A Durban Muslimah organisation this week brought together local Muslim women, migrants and refugees to empower them to cope with the many challenges they face in the country.

The Radiance Project, hosted by The Tha’alabah Sisterhood, was held at the Suleman Lockhat Auditorium on July 18. Its aim is to equip women with general knowledge while strengthening the bonds of sisterhood through practical workshops, open discussions and shared experiences.

The women engaged in a series of sessions on women’s health, self-defence, personal safety and understanding the law.

Ayesha Milanzi, Founder of Tha’alabah, attorney and Regent Business School lecturer, explained that the Radiance Project was created to respond to issues affecting both local and migrant Muslim communities. “It was a day to acknowledge and address the elephant in the room. Currently, many individuals, whether migrant or local Muslims, are affected by recent protests, so we curated a programme to equip attendees with the necessary medical, legal and self-defence techniques they might need,” she added.  

Milanzi said the overwhelming turnout exceeded expectations, with attendees actively engaging in discussions, asking questions and connecting with one another throughout the day.

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Medical practitioner Dr Ganiat Abisola spoke about recognising fatigue, caring for one’s physical and mental wellbeing, and what women should do in the event of sexual assault or abuse.

Milanzi presented a session explaining the legal differences between refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented foreigners, as well as the laws surrounding citizenship and citizen’s arrests.

Mohamad Yumnoos of Slimz187 Dojo then demonstrated practical self-defence techniques, emphasising that personal safety and escaping danger should always come first.

She added that the programme also encouraged women to remember their responsibility towards others: “As a community we have a two-fold duty: first as Muslims to be kind and law-abiding citizens, and second as human beings to care for and treat everyone around us fairly, constantly remembering that we are each answerable for our comments and actions.”

For Milanzi, one of the highlights of the event was seeing women engage with one another beyond the formal programme. “The ladies asked questions, socialised, and that in itself was enough of a positive response for us. It genuinely was beautiful to see so many of them open up and become free,” she said.

Since its inception, the organisation has hosted more than 10 educational and empowerment programmes, with plans to expand into community initiatives such as feeding schemes, skills training and improving facilities for women at Masaajid.

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Milanzi stressed that the aim of The Tha’alabah Sisterhood is “not just to host events but to maintain relationships with attendees and help each other out.”

That sense of belonging was echoed by many of the participants.

Rabia Kela told Al-Qalam that the sisterhood has given her a sense of belonging and empowerment. “It reminded me that as women, it is not selfish to put ourselves first sometimes. The sisterhood also created awareness around important issues like GBV, teaching us that it affects both males and females, and that we have a role in standing for justice and dignity,” she said.

Kela added that she finds inspiration in seeing women successfully balance their deen and dunya.For Rahma Nasarie Ally, joining The Tha’alabah Sisterhood was the best choice she had made. “Whether you are the founder or sponsor, we are all one. Once you participate, you become one of the sisters too – you become family,” she added.

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For years, Ayesha (36), a mother of three, endured physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse, believing she had to stay in the marriage for the sake of her children. After seeing their mother often crying, they urged her to leave – and she did.

Ayesha (not her real name) sought refuge at Durban’s Kenilworth Respite Centre to escape her painful life. Months later, she felt she was strong enough to leave the Centre after finding employment and her own home to rebuild her life.

 Ayesha’s story is one of many that reflect the quiet but vital work being done at the Kenilworth Respite Centre Trust, where women and children escaping domestic violence are given not only refuge, but the opportunity to begin afresh.

KRC was established after years of experience gained by professionals, volunteers and spiritual leaders working with survivors of domestic violence. Guided by an Islamic ethos of compassion, dignity and service, the organisation was created in response to a growing need for a place where women could find safety, recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.

 The head and primary social worker at KRC, Sabera Timol, told Al-Qalam that they wanted to create a place that offers comprehensive care. “Domestic violence knows no boundaries. It is a social illness that affects the affluent, professionals and low-income families alike,” she said

 Timol explained that a needs assessment in KwaZulu-Natal found that women leaving abusive relationships often required more than emergency accommodation. They needed temporary care, counselling and practical support to develop the confidence and skills necessary to regain their independence and, where possible, reintegrate into their families and communities.

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The centre also recognises that domestic violence extends far beyond physical assault.

