Local News Archives - Al-Qalam

SA back Coetzee’s boycott of Jerusalem Writers Festival

Al-Qalam — Fri, 08 May 2026 14:36:45 +0000

By Zubeida Jaffer

The National Writers’ Association of South Africa (NWASA) has expressed its full support for the South African Nobel Laureate J.M. Coetzee’s decision to decline participation in the 14th International Writers Festival in Jerusalem.

NWASA’s secretary-general, Dr Lebogang Nawa released the strongly worded statement on World Press Freedom Day, saying Professor Coetzee’s refusal is a principled act of conscience. ‘It reflects a long-standing literary and ethical tradition in which writers do not separate their work from the realities of power, injustice, and human suffering,” he said.

In Coetzee’s communication with the festival organisers, he described the military actions in Gaza as a “campaign of genocide,” and raised profound concerns about the moral responsibilities not only of governments, but of intellectual and artistic communities.

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His decision reminds us, said Dr Nawa, that participation in global cultural platforms is never neutral, and that absence, when grounded in principle, can carry profound moral clarity.

NWASA affirmed that writers have a responsibility not only to language but to humanity. “When conditions arise that call into question the dignity and rights of others, the literary community cannot retreat into abstraction,” he said. “Silence, in such moments, risks becoming complicit.”

NWASA considered Coetzee’s stance not to represent a rejection of dialogue but a challenge to the conditions under which dialogue is asked to take place

It urged the organisers of the 14th International Writers Festival to engage seriously with the concerns raised.

The NWASA statement calls for an end to violence, occupation, and the destruction of cultural institutions, while advocating for accountability, freedom of movement, and global solidarity. This is in alignment with South Africa’s foreign policy principles, which place human rights, international law, and multilateral accountability at their core.

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In this context, the organisation’s stance is not merely literary or symbolic, but part of a broader national and moral framework that rejects impunity and affirms solidarity with oppressed peoples through both diplomatic and cultural means.

“NWASA remains committed to a literary culture that does not turn away from difficult truths, but confronts them with honesty, courage, and responsibility,” Dr Nawa said.

www.zubeidajaffer.co.za

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Old church now a masjid masterpiece

Al-Qalam — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:14:31 +0000

By Ismail Suder

A century-old disused church in Durban has been converted into a masjid, transforming the once neglected structure into an architectural marvel embodying a fusion of Moroccan, Persian and Arabian influences.

Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabah, as it is named and situated on 16 J.B. Marks Road in Berea (Formerly Chelmsford Road), stands out particularly at night when its tasteful lighting, both decorative and functional, is switched on, attracting much interest amongst locals and visitors.

A carefully reimagined space of worship and community, the new masjid is the brainchild of Moulana Mohammed Vanker, its donors and the trustees of the An-Nur Foundation.

The architectural firm behind the innovative project is The End Studios, whose director, Idris Hoosain, was responsible for the design, production, and installation, including overseeing the project from concept to completion. To ensure a unique design direction was established, he worked closely with the trustees – and they were pleased with the end result.

Hoosain told Al-Qalam that this deliberate shift away from more familiar contemporary styles gives the masjid a distinctive identity, rooted in classical Islamic design traditions.

He said more than a simple conversion; the project represents a thoughtful balance between preservation and transformation.

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“The original architectural form has been retained, allowing the building’s heritage to remain visible, while a distinct Islamic identity has been layered into its structure — creating a space that feels both rooted and renewed.”

Driven by a long-term vision to elevate the role of the masjid, the An Nur Foundation has approached this project with a clear philosophy: a masjid should not only serve as a place of prayer, but as a centre of dignity, learning and belonging.

Stepping into the masjid, one is immediately struck by the richness of detail. The original timber roof structure remains intact, now complemented by intricate geometric ceiling patterns that introduce a distinctly Islamic visual language.

At the heart of the space, the mihrab forms a powerful focal point — framed by detailed woodwork, layered arches and a subtle halo of light. Surrounding this are elements that reflect craftsmanship and depth: laser-cut wooden screens, backlit panels, ornamental features and carefully composed architectural framing.

The polished parquet flooring further anchors the space, with handwoven Persian-style carpets arranged in traditional formation, reinforcing both familiarity and spiritual focus.

Lighting plays a defining role throughout. Warm ambient strips highlight architectural lines, while feature chandeliers introduce a sense of classical elegance. In contrast, softly illuminated alcoves and lounges add moments of intimacy and reflection, creating a balanced sensory experience.

Hoosain added: “Beyond the main prayer hall, the masjid introduces elements not commonly found in traditional layouts. Recessed majlis-style seating areas provide spaces for conversation and contemplation, inspired by Middle Eastern hospitality traditions. These are complemented by facilities designed for broader community use, including educational programmes, social engagement spaces, dedicated ladies’ facilities, a jamaat area and planned courtyard and garden developments.

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“The design intentionally extends beyond functionality, aiming to create an environment that welcomes all — particularly youth and families — into a space that feels accessible and lived-in, rather than purely institutional.

“Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabah is envisioned as a hub of continuous activity. Plans are already underway for maktab classes, hifz programmes and revert support initiatives, alongside regular visits from local and international scholars. Programmes for women and youth form a central part of this vision, supported by dedicated and comfortable spaces designed with inclusivity in mind.”

He added that weekly feeding schemes and community outreach initiatives further reinforce the masjid’s role beyond its walls, extending its impact into the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Hoosain pointed out the masjid is named after Hazrat Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), the first Mu’azzin of Islam, whose life represents unwavering faith, resilience, and the powerful message of equality in Islam – “reminding all who enter that true honour lies not in status, but in belief and steadfastness.”

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Al Falaah Alumni restoring Gaza school

Al-Qalam — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:06:51 +0000

By Azra Hoosen

Durban’s Al Falaah College (AFC) Alumni are currently helping to restore a partially damaged school in Gaza – and when completed – will accommodate up to 900 pupils.

The Gaza School Project, as it is called, seeks to restore education for hundreds of displaced children affected by the genocide.

Moulana Mohammed Motala, AFC Alumni member, told Al-Qalam how the project came into being and what it aims to achieve.

Moulana Motala described the scale of devastation following the recent ceasefire, when families began returning to what remained of their homes. “Everything was in rubble,” he said.

But the destruction also left the education system in ruins and children without access to schooling. It was in this context that he was contacted by teams on the ground, who highlighted an urgent need beyond food and shelter: the restoration of education.

At the same time, an opportunity for collaboration presented itself.

“It just so happened that Al Falaah College alumni also contacted me wanting to do a project for the people of Gaza. This was the ideal idea to propose to them,” explained Moulana Motala.

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Thus, the Gaza School project was born and put into action through Allah’s divine decree. “Within a few days, they raised the funds they needed and are now committed 100%, for this project,” he said.

Moulana Motala said that the focus was on restoring a partially damaged school structure that could still be salvaged.

They looked at a building that was only partially damaged, which could be patched up and refurbished. Plans were shared and approved, allowing work to begin quickly. The refurbishment process includes basic but essential classroom restoration.

“The refurbishment was the first phase, which involved patching up the building, painting the interior, and furnishing it, including installing classroom boards, as well as makeshift desks and benches,” he said.

Moulana Motala said artisans in Gaza are repurposing any material they can find. “These are not the type of desks, chairs, and benches we would find in an ideal school in South Africa. These are currently being made in Gaza using whatever wood they are able to find,” he said.

Despite these challenges, progress has already been made. “The refurbishment phase is now coming to a successful end,” he said.

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Once completed, the school will serve around 900 enrolled students, operating in structured cycles. “There have been 900 students who have enrolled in the school. Each cycle will serve 300 students, and the school will operate six days a week,” he added.

He also explained how attendance will be managed practically: “This will be a separated and gender-segregated system, where boys and girls will attend on alternate days, Insha’Allah.”

Beyond infrastructure, the initiative also includes full operational support for its first year. The project has been carefully structured into two funding streams, Lillah and Zakat. Lillah contributions were allocated towards the refurbishment of the school, while the Zakat component is dedicated to covering operational costs. This operational budget has been calculated at R1680 per learner per annum, based on 900 learners. To ensure sustainability, the AFC Alumni have further committed to managing these operational costs on an annual basis.

