields and that worked within the Muslim community,’ said Sanaa Petersen. The facilitators were astonished by the young Muslim’s interactive response to the intense debate and intelligent observations and recommendations.

The one day participative conference on the 28 June was divided into seven functional facets that impact and plays a critical

After twenty-one hourly thinking sessions participants were physically challenged to implement thinking into doing.

The team-building and leadership exercise entailed a scavenger hunt, with learners divided into groups to deliberate and assess each others skills as to which team would best represent the hunters and the wordsmiths. Dr Anwah Nagia of Frater Asset Management and Taj Adlekker ended the explosive mind challenging day with motivation and wise advice for young Muslims growing up in a non-Muslim and changing environment. The ‘Youth Engineering the Future’ would like to thank the facilitators for sharing their valued time and expertise namely; Ighsaan Higgins, Shiekh Shahied Esau, Is-haaq Lekganya, Yusuf Mataar, Shaheeda Khan, Najmunisa Solomons, Taj Adlekker, Sheikh Faiek Gamieldien Ebrahim Galant, Achmat Patience, Adv. Muhammad Abderouf and Farid Sayed. Thank you to the kind partnerships of the SA National Zakaah Fund, Albaraka Bank, Cosy Corner, Classic Bakery, Consulate-General Indonesia, Debonaires Pizza, The Green Shed and Oasis Group Holdings.

Young Muslims connecting hearts at Soetwater Refugee Camp

The learners of the Ibn Jazariy Academy distributed toys and played with the children that were displaced by the recent Xenophobic attacks in Cape Town.

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SANZAF responds to needs of displaced refugees The South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) has been appointed the official service provider for the supply and distribution of two meals daily to about 1,200 refugees at the Youngsfield military base in Wynberg. This appointment came about as a result of exceptionally good networking between the various key role players in the relief support programme set for the refugees, most of whom are from Somalia. Other nationalities include people from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRM) and the Health Department of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape are an important part of the infrastructure of the programme at Youngsfield. Security, shelter, health, child care, social welfare and secondary services such as education and leisure activities are provided at Youngsfield. Although conditions are not ideal in the tents and not suited for the cold and wet winter conditions,

the various role players have taken several steps to ease the plight of the refugees. SANZAF officially commenced its services at Youngsfield on 2 June when a group of dedicated Muslim volunteers from the Kenwyn Muslim community had already been providing relief support to the refugees. “The group who is attached to the Waterloo Road mosque in Kenwyn contributed significantly to the relief work at a time when no infrastructure or organized support was available,” SANZAF Administrator of the Western Cape, Amien Jacobs, told Community News. We gratefully acknowledge the role played by Maulana Farouk Rylands and the Kenwyn Muslim community,” Jacobs added. Even though such relief support is not part of their core activity, the organisation does respond to such calls when needed. SANZAF’s core activity is the administration of the collection and distribution of Zakah to the poor and needy in South Africa. In the case of the displaced for-

Book Reviews Title: My Sisters’ Lips Author: : Na’ima B. Roberts Paperback: 359 pages Publisher: Bantam Press (2 May 2005) Language: English ISBN-10: 0593054415

I am a practising Roman Catholic girl who is considering becoming a nun. ‘From My Sisters’ Lips’ may seem like an unusual choice of book for such a person to read, but the fact that I am firmly rooted in one faith doesn’t mean that I fail to appreciate the wisdom of another. Na’ima has shattered every misunderstanding and every uncomfortable stereotype that seem to stick like burrs to the abaayat [gown-like coverings] of Muslim women. In a lively, informal style, she describes how she discovered Islam and made a conscious, educated choice to live as a Muslim. Her own story is interwoven with anecdotes and insights provided by other Muslim women (most of them converts) who hail from a bewildering myriad of cultures and countries. They candidly talk about all kinds of topics, ranging from arranged marriage to covering their faces to Islamic education. But the sad thing is, will people listen to them? I once read an article by one Saraji Umm Zaid, who wryly commented, “Because people assume that Muslim men long ago robbed us of a voice, they don’t trouble themselves by listening for one.” I know several Englishwomen who will happily fill