Women often experience emotional manipulation, verbal humiliation, financial control and psychological abuse. Increasingly, substance abuse and the influence of social media have become contributing factors in family conflict.

Timol emphasised that children are often the overlooked victims: “The trauma experienced by children frequently goes unnoticed, yet they are often the primary and secondary victims of domestic violence.”

Despite the abuse, leaving is seldom straightforward. Many women remain because of financial dependence, low self-esteem, concern for their children, limited family support or fear of stigma within their communities. Abusive relationships often follow a cycle of escalating tension, violence and remorse, making it difficult for victims to leave permanently.

Where appropriate and only when it is safe to do so, the centre facilitates family reconciliation through counselling. In other cases, the focus is on helping women regain their independence.

Timol noted that the centre has witnessed many lives transformed. One woman, who sought refuge with her young daughter after years of domestic violence and instability, rebuilt her beauty business during her stay at the centre. Through counselling and budgeting support, she regained financial independence while restoring fractured family relationships.

 In another case, a young mother who had repeatedly left and returned to her marital home because of ongoing conflict with her in-laws found stability through counselling, legal support and mediation. After her husband secured employment and separate accommodation, the family reunited in healthier circumstances, while she enrolled to study nursing.

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 Beyond assisting survivors of domestic violence, the organisation has expanded its work to include long-term accommodation for elderly women experiencing neglect or abuse within their own families. A residence in Cowies Hill provides older women with a safe environment where they live independently while supporting one another.

 Timol believes faith should be part of the solution, not a reason for women to remain trapped. She encourages women to seek knowledge and remember that injustice has no place in Islam. “Islam honours women with dignity. We need to educate ourselves, learn from the examples of the women of Jannah and stand together against injustice,” she said.

For those witnessing domestic violence, Timol’s message is equally clear: “If you know someone experiencing domestic violence, reach out. Give them the number of an organisation that can help. Reassure them that they are not alone.”

For women experiencing abuse, or for anyone seeking assistance on behalf of a family member or friend, or who would like to provide support, the Kenilworth Respite Centre Trust can be contacted on 031 207 6483, or by email at socialworker@kenilworthrc.org.za.

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I had the privilege of addressing the Muslim Youth Movement’s (MYM) ‘Ambassadors for Change’ Youth Conference in Durban on 11 July 2026. The conference marked the culmination of the MYM’s five-year Ambassadors for Change youth development programme while laying the foundation for its ongoing work to nurture ethically grounded young Muslim leaders. Its theme, “It is in the hands of the youth to give the world a more humane face,” reflected both the urgency and hope that characterised the gathering.

As I walked into the conference hall, I carried a quiet sense of nervousness. Many years have passed since I served as Deputy President of the MYM, and I wondered whether there was now too great a generational distance between myself and the young people before me. They inhabit digital, social and political worlds profoundly different from those in which my generation came of age.

Those concerns quickly disappeared. The day reminded me that one of the greatest responsibilities of older generations is not first to speak but to listen. The Qur’an praises those “who listen to the word and follow the best of it” (Qur’an 39:18). Listening is itself an ethical act and, I believe, the starting point for meaningful intergenerational engagement.

The First Responsibility: Listen

I attended not only as a speaker but also as an academic leader of Stellenbosch University’s Dialogue, Democracy and Development project, which seeks to cultivate dialogue across social, cultural and political differences. Throughout the day, I listened carefully to every presentation, filling pages with notes as these young Muslims spoke honestly about artificial intelligence, social media, mental health, leadership, conflict and their search for meaningful lives rooted in faith.

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I learnt tremendously from this process of listening. I left convinced that careful listening must become a cornerstone of our ethical engagement with Muslim youth. Too often, adults speak about young people before genuinely listening to how they understand the worlds in which they are mired and how they seek to exercise their God-given human agency.

The conference itself reflected years of patient educational work. Organised for and by the MYM’s youth organisers, it represented the fruit of sustained investment in ethical leadership. I particularly wish to acknowledge Asif Essop, whose longstanding commitment to the MYM and to youth development made him a central part of this remarkable initiative.

The Fires of Our Age

My own presentation drew on the central framework of my recently edited volume, ‘Prophet Muhammad at 1500: His Prophetic Legacy, Ethical Vision and Contemporary Resonance’ (Fataar, 2026). The book argues that the Prophetic legacy offers an enduring ethical grammar for responding to the moral, social and political challenges of our age.

