Al-Qalam 
By Ismail Suder
Since its soft opening recently, Ballito’s first Masjid is a dream come true for hundreds of residents and Muslim tourists to the holiday town who now have a dedicated place of worship.
Today, the architecturally beautiful masjid at 3 Nandi Mthembu Drive stands serene in one of Ballito’s prime spots that has become a notable landmark admired by both locals and tourists alike.
Many have spent years pursuing the idea for a Ballito Masjid – and it eventually came about through numerous back-and-forth negotiations with the local municipal authorities, not to mention protests from some residents who complained that a mosque in the area would cause congestion and Azaan “noise” – none of which has happened.
There is no Azaan via loudspeakers, but Muslims residents can hear the Azaan through receivers.
A spokesman told Al-Qalam that following the erection of the masjid, there was a growing interest from Muslims across the country to relocate to Ballito and invest in this fast-growing holiday town. With the opening of the masjid, there is an expectation that halaal establishments may open.
In the near future, the Masjid trustees hope to open a fully-fledged madrassa at no cost.
The ground floor of the masjid can hold up to 500 musaleees and a further 200 on the upper floor. There is also a dedicated section for ladies.
The imam of the masjid is Moulana Bilal Vally.