eign nationals, SANZAF provided 5335 blankets on 23 May which were distributed to various locations in the Western Cape, particularly mosques that were providing accommodation to refugees. Additional support in the form of brunch and a hot meal for 300 refugees in the Nyanga Community Hall was also provided from 24 May to 2 June. At present SANZAF remains in place at Youngsfield where brunch and a hot meal is provided to 800 to 1000 refugees daily. Sanzaf waxa aay ka jawaabtay baahida qaxootiga soo barakacay South Africa national zakah fund (sanzaf) waxa loo magacaabay ka shaqeeyo gaarsiinta qeybinta iyo quudinta laba waqti dad gaaraya 1,200 oo qaxooti ah oo ku nool xerada malitiriga e youngfield eek u taala wynberg Magacaabistaasine waxa aay ka dambeysay natiijooyin kii cajiibka ahaa iyo isku xirnaashihii wanaagsanaa ee u dhaxeeyaya fara ku tiriska kala duwan e doorarka lixaada leh ka qaato kaalamada barnaamijka gargaarka ah e qaxootigaas oo intooda badani ka

yimiday somaliya . dadyowga kale e kula jirane waxaa ka mid ah Zimbabwe, mozanbique, iyo jamhuuriya dimiquraadiga ee congo, South African national defence force, oo marka la soo gaabiyo loo yaqaano (sandf) disaster risk management (DRM) oo ka hortaga masiibooyinka u qaabilsan magaalada cape town iyo waaxda cafimaadka ee maamulka gobalka western cape ayaa qeyb muhiima ka ahaa barnaamijka ka socday youngfield sida amaanka guriyeynta caafimaadka xanaanada caruurta iyo waxyaabah kale ee iska caadiga ah oo laga waday xirada yuongfield Inkastoo xaaladu xuntahay qaboow fara badan jiro teendhooyinku aysan celin kareyn hadane doorarka kala diwan waxay ka qaateen tilaabooyin badan sidii looga qafiifin lahaa duruufaha heysto qaxootiga Sanzaf waxa shaqadeeda ay ka bilaawday youngfield 2 jun markii isxilqaameen koox muslimiin oo mutadawiciin ah kana mid ah bulshada muslimka ah e kenwyn kuwaaso soo gaarsiiyay gargaar qaxootiga Continue to page 12

VERSATILE

EXOTIC CURRY SAUCE

The Shaikhs Exotics Way purchase Jean Sasson’s books (which are speckled liberally with cultural and theological errors) because they are promisingly gory and lurid and shocking - and, ultimately, deeply satisfying. But although they claim to be ‘interested’ in Islam, they would never read ‘From My Sisters’ Lips’ because it doesn’t tell them exactly what they want to hear. All the same, I wish Na’ima Robert and her friends the best of luck as they delve deeper into their chosen faith. They have chosen a tough path to walk. I pray that anyone who reads their book will appreciate the depths of their courage and devotion. Jessie-UK

Ingredients • 45ml oil • 2 large onions, chopped fine • few sprigs curry leaves • 2 x pieces stick cinnamon • 3 x whole cardamon • 10ml Shaikhs Exotics Kokni masala • 10ml Shaikhs Exotics Special Blend curry powder • 2.5ml Shaikhs Exotics Garam masala • 10ml ginger/garlic paste • 6 fresh tomatoes, blanched and chopped or 2 tins canned chopped tomatoes, liquidise • 5ml salt • 10ml sugar • 1 x tin coconut milk • ? bunch fresh coriander, washed and chopped Method To make the sauce 1. Braise onion, curry leaves, stick cinnamon and cadamon in oil till golden brown. 2. Add kokni masala, curry powder, garam masala, ginger/garlic paste. 3. Cook for 2 minutes until combined. 4. Add tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes 4. Add salt, sugar and coconut milk and simmer till thick and creamy. 5. Last add chopped coriander.

This versatile curry sauce can be used with the following options: Devein 1kg prawns and cook in oil till pink. Add salt and pepper and 2.5ml lemon juice to prawns. Cook in curry sauce for 5-10 minutes. Add freshly chopped coriander. Serve with basmati rice Cook chicken or beef strips in oil, add salt and pepper. Cook in curry sauce for 10-15 minutes. (optional: add cashew nuts or dried apricots) add freshly chopped coriander and serve with roti Cut a variety of vegetables (carrots, courgettes,cauliflower, butternut etc.) into bite-size pieces and stir-fry in oil. Add salt and pepper. Cook in curry sauce for 5-10 minutes until all flavours have been absorbed. Do not overcook the vegetables. This curry sauce can be frozen in smaller quantities. If frozen, defrost sauce first then use any of the above options. ENJOY!

Shaikhs Exotics Blomvlei Rd. , Lansdowne

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JULY 2008 ­- RAJAB 1429

Israel the Media’s Angel F

or a media that has shown ”exceptional tenacity” in its ability to probe and uncover many startling details in relation to shady operations by powerful individuals and groups, the South African media has been much more circumspect in dealing with issues related to Israel. This claim has prompted media advocacy group, Media Review Network chairperson Iqbal Jassat, to accuse the South African media of dealing with Israel as it if was a “holy cow”. “Many of the daily and weekly papers have made remarkable strides in pursuit of exposes, matched at times by the electronic media, resulting in shocking disclosures. No politician is spared, neither the President of the Republic nor any of his cabinet ministers. Indeed, the message inherent in these revealing

accounts of the high and mighty is that there are no ‘holy cows’ as far as the media is concerned.

“Yet, it can be argued that despite their reluctance to admit it, media do have ‘red lines’ which determine their levels of coverage or analysis on such ‘untouchable’ subjects. For instance, The Star under Moegsien Williams’ editorship has an unwritten policy not to touch Israel. Thus, by conferring a ‘holy cow’ status upon Israel, Johannesburg’s leading daily denies its consumers access to critical analysis and debate on Israeli policies as well as conduct visà-vis Palestinians under its occupation,” Jassat said. Radio 702 too has been accused of protecting Israel. “Many regular callers to its daily talk shows have complained about

being denied access whenever they attempt to raise issues critical of the Jewish state. Yet, they point out, that Israel is discussed though only by ‘kosher’ analysts or spokespersons of the Olmert regime or some or other pro-Israeli academic,” Jassat said. He said the SABC’s lack of substantial depth in its coverage of Israel “and at most times to completely ignore the suffering experienced by Palestinians as a consequence of policies best described as inhumane, is further evidence of a ‘holy cow’ syndrome.” A snap survey of the print media conducted by the Media Review Network shows that there is a general disinclination to get to grips with brutal facts – warts and all – of Israeli violations, settlements, checkpoints, tortures, detentions,

SAID NURSI CONFERENCE CAPE TOWN 2008

A

By Nabuweyah Malick

s Europe and America are pregnant with Islam. One day, they will give birth to an Islamic state. Just as the Ottomans were pregnant with Europe and gave birth to a European state.” These are the words of Beduizamman Said Nursi, the great 20th century Turkish scholar of Islam, whose life and work was commemorated in Cape Town on the 31st May, 2008 at the Baxter Theatre. The Divine Guidance Trust hosted the 2 day conference which was a 1st for South Africa and was titled “Between despair and hope, the Alienation of Modern Youth and the Response of Religion: The Case of Risale-I Nur. Beduizzaman Said Nursi was born in Eastern Turkey, 1877 and died in Urfa in 1960. During this period physical science had been dropped from the curriculum of the madressah and this contributed towards the decline of Ottoman empire and the dominance of the Europe. European dominance was extended by the attacks on the Quran and Islam which they claimed to be incompatible with science. The Risale-I Nur written by Said Nursi proves that far from contradicting science and the order and working of the universe, religion and science are compatible. This work played a major role in preserving and revitalizing the Islamic faith in Turkey during the very darkest days of its history when the

onslaught against Islam was most brutal. While Mustafa Kemal lead the advances of secularism in Turkey so Bediuzamman Said Nursi combated this with his work written by scribes in mountains and the valleys of Turkey, a country which forbade all religious scripts. These were written and copied by students and passed from village to village, until it spread across Turkey.

The conference was greatly appreciated by those in attendance as speaker after speaker caught the attention of the audience with a depth of spiritual insight which left many in awe and admiration for the love and devotion for Islam which inspired the many volumes from the pen of Said Nursi. Part of these writings focused on the spiritual wellbeing of the youth by emphasizing the importance of providing the youth with moral values by speaking to their mind, heart, and soul. This it said could be achieved by teaching the purpose of living, adding value to this existence and the exploration of questions such as: “Where do we come from? Where are we heading? What is the reason

for our existence and Who sent us to this earth? Amongst the guest speakers who explored the vision of the Risale-I Nur were academics from Canada, UK, Turkey, USA and South Africa who gave deep insight into the masterpiece which guides Muslims during social secular advances by developing the conscious spiritual state and increases the sense of responsibility. It also gives a solid Muslim identity and gives a voice to the downtrodden, marginalized, poor and those severely affected by Western secular Turkish society. Prof. Dr. Bilal Kuspinar,(UK) who spoke on “The Role of Faith in the Protection and Bringing up Youth.” stated that when writing his lectures he put himself in the mind of a teenager and said; “ One of the lessons to be gained from Risale-i Nur is when you look upon life or the environment with faith, you see a meaning for everything. When you look upon it without faith you will see that everything looses its purpose. With the rise of technology more and more teenagers see themselves ever so hopeless and alone. Alas at this point Said Nurisi gives the youth the lesson of mana-i harf which means every thing around you has both a meaning and purpose and therefore give purpose and meaning to your lives. There is no Despair according to Said Nursi only hope and meaning.”

abductions among others. To its discredit, SA press coverage of Israel remains in the archaic realm of “cut & paste”, Jassat charged.

“Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s recent trip to undertake investigation of the Israeli massacre of a Palestinian family in Gaza provides a critical indictment of shoddy neglect by SA media. The expectation that a UN probe of a ghastly crime led by an icon of this country would warrant reams of space filled with pictures and commentaries did not materialize. Instead, coverage of Tutu’s visit was confined to a few centimeter columns mainly sourced from agencies such as AP and AFP.”

view Tutu on his experience and observations. “What does it say about ‘holy cows’? Is it not ironical that the Cape Times header for one of its AFPsourced reports read: ‘Tutu slams the world’s silence on Gaza’s plight’, when in fact it and other SA media remain silent on Israel’s atrocious conduct?” Jassat said while there exist notable exceptions, “the unfortunate truth is that unless media practitioners are able to confront this demon of selective critique, their ability to take a critical view of Israel’s destabilizing role and service of America’s imperial interests will remain questionable.” VOC

Jassat said not a single paper provided any editorial comment. Neither did any print journalist attached to SA media inter-

UNITED WE STAND W

e here the roar and rumble of the SARACENS drawing closer and closer to our school Some one shouts ‘do not panic, will you all just keep your cool’ While they bulldoze our gates and fences We watch in agony and awe, silent and defenseless

back Next time we will prepare ourselves in no uncertain terms We shall strategise and plan together to eradicate the germs While we realize that we are indeed the oppressed We shall not grief while being dispossessed.

For if the only weapon in our hand it to be a stone The hard cruel faces of We shall never ever be the soldiers as they run alone! into our classrooms With rifles loaded ever Yes back the boere ready, leave us in a state came, but then we were as we listen to the bangs prepared and booms No one ran away and none of us were scared There is chaos and confusion as someone is The stones we hurled at being shot them were too much too Gripped by terror and handle, fear at the sight of gush- Leaving them scurrying ing blood to their buffels to quickly drive away Pupils running in all Since then we are enjoydirections to take cover ing freedom and justice from this inhumane until this very day! attack While leaving a boer By Ismail Osman shouts ‘doners ons kom Athlone trug’ while cold blooded shooting a pupil in the

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We need warm baby clothing and blankets

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enophobic Violence has left an estimated 25 000 people displaced, destitute and in despair. Our African brothers and sisters have been abused, tortured and stripped of their dignity. We can only but pray to the Almighty for a solution to this political and humanitarian crisis. Since the onset of the attacks, Mustadafin Foundation has been providing more than 10 000 of the displaced victims with meals twice a day, every day. The Foundation has also been providing the victims with clothing, toiletries, baby packs and other essentials. The Foundation has also been receiv-

ing international funding from Muslim Hands, which often partners with Mustadafin for the alleviation of poverty in the Western Cape. But the work is not over and while the xenophobia crisis continues, Mustadafin urges the community to continue with its support, which has been of great help over the past weeks. The Foundation is calling for more donations in cash or kind, especially warm clothing, blankets, baby things and men’s shoes as the winter months approaches. We would like to thank all our

sponsors, volunteers and the general public for lending us their support in this trying time. Translation in Somali Qalalaasaha jinsi naleynka ah ayaa galaaftay in ka badan 25000 oo ka bara kacay waana walaalehen African ah oo logeystay tacadiyo fara badan oo isugu jiro dhac iyo dil in taba. Balse waxa kali ah ee aan awoodnaa in aan ilaah ka barino xalinta qulqulatoyinkon siyaaasaded iyo baniadanimo. Ilaa ‘iyo xiligi u dhibkan bilowday mustadafin foundation waxay rashin ubilawday in ka badon 10 000 oo ka mid ah dadkii soo barakacay

labo jeer malin kasto. Sidoo kale hay.ado waxa ay uqeybisay dadka dhibaateysnaa dhar. Musqulo ‘iyo caruurta wixii lagama marmanka u ahaaa. Sidokale haayado waxay ay gacan ka heshay muslim hands oo inta badan ay iska kaashadaan qudinta dadka saboolka ah ee ku nolool gobolka Western Cape. Lakin howsha wali madhamaan intiibo ay shaqaqada socoto. mustaafaadin waxa ay si diiran uga codaneysaa in ay siiwadaan bulshado tagerada ay siiyaan. Sidii ay qeybta lebaax uga qateen tududaadyadi lasoon dhafay. Hay ado waxa ay dalbaneysa

sadaqo dheerado ah lacag ama wax kale sida dharka qaboobah celiyo bustoyinka alaab caruureedyada ‘iyo kabaha raga si ay uga baxaan xiligion so socda. Waxaan in badan u mahad celin ah u soo jeedineynaa inta deeqtooda naqu kaalmayey mutadawiciinta howsha ka qeyb qaatay iyo dhamaan inta na amaahisay kalmadooda xiligan adag Jazakallah Khair Alia Limbada Pro Mustadafin Foundation 021 633 0010

Mustadafin Foundation 18 Belgravia Road, Athlone 7764 South Africa Tel: +27 (0)21 633 0010/ 633 0060 Fax: +27 (0)21 633 0057 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mustadafin.com

Bisha dambe iyo maxkamadeyn weeraradii jinsi naceybka Migrant attacks: trials next month Madaxa dabi baarayasha ayaa shegay inla sii wadayo maxkamadeynta dadkii ku lugta lahaa weearadii jansi naceybka ahaa bisha soo socoto madaxa dambibaarista ee gobolka western cape Rodney de kock ayaa wuxuu yiri bishan bilowgeedii dhamaan kiisaska laxiriiray weerarada ka dhacay Continue from page 10

Kooxdan oo inta badan ku xiran masjidka waterloo road musque oo ku yaala kenwyn waxaay deeq lagaareen xiligii ugu Waxaan aad ugu mahad celineynaa doorka weyn o u kaciyaaray maulana farouh rylands iyo bulshada muslimiinta ah e ku nool kenwyn , jokobs ayaa intaas ku daray Xataa hadii tageeraha gargaarku qeyb ka aheyn ururku waxa u ka jawaabay baahi taagneed xiligii loo baahnaa . sanzaf dulucdediso waa maamulka zaka aruurinta iyo u qeybinta dadka masaakiintaa ee baahan oo ku nool south Africa

gobolkan in si xoowli ah lagu wadayo lana soo gabagabeynayo bidhamaadka bisha august de kock ayaa in ku daray in boliiska ay siiyeen balanqaad in dhamaan baaritaanka ku aadan weeraradaas lasoo gabagabeeyo bisha june 13keeda lakiin shalay ma uusan sheegin in booliisku waqti-

gaas gaareen waxa uusa sheegay in wali howsha lagu guda jiro dadka laga shikisanyahay in aay ka dambeeyeen dhibaatooyinkas ayaa lagu soo oogi doonaa dambiyo ay ka midyihiin dhac shaqaaqooyin xuxun iyo weeraro u geeystay dhaawacyo dadka jirkooda

kiisaska indooda badan ee gobolka western cape ayaa lagu wadaa in lagu dhageysto maxkamada khayelitsha 71 ruux ayaa la soo taagayaa 25 kamid ahne waxaa lagu helay dambiyo maxkamada athlone 16kiis ayaa lagu wadaa in lagu dhageysto wynberg 9kiis cape town 12kiis ayaa lagu dhageysandoonaa

14 laga shikisanyahay ayaa iyagune lasso tagayaa blue down 6 bellville sidoo kale 11kiis ayaa lagu kala dhageysandoonaa degmooyinka hemanus grabouw bredasdrop george iyo knysna

lka western cape, qaasatan masaajida waxaana loo qeybiyay qaxootiga waxaa intaas sii dheeri ah rashin isku fulis ah o loo sameeyo 300 o qaxooti ah o o ku jiro nyanga community hall o ay gaarsisay 24may ilaa 2june Waqtil xaadirkan sanzaf waxay boos ku leedahay youngfield taasoo ay u sameyso halmar oo isku fulis ah 800 ilaa 1000 qaxooti ah malin walibo

Intii barakaco lagu dhaxjiray sanzaf waxa ay u qeybisay dadka dadka ajaanibta ee so barakacay 5335 bostoyin ah 23bishii may waxaana laga qeybiyay xaafada kala duwan oo ku yaala gobo'This page is dedicated to the Survivors of the Xenophobia attacks and translated in Somali language by Muse Haggar, a 24-year old student from Somalia.