I invited the audience to reflect on what I called ‘Niran al-‘Alam’ – the fires consuming our world. These fires are visible in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen and Ukraine. They are also present in racism, xenophobia, structural poverty, ecological destruction, loneliness, misinformation and the distortions produced by social media and artificial intelligence. Although these crises appear different, they are connected by a deeper moral condition.

The Qur’an asks us to look beneath visible events towards the human heart. Allah speaks of “the kindled Fire of Allah, which rises over the hearts” (Qur’an 104:6-7). Before societies fracture, hearts fracture. Before injustice becomes institutional, it begins as arrogance, greed, hatred, prejudice and indifference. The deepest crises of our age are therefore political, social, moral and spiritual all at once.

This insight changes how we understand responsibility. We cannot respond to injustice only through slogans, ideology or anger. Political commitment must be accompanied by the ethical formation of the human person. The Qur’an reminds us that we live in ‘Dar al-Ibtila’, a world of testing: “Indeed, We created the human being from a mingled drop, testing him” (Qur’an 76:2). This testing is not intended to crush us but to cultivate compassion, courage, honesty and hope.

This is precisely what it means to become an ambassador for change. An ambassador represents something greater than themselves. Young Muslims represent Islam through the quality of their conduct in classrooms, workplaces, neighbourhoods, families and digital platforms. Their honesty, kindness, humility and intellectual integrity become forms of da’wah long before any formal preaching begins.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lived through persecution, migration, poverty, exclusion and war. Yet hardship never extinguished his mercy. He answered violence with moral courage, injustice with principled action and hostility with compassion. Allah describes him simply as “a mercy to all the worlds” (Qur’an 21:107). His Prophetic legacy teaches us to combine justice with mercy, courage with humility, leadership with service and hope with action. Ethical civilisation begins with ethically formed people.

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Becoming Ambassadors for Change

Throughout the conference, I was repeatedly struck by the seriousness with which these young people wrestled with their world. They spoke openly about digital overload, fractured identities, mental health and political uncertainty. Yet they also spoke with hope, curiosity and a genuine desire to build rather than merely to criticise. Their questions were not signs of weak faith but of a generation seeking to live Islam ethically amid unprecedented complexity.

Sometimes older generations underestimate young people. We criticise social media while forgetting that they did not create the digital environment into which they were born. Rather than dismissing their world, we need educational spaces where young Muslims can think deeply, ask difficult questions and cultivate ethical judgement grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah. This requires adults who accompany before they prescribe, listen before they lecture and mentor before they judge.

Allah commands us to “cooperate with one another in righteousness and God-consciousness” (Qur’an 5:2). Such cooperation begins with genuine intergenerational dialogue. It requires older people to respect the experiences of the young while young people remain open to the wisdom and sacrifices of those who came before them.

One of the conference’s recurring messages was that leadership is no longer simply about holding positions of authority. It is about creating positive influence wherever one stands. Our communities need young Muslims who carry mercy into conflict, justice into inequality, hope into despair and beauty into broken relationships. We need ethical users of technology who protect human dignity, resist racism and xenophobia, build bridges across differences, and serve others with humility.

The Qur’an captures this calling in a single declaration: “Indeed, Allah commands justice and excellence” (Qur’an 16:90). Justice and ‘ihsan’ remain the twin pillars of Muslim public life. Justice calls us to resist oppression, while ihsan shapes the beauty, compassion and integrity with which we pursue that struggle.

As I travelled home from Durban, I reflected less on what I had said than on what I had heard. These young Muslims reminded me that every generation must discover anew how to live faithfully within its own historical moment. Our responsibility is not simply to hand them ready-made answers but to help cultivate the ethical imagination, spiritual depth and intellectual confidence needed to respond wisely to the questions their age presents.

The future of our community will not be secured by louder arguments or greater outrage. It will be shaped by young Muslims whose hearts are formed by the Qur’an, whose character reflects the Sunnah, whose minds seek wisdom and whose hands remain ready to serve.

The Qur’an therefore leaves us with a fitting challenge: “So race one another towards goodness” (Qur’an 2:148; 5:48). After spending a day listening to these young ambassadors, I returned home convinced that this race towards goodness has already begun.

*Aslam Fataar is Research Professor of Higher Education and Transformation in the Department of Education Policy Studies at Stellenbosch University. He served as the Deputy President of the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa, 1991-1993. He is the editor of the recently published book, Prophet Muhammad at 1500: His Prophetic Legacy, Ethical Vision and Contemporary Resonance. Cape Town: Prophetic Legacy Commission and Awqaf SA, 2026

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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.

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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.

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The Association of Muslim Women Authors in South Africa (AMWASA) celebrated the launch of ‘Barfi Books – Volume 2’ at a gathering that showcased the power of storytelling, creativity and community. 

The Durban launch took place at Poppyseed Co in Morningside and coincided with sister events in Rustenburg and Emmarentia on Saturday, 4 July.

Led by Durban-based author Waheeda Joosab, AMWASA is committed to amplifying the voices of Muslim women writers across South Africa by creating spaces where authentic stories can be shared with honesty, courage and purpose.

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‘Barfi Books – Volume 2’ is described as “a heartfelt collection of real-life stories that celebrate the richness of life’s sweet moments. From quiet reflections to unexpected lessons, this volume offers a tapestry of tender experiences to nourish the soul and sprinkle hope.”

As part of their ticket, guests enjoyed a light meal and beverage, a traditional barfi treat, a copy of ‘Barfi Books – Volume 2’, a souvenir journal, and a decoupage workshop presented by House of Ayaat. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Passion to Care, a Rustenburg-based non-profit youth and charity organisation.

Author Nasreen Variyawa delighted the audience with a humorous reading from the anthology, capturing the warmth and humour of family relationships through one of the book’s short stories.

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Author Farhana Yunnus then guided guests through an engaging decoupage workshop, where participants transformed ordinary coasters into colourful keepsakes using decorative serviettes. Reflecting on the creative process, she said: “Sometimes beauty doesn’t come from grand moments, but from the small moments that don’t need to be perfect.”

The next launch in the series will take place in Lenasia on Saturday 25 July, continuing AMWASA’s celebration of storytelling, creativity and the voices of Muslim women across South Africa.

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Awqaf SA has officially handed over a new water supply extension at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Coronationville, helping ensure a more reliable water supply to the hospital’s Outpatients Building during municipal water disruptions. 

The project was formally handed over during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 29 June, attended by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Arthur Manning, members of the hospital’s management team, and representatives from Awqaf SA. 

The project followed a request from the hospital after ongoing Johannesburg Water interruptions highlighted a critical vulnerability. While the hospital already has access to borehole water, the Outpatients Building was not connected to the existing backup system, leaving essential services without water during supply outages. 

Recognising the importance of uninterrupted access to water in a healthcare environment, Awqaf SA partnered with the hospital to design and install the new water connection, which is now fully operational. 

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Dr Manning welcomed the partnership, highlighting the critical role that water plays in healthcare delivery. 

“Although the hospital has sophisticated MRI and CT scan equipment, one of the greatest contributors to quality healthcare is simple hygiene. As Florence Nightingale recognised many years ago, this remains true today. Without a reliable water supply, hospitals cannot function effectively. This project is therefore not a small contribution – it is a significant investment in quality patient care.” 

Awqaf SA Founding CEO, Zeinoul Abedien Cajee, said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening public institutions that serve vulnerable communities.

“Today is about far more than pipes and infrastructure. It is about preserving life, protecting dignity and serving humanity. Every mother, every newborn child, every healthcare worker and every patient who depends on reliable access to clean water will benefit from this project. This is the spirit of Waqf—creating lasting public benefit through sustainable charitable giving.” 

Cajee said the project continues a long tradition of supporting community infrastructure through Islamic philanthropy. 

“For centuries, Waqf institutions have helped establish hospitals, schools, clinics, water systems and other public services that continue to benefit communities long after they are built.  Access to reliable water remains fundamental to safe healthcare, infection prevention and human dignity.” 

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He thanked the donors whose generosity made the project possible and acknowledged the dedication of the hospital’s leadership and staff. 

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when civil society and public institutions work together in service of our communities. We hope it inspires similar partnerships across South Africa.” 

The water extension forms part of Awqaf SA’s broader programme of water projects supporting schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship and vulnerable communities across South Africa. 

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Located in Gaza City, North Gaza, the school was established in response to a growing education crisis, with many educational facilities across the territory damaged, destroyed or converted into shelters for displaced families.

The opening ceremony was a colourful and joyous occasion. Children participated in fun activities, families gathered to celebrate and a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the school’s doors.

Reflecting on the milestone, Moulana Mohammed Motala, Al Falaah College Alumni member and Al-Imdaad Foundation international projects coordinator, told Al-Qalam that the project began with a simple request from the people of Gaza: “We need a school”.

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“We have been involved almost daily with projects in Gaza for nearly three years, providing food aid, medical support and shelter. Then a request came from the people of Gaza that they needed education for their children. They had been deprived of education and asked if something could be done,” said Motala. 

The initiative was funded entirely by former students of the school. “The beauty of this project is that it was done by the alumni. What began as a request from the Al Falaah College community for a school project in Gaza has today become a reality,” explained Motala.

The school was established through the renovation of a damaged building, which was equipped with furniture, stationery and other educational resources needed to create a functional learning space.

According to Motala, approximately 900 learners have enrolled at the school. To ensure as many children as possible can access education, the school will operate in three cycles of 300 learners each over a six-day week, with boys and girls attending on alternate days.

The initiative extends beyond providing a classroom. The school caters primarily for vulnerable children, including orphans, displaced learners, households with little or no income and those affected by the trauma of war. Alongside academic subjects such as Arabic, Mathematics, English and Science, the programme incorporates psychosocial support, play-based learning activities and daily nutritional assistance, recognising that many children require both educational and emotional support.

For Motala, one of the most rewarding moments was witnessing the response from the community. “It was so heartwarming to see children and parents lining up on registration day and eventually seeing that classes have started,” he said.

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He emphasised that rebuilding communities requires more than emergency aid. “Aiding a community is not only giving food aid or shelter. It’s rebuilding. One of the main components for rebuilding a community is educating them,” said Motala. 

The opening comes at a time when many educational institutions in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. Motala believes the project sends a powerful message to the children of Gaza: “In one line, I would say, this is a message to the children of Gaza that we have not forgotten you.”

The school aims to help children regain a sense of normalcy while laying the foundation for a more self-sufficient future. “We don’t want to continue giving them food and emergency supplies where they remain reliant on aid. Education will empower them so that they become self-sufficient, earn their own living and become a generation that will not be receivers of aid,” said Motala.

The initiative has also opened the door to future collaboration, including the possibility of South African educators providing remote lessons and academic support to learners in Gaza.

Motala hopes the project will encourage other schools and communities to explore similar partnerships.

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The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) has hailed the success of its three-day Municipal Elections Indaba, describing the gathering as a significant milestone in strengthening civic participation and political engagement.

Held in Johannesburg, the Indaba brought together delegates from across the country, including members of the Ulama fraternity, Muslim representative bodies, business leaders, professionals, academics, civil society organisations and community stakeholders. The event formed part of the work of the UUCSA Political Committee, a broad-based platform established to facilitate structured engagement between the Muslim community and public representatives on matters of governance, policy and public interest.

Over the course of the Indaba, delegates engaged directly with senior leaders and representatives from six political parties in a series of robust discussions centred on the Muslim Civic Consensus document – a policy framework developed through extensive consultation processes within the Muslim community.

The document outlines approximately 50 policy positions on issues ranging from youth unemployment, corruption and crime to economic inclusion, online gambling, infrastructure decay, heritage preservation, and South Africa’s position on the genocide in Gaza and the broader Palestinian question.

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UUCSA said the engagements were designed to promote informed civic participation and ensure that the concerns of Muslim communities are articulated within South Africa’s democratic processes.

“The Committee brings together representatives from the Ulama, Muslim organisations, business, professional sectors, academia and civil society to develop consensus positions on key national, provincial and local issues affecting South Africans,” the organisation said in a statement.

The Muslim Civic Consensus has been made publicly available through UUCSA, which has encouraged South Africans to engage with the document and contribute recommendations relevant to their communities and municipalities.

UUCSA reiterated its non-partisan position, emphasising that it serves as a facilitator of dialogue rather than an endorser of any political party.

“As part of the next phase of this process, UUCSA intends facilitating similar engagements with regional, local and community-based political formations to ensure that issues affecting municipalities and local communities receive focused attention,” the statement noted.

The organisation also announced plans to partner with Muslim media institutions in launching a voter registration awareness campaign across Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. The initiative aims to encourage greater democratic participation and voter engagement.

In addition, UUCSA plans to convene a panel of Muslim political analysts and subject-matter experts to assess political parties’ responses to the Muslim Civic Consensus. The findings will be published as a public scorecard to assist Muslim voters in making informed electoral decisions.

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Among those attending the Indaba was Ebrahim Patel, Head of the Minara Chamber of Commerce, who highlighted several key outcomes. He noted that the South African Muslim community had demonstrated its diversity and unity, transcending race, language and cultural backgrounds while remaining firmly rooted in faith.

“The South African Muslim community is soundly patriotic to the country. We are not a minority – we are South Africa,” he said.

Patel also stressed the importance of active civic participation, arguing that meaningful political influence can only be achieved through engagement with political institutions and participation in policy discussions.

“The only way to influence politics is to be part of the process, engaging the political and functional organs of state and participating in dialogue on various ideas and policy influence.”

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Excitement is building up for the upcoming Minara Chamber of Commerce 2026 Business Recognition Awards in partnership with Standard Bank.

Al-Qalam recently attended the media launch of the Minara Business Recognition Awards held at the Standard Bank auditorium at Kingsmead, Durban.

Now in its 14th year, the Minara Business Recognition Awards have become a hallmark of achievement, recognising businesses, professionals and community leaders who continue to set new standards and inspire progress across the country.

The Minara Business Recognition Awards Gala Dinner will take place on Friday, October 23, at the NMJ Conference Centre, bringing together South Africa’s leading business figures, entrepreneurs and changemakers for an evening of celebration and recognition.

Nominations are now open and awards will be handed to achievers in various categories, including Businesswoman of the Year; Business Person of the Year; Professional Achiever of the Year; Young Entrepreneur of the Year; and Community Builder of the Year.

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Back at the launch, a major highlight was the reaffirmation of Standard Bank as the 2026 Diamond Partner, continuing a valued 13-year partnership with the Chamber. Minara pointed out that this longstanding collaboration reflects a shared commitment to business empowerment, sustainable growth and creating meaningful opportunities for South African businesses.

Speaking at the launch, Solly Suleman, Chairperson of the Awards Committee, welcomed guests and media partners. He said: “These awards continue to celebrate excellence, innovation, resilience and leadership within our business community, while recognising individuals and organisations making a meaningful impact in South Africa. We sincerely thank Standard Bank for its valued partnership over the past 13 years. Strong partnerships such as this are essential in building a thriving economy and creating platforms that deliver real value and success for our businesses and communities.”

He announced that Fatima Vawda, CEO of 27four Group, will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 Awards Gala Dinner, where she will share her leadership insights and perspectives with guests.

Standard Bank was represented by Rishaad Webster, Executive Head: Business Banking, Client Coverage, KwaZulu-Natal and Carl Henriksen, Head Commercial Banking Suite KZN and Ms Fikile Msiza, Regional Head of Business Banking, KZN.

Representatives of Standard Bank KZN echoed the similar views of this partnership, indicating the value of this partnership and are honoured to work alongside the Minara Chamber in supporting businesses and creating meaningful opportunities for growth and recognition and further mentioning the valuable partnerships create lasting value. Recognition plays an important role in building business resilience and growth, and we are proud as a provincial team to support initiatives that help businesses flourish. Our partnership is focused on meaningful impact and deliberate recognition of excellence within our communities.

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President of the Minara Chamber of Commerce, Ebrahim Patel, reiterated the significance of the awards:

“The Minara Business Recognition Awards provide a prestigious platform for businesses and professionals to showcase their achievements and gain distinguished recognition among peers and industry leaders.

He pointed out that participation enhances credibility, visibility and inspires others to pursue excellence and such a platform is important, especially in the current turbulent economic climate caused by the war between Israel and the United States against Iran.

He told Al-Qalam that the economy in South Africa, and across the world, has taken a hit, and it might take a long time, possibly years, before business recovers.

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Just two months after the passing of his beloved wife, Aunty Maymoona, Professor Allie Moosa – an internationally recognised specialist in paediatrics – returned to the Mercy of Allah (SWT).

Durban paediatrician, Dr Ahmed Ismail Manjra, who studied under Professor Moosa, paid a moving tribute to his mentor. “For me, he was more than a professor—he was my mentor in paediatrics, both during my undergraduate and postgraduate training. They say that in every doctor’s life, one person comes along who transforms medicine from a science into something sacred. For me, that person was Professor Moosa.

“To the world, he was a giant in paediatrics — a brilliant academic whose research shaped treatment protocols, whose papers filled journals, and whose name commanded respect in lecture halls around the globe. But to those of us fortunate enough to learn at his feet, he was simply “The Professor”— our mentor.

Dr Manjra said: “As an academic, his mind burned with relentless curiosity. He demanded excellence, not out of harshness, but because he believed every child deserved the highest standard of care. He taught me that a good doctor follows the textbook, but a great doctor writes one — and knows when to set it aside and simply listen. Under his guidance, every journal club became a battlefield of ideas, and every ward round a masterclass in precision.”

Dr Manjra told Al Qalam that Professor Moosa was one of those rare individuals who could carry the weight of a dying child’s life in his hands, while still making space to support the insecurities of his students.

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“Professor Moosa, you gave me the tools to heal small bodies. More importantly, you taught me how to hold small hands. You showed me that being a paediatrician is not just a profession—it is a vow to protect the most vulnerable part of every human story”.

Early Life

Professor Moosa was born in Cape Town on 23 November 1939 and grew up in modest circumstances in District Six. A brilliant student, he earned a place at the University of Cape Town (UCT) Medical School — an exceptional achievement for a person of colour at the time. He consistently ranked at the top of his class.

He later specialised in paediatrics in the United Kingdom, obtaining his MD (with Commendation) from the University of Sheffield, followed by MRCP, FRCP, and FRCPCH in subsequent years.

He became one of the few paediatricians of colour in South Africa.

He went on to specialise further in paediatric neurology at Hammersmith Hospital in London, where he conducted research into neuromuscular disorders in children. He contributed to pioneering work on the “Dubowitz Score” (named after his supervisor), which remains in use today to assess the gestational age of newborns. He also published numerous seminal papers on muscular dystrophy and related conditions, receiving multiple awards for his outstanding research.

In 1976, he returned to South Africa and was appointed Senior Lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics at UCT and Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

In 1978, he became Professor and Head of the Department of Paediatrics at the then University of Natal (now UKZN). There, he established a neurology clinic with a strong focus on neuromuscular disorders and trained a generation of paediatricians.

He later moved to Kuwait, where he joined Kuwait University and Adan Hospital, helping to establish the paediatric department while continuing his teaching and research.

Over the course of his career, he published more than 100 papers in international peer-reviewed journals, contributed chapters to numerous books, and delivered invited lectures at leading universities worldwide

Dr Manjra said he first met him in 1980, when he was a third-year medical student.

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“I attempted to introduce him to programmes run by the Muslim Youth Movement (MYM) —but instead, he recruited me into a career in paediatrics. We exchanged Islamic literature, and he later became an active participant in MYM programmes, attending with remarkable humility.”

He said Professor Moosa was also deeply involved in the early years of the Islamic Medical Association (IMA). Despite facing opposition from some colleagues, he remained steadfast and played a leading role in building the organisation into what it is today.

“As my mentor, he was instrumental in motivating me to publish my first paper in the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ) in 1989. He also supervised my first research project on megaloblastic anaemia at King Edward VIII Hospital, which I presented at a local paediatric congress in 1990.

Professor Moosa is remembered as a pillar of paediatric medicine globally. His work in neurology and neuromuscular disease significantly advanced the management of complex childhood conditions. Through his teaching and mentorship, he improved the standard of care for children across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond”.

Dr Manjra added: “I will not say goodbye, because a mentor never truly leaves. He lives on, in the way I examine a child’s eyes, in the patience I try to show a tired mother, and in every act of compassion I bring to my work.

He is survived by his children—Shiraz and Irshad (both doctors), and Tasnim —as well as his grandchildren.

The post Prof Moosa, a giant in paediatrics, passes on appeared first on Al-Qalam.