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Why I’m solo camping/travelling towards the heartland of the Great Karoo

Al-Qalam — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:27:00 +0000

Senior Al-Qalam journalist Ismail Suder is on yet another solo camping adventure – this time to savour the pristine desert life of the Great Karoo.

For months, I’ve been painstakingly planning a 4000 km solo camping road trip into the arid Great Karoo region of South Africa, but after two failed attempts, the idea fell flat.

The first attempt failed when I came down with the flu. The second attempt had to be cancelled because an order for crucial camping equipment – an awning for my Suzuki 4×4 that would protect me from the wind, rain and sun – was not delivered on time. Then the blessed month of Ramadan came and the road trip had to be put on hold – indefinitely.

Then last week, as I lay in bed contemplating the meaning of life, I could hear my late mother’s words: “Never give up, son!”

‘That’s it, I muttered. ‘I am going,’ – attempt number three!

A few days later, after fajr salah and lots of dua for protection, I hit the road with Bismillah on my lips.

It was also the day when fuel prices went up, but it wasn’t going to stop me – not now.

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The moment I hit the freeway towards PMB, I felt a mixture of euphoria and liberation. My first stop was at the Glensheiling campsite, set in the lush green countryside of Nottingham Road, in the Midlands. But before that, I dropped in at the only halaal establishment called the Field House Café & Musallah, which serves the finest burgers, shawarmas and pizzas. Set on a sheep farm, the corrugated iron farmhouse-style café was a welcome sight after a monotonous drive from Durban. After Zohr Salah read at the onsite Salah quarters, I was ready for my first night of camping.

Back at the “Glensheiling” campsite, Julie, the owner, welcomed me warmly. I set up camp opposite the lake and climbed up to my rooftop tent and went to bed, lulled into sleep by the sounds of night birds and crickets. The campsite is set alongside a privately-owned indigenous forest where you could go on trails alongside a gurgling stream.

The next camping spot was about 40km away, close to Howick, called Bushwillow. The manager, John and his wife made sure I was comfortable. It was Easter weekend and the campsite was buzzing with people – including shrieking kids, but my campsite, set opposite a trout dam, looked stunning as the waters shimmered in the moonlight night.

By the time you read this, I would be camping at the spectacular Mahai campsite set beneath the foothills of a mountain in the Royal Natal National Park.

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The Jimny is a little mountain goat eager to take on any mountain or river crossing. So many people ask me: “Aren’t you afraid to travel & camp solo? Don’t you get lonely on the road? What would you do in an emergency in the middle of nowhere?

If I still have fuel in my tank, then I might still forge on to the Karoo National Park to camp amidst the nama-Karoo shrubs and hills to absorb the beauty of quiet Karoo nights – if Allah wills.

In January last year, I undertook a 5000km road trip – 40 days in all – camping all along the coast of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, the Atlantic West Coast, Namaqua and almost to the border with Namibia. This trip is somewhat different. The route will take me into the vast semi-desert natural region located in the central and western interior of South Africa. It spans 400 000 square kilometres, making it one of the largest arid regions of the country.

The only advice my brother Yusuf gave me is: “Just DON’T break down in that part of the world, OK!”

*To check out Ismail’s adventures on his road trip, follow him on his Instagram channel: @jimny_go Afrika

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‘Ahmed Al-Kadi Hospital’s new cardiac theatre felt like being in a space lab’

Al-Qalam — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:21:00 +0000

By Ismail Suder

Taking a tour of the new space-age Cardiac and Endo-Vascular Cath Lab and Theatre that officially opened at Durban’s Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital recently felt like being at the command centre of a rocket launch.

The glitzy state-of-the-art equipment, lined with a bank of sophisticated computers and monitors, makes the Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital rank amongst the best in the world in terms of heart care.

Invited guests attended the launch of the new Cardiac and Endo-Vascular Cath Lab and Theatre, including the dedicated Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).

Invited guests, largely from the medical fraternity – and Al-Qalam – joined a guided tour of the new facilities, which was described as “a landmark development in our journey of clinical excellence”.

Suraiya Vaizie, the hospital’s public relations management spokesperson, said the advanced unit represents ‘more than state-of-the-art technology’. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to Patient Obsession Service Excellence, where every innovation is driven by better outcomes, safer care, and a deeply human approach to healing”.

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Ebrahim Asmal, CEO of Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital, said: “This new Cardiac and Endo-Vascular Cath Lab, Theatre, and CICU marks a defining moment for AAK. It is an investment not only in advanced medical capability, but in our promise to our patients — that they will receive world-class cardiac care, delivered with compassion, dignity, and excellence. Everything we do is guided by our belief that patient comfort and outcomes come first.”

Guest speaker, Dr Ahmed Vachiat, a prominent specialist physician and cardiologist from Gauteng, said the opening of this cardiac Cath lab will change people’s lives.

“This hospital — and this Cath lab — came into existence because of visionaries pausing to reflect. Dr Ahmed Al Kadi, a cardiothoracic surgeon, asked himself a question that most people in his position never bother to ask: ‘What am I doing with what I have been given?’ That is the essence of reflection.

“I invite each of us, on this day, to reflect. Not on our achievements — those are real, and they are worth acknowledging, but on the gap. On the distance between the full weight of what we know and can do, and what we are currently deploying in service of others…this gap is an invitation.

“We use the word ‘philanthropy’ often, and sometimes carelessly. It can conjure images of gala dinners and naming rights. But authentic philanthropy — the kind that actually changes the lives of strangers — looks very different.

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“It’s like a Cardiothoracic Surgeon, who could have spent his retirement in comfort, choosing instead to pour his energy, his resources, and his reputation into something that would outlive him — in a country he did not have to care about, for people who could not reciprocate the favour. Dr Ahmed Al Kadi is the inspiration behind this hospital. And yet the place his heart kept returning to was South Africa, this community.

“There is a concept in Islamic tradition — Amal Jariyah — a continuous, flowing charity. It describes an act whose benefit does not end when the giver stops giving, but continues to flow outward, long after the initial act. A well dug. A school was built. A child is educated. A hospital opened. The reward for such an act is said to continue for as long as the act continues to benefit others. Dr Al Kadi has dug a well. And today we opened the channel through which the water will flow to people who are thirsty.

“That is Dr Al Kadi. And this hospital — this Cath lab— is the evidence. We do not simply honour him with words today. We honour him by committing to carry this work forward with the same spirit. By asking ourselves: ‘what we are building with the expertise and influence we have been given.’

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Blind chef Nazir Malek’s ‘The Spice Genie’ concept hits the spot

Al-Qalam — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:19:00 +0000

Well-known Durban personality Nazir Malek has devised a “curry in a hurry” idea that has become a hot topic in many homes, writes Ismail Suder

When Durban entrepreneur and community leader and chef extraordinaire Nazir Malek gradually lost his sight in both eyes two years ago, he didn’t sit back – he was determined to live life as normally as possible.

He devised a culinary concept where anybody could enjoy a curry in a box. The product known as “The Spice Genie” has every spice ingredient, right down to the oil, onions and tomato paste to make mutton/chicken curry, karahi, kalya, fish curry, and many more – all within 30 minutes. All you have to do, he says, is to drop the oil in the pot, add the meat of your choice, empty the spices provided, add water and it’s done after a few stirs of the pot.

The concept has taken off with distributors selling the products in major centres across the country.

Malek, a well-known community leader, chef and travel agent, recently lost his sight in both eyes caused by retinal detachment, which led to partial blindness. He underwent 12 procedures to save his sight, but unfortunately, none were successful. In January last year, he went completely blind, however this has not deterred him from pursuing his business, and at the same time, his community projects and charitable work.

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During an interview at his home in Durban North, Al-Qalam asked him how he came up with the innovative concept. Malek, who operated a travel business specialising in hajj and umrah travel – and was also a chef for 40 years, cooking for mass events – said he had always provided meals for the hajees.

“So, cooking has always been a passion. I love cooking, I love feeding, so one night, by the Grace of Allah, the thought just came in, ‘why don’t I create something like The Spice Genie, which makes life easy for everyone, where you don’t have to be an expert in cooking. It is a perfect solution for the man or woman who wants to cook a tasty meal in no time. With this product, you’ll be able to feed between five and seven people. All you have to do is add 1kg of fish, mutton, beef, or chicken, then add the spices and tomato paste and let it cook on slow heat for about 30 minutes and you will have the perfect Durban-style meal for your family or guests. The recipe has been perfected, so there is no margin for error.

He said the motivation behind the idea was also meant to sustain his family.

“If you have The Spice Genie in your cupboard, you don’t need anything else, just add the contents and you will have the best original Durban style curry in a matter of less than 30 minutes”, he said.

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Malek says there are 21 dishes that are available on the market. He is now working to produce sweet dishes that would take 15 minutes to prepare.

Malek told Al-Qalam a full gift pack would make a perfect wedding gift for the new bride who is just starting off – it was bound to also make her mother-in-law proud. It could also work well for the bachelor who needed to make a delicious curry – even though his culinary expertise is boiling an egg, he said with a smile.

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MYM workshop helps youth tackle life’s challenges

Al-Qalam — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:12:00 +0000

By Azra Hoosen

The Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa (MYMSA) hosted its Ambassadors for Change training programme in Port Shepstone, equipping youth with both the understanding and the tools to engage meaningfully with the challenges they face.

The workshop covered a wide range of themes, including self-reflection, the root causes of conflict in Africa and globally, racism and discrimination, gender sensitisation, gender-based violence, human rights, as well as facilitation and organisational skills.

The programme was conducted at Port Shepstone Islamic School, delivered in three segments over the course of six days, concluding on April 1, 2026. It brought together a team of facilitators who guided participants through both theoretical and practical components of the training.

The session on human rights and responsibilities was facilitated by Advocate Neliswa Nota and the team from the Isibani Law and Therapy Centre, adding legal and social insight to the discussions.

One of the Facilitators, Arun Naicker, told Al-Qalam that at first, participants were very quiet and reserved. However, once they understood the participatory approach, they became fully engaged in the sessions.

This shift was intentional. “Young people often feel they are not listened to or are given roles that cannot be challenged. This programme creates a space for them to express their views and engage with issues they face daily,” said Naicker. The programme sought to challenge that dynamic by placing participants at the centre of the learning process.

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“Most of the group shared the need to become more confident public speakers. Each learner was given the opportunity to lead and present, and that made a significant difference,” she added.

Through debates, group work and structured discussions, participants were encouraged to grapple with difficult topics, not as distant concepts, but as lived realities.

For 16-year-old participant Sana Mulla, the experience was both confronting and empowering. “As a Matric student, I realised I have a very short window left to make a real impact at my school. I wanted to move away from just identifying problems and actually learn how to solve them,” said Mulla.

A session on human trafficking proved particularly impactful.

Sana told Al-Qalam that it completely stripped away the idea that these things only happen somewhere else. “It made me realise that our own communities and peers are vulnerable. It shifted my perspective from being a student to being a protector,” she said.

The teenager described this as a turning point in how she understands leadership: “Before the workshop, I thought being a leader meant carrying everything on your own shoulders. But I learned that leadership is about facilitation – creating a space where everyone feels they have a stake in the outcome.”

Beyond awareness, the programme placed a strong emphasis on leadership development. Participants were required to lead activities and present lesson plans, many for the first time, building both confidence and practical skills.

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“Most of the group shared the need to become more confident public speakers. Each learner was given the opportunity to lead and present, and that made a significant difference,” said Naicker.

All participants commended the supportive environment created by facilitators. “They were kind-hearted, patient and understanding. They empowered us to be the best versions of ourselves and made us feel like a unified family,” said one participant.

By the end of the programme, the transformation was visible. The same participants who began the training reserved and uncertain were now leading discussions, engaging confidently and taking ownership of their ideas.

The programme concluded with lesson plan presentations, debates and a closing ceremony organised by the participants themselves, which was a reflection of both their growth and their ability to take initiative.

The training also extended beyond the classroom. As part of the programme’s communication component, two participants took part in a radio interview on Radio Al-Ansaar. The experience reinforced the programme’s focus on building not only awareness, but the confidence to communicate and advocate on social issues.

As these young ambassadors return to their schools and communities, the focus will shift from training to action, applying what they learned to the realities they are already facing.

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Want to join a team to spring clean Mosques?

Al-Qalam — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:27:41 +0000

By Al-Qalam Reporter

The charity and Welfare Foundation, led by well-known Durban humanitarian, Nazir Malek, has embarked on a project where volunteers would spring clean their local masjids in their area.

The operational plan involves teams of eight people deployed to a mosque in their vicinity to spring clean it once every fortnight. This will happen on Sunday mornings after Fajr salah, from 6 am to 8 am.

Malek, who was recently blinded following an eye ailment, continues with his charity work, including cooking for events.

He told Al-Qalam that he was inspired by a hadith reported in Muslim and Bukhari. The hadith mentions that a lady used to regularly clean the mosque of the Holy Prophet (SAW).

When the Holy Prophet (SAW) had not seen the lady for a few days, he enquired about her whereabouts. His companions informed him that she had passed away. The Holy Prophet (SAW) was saddened that he had not been informed of her demise.

He informed the companions that because of her virtuous deed of cleaning the house of Allah, Allah had cleansed her heart, forgiven her sins, and secured for her a place in Paradise.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) then requested to be taken to her grave, where he performed her janazah salah and made dua for her forgiveness.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) greatly appreciated her humble service of cleaning the House of Allah and found it worthy to personally intercede and pray for her.

Malek said cleaning a masjid was a noble cause and an opportunity to please Allah.

He pointed out that spring cleaning would involve the cleaning of the masjid from ceiling to floor, including windows, tiles, toilets, and deep cleaning of the carpets. All the necessary equipment and cleaning materials will be provided.

“We intend to form a group of dedicated individuals who will serve Allah by cleaning his house. These will be “the Humble Servants,” he said.

“The teams will also be able to identify other areas of improvement and donors will then be found to assist.

“While there are many ways to serve Allah, this humble act will help control the ego (nafs). It takes humility to physically serve Allah to attain HIS pleasure and mercy, and as expiation for our sins.

“If this project resonates with you, then kindly contact us so we can coordinate the cleaning of the masjid in the vicinity of your home”, he added.

For those who wish to contribute financially by assisting in purchasing equipment and cleaning materials, you may deposit only Lillah funds into the designated account: Charity and Welfare Foundation – Standard Bank Savings Account no: 2554-17764, Overport City.

Section 18A certificates are also available for your generous contribution.

“May Allah accept the intention and effort of trying to serve Allah”.

For further details, contact: Nazir Malek

082 497 8688 nazir@malek.co.za

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Activists break bread at Iftaar evening

Al-Qalam — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:15:21 +0000

By Ismail Suder

The South Africa Palestine Movement (SAPM) recently held an Iftaar evening of “unity, reflection and solidarity’ at the Suleman Lockhat Auditorium in Overport, Durban, with one main conviction – to pursue justice for the Palestinian people.

Al-Qalam attended the event along with dozens of activists from across religious denominations and Palestinian groups.

The Iftaar evening also marked a milestone for the South Africa Palestine Movement, whose members street protested for 105 Fridays in bitterly cold wintry weather to blistering hot summer days.

“This milestone is not simply a celebration – it is a renewal of intention. Until the siege ends. Until occupation falls. Until children wake up without fear. Until olive trees grow without being uprooted. Two years later, the message remains clear: we will not normalise oppression. We will not silence the truth. We will not stop showing up, no matter what the weather, Yeshelen Govender, the group’s media spokesman.

One of those who attended the Iftaar was 95-year-old Coral Vinsen (94) of Durban, who is probably the oldest human rights activist in South Africa to protest each week against the genocide in Gaza – come hail, rain or shine.

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Also at the Iftaar evening was activist Elham Mouaffak Hatfield, a French-Moroccan (now South African citizen) who is part of the Global South African Samud flotilla Organisation team

She told Al-Qalam that people are preparing to set sail for Gaza within weeks, adding that the Flotilla will sail from Tunisia. She also called on South Africans to register to join the flotilla as soon as possible.

“We aim to leave for Gaza on the 12th April 2026 with 100 boats. Over a thousand people from around the world will join the Samud flotilla. We also have the humanitarian convoy mission at the same time.

“We will focus once again to sail peacefully to attempt once again to open a humanitarian corridor and break the siege of Gaza. Participants will include teachers, healthