Al-Qalam 
For Aslam Mxolisi Tawana, the vision of a proper mosque in the heart of Galeshewe is not just a personal dream – it’s a decades-long community need finally nearing reality, writes an Al-Qalam reporter.
As Chairperson of the Galeshewe Muslim Association (GMA), Tawana is leading efforts to establish the Galeshewe Islamic Centre, a landmark project that will include Musjidul Bilal, the first purpose-built mosque for the township in the Northern Cape.
Galeshewe is the largest township in Kimberley, with a population of over 350,000 people. There are about 800 – 900 Muslims and roughly 100 Muslim families. Tawana, the Chairperson of the Galeshewe Muslim Association, says a mosque is the one thing that has been missing in the township community. He said there are small musallahs scattered around the community, but no mosque.
“Islam is about 50 years old in the community of Galeshewe. It’s been growing, but we need a facility that the Muslim community will benefit from. This is something we’ve waited 15 years for. In Galeshewe, there’s never been a proper place of worship for Muslims. We’ve had Jamaat Khanas, but not a mosque. This Islamic Centre will have a mosque for the whole township, and we will host other community events and activities there,” said Tawana.
The GMA is in the final stages of securing land from the municipality.
The site has been identified, the architectural designs are in place, and the community is pushing forward, but Tawana says they need help. Just to pay for the land, the association must raise just over R730,000. The architectural designs for the project were quantified three years ago and will cost about R30 million.
“Negotiations are ongoing to reduce that amount, but the need for financial support is urgent. So we must start securing donors now. The centre is designed in a modular fashion, starting with the mosque as the first building that needs to be constructed,” Tawana said.
He said Islam in Galeshewe has a relatively young but vibrant history. “The first people to embrace Islam in Galeshewe were around 1974 or 1975. As the years progressed, more people became Muslim. I embraced the deen in 1991, while I was still in high school,” said Tawana.
He said in the early years, various formations tried to manage Muslim affairs in the township, but many collapsed or became dysfunctional. “There were efforts to start other organisations, but nothing formidable took shape for a long time,” said Tawana.
It wasn’t until a group of committed individuals came together with a shared vision that the Galeshewe Muslim Association was formally established. “We realised we couldn’t go on without an organisation. Major meetings were held, and we started the association,” Tawana said.
He was elected as Chairperson and has served in the role for 13 years, consistently re-elected every five years. Under his leadership, the GMA has taken on various responsibilities, from running Madressahs and Talims to organising Janazah programmes and providing welfare support to Muslims in the township.
He says the organisation made consistent efforts to uplift the community, support economic empowerment, and promote Islam within the township. “Our efforts have been well received, and we have earned the respect of the community. We are consistently engaging in activities like assisting with Qurbani, planning Eid events, and running the Muslim burial service in the area as well,” said Tawana.
But the cornerstone of their efforts is the Galeshewe Islamic Centre.
For Tawana, this project is about far more than bricks and mortar. It’s about identity, unity, and fulfilling a long-standing spiritual and social need. “This will be a house of worship, a community hub, and a symbol of our growth and presence in Galeshewe,” said Tawana.
He said the Islamic Centre aims to accommodate 360 men and 96 ladies in the mosque. A Darul Uloom, Madressah, adult training facility, Jamaat facilities, Janazah ghusl facilities, qurbani facilities, a multi-purpose hall, retail shops, food places, a dawah centre with a library, a residential square for the imaam, students, and muezzin, as well as a public square for community gatherings.
Now, with the community’s support and wider backing from donors and well-wishers, his dream is on the cusp of becoming a reality.
If one would like to contribute to the Islamic Centre project or the GMA’s activities, Zakah, Sadaqah, and Lillah will be accepted.
Account Name: Galeshewe Muslim Association
Bank: FNB
Account Number: 62613080978
Branch Name & Code: New Park & 231002
Reference: Zakah/Lillah/Sadaqah
They are a registered Non-Profit Organisation, and their registration number is NPO246653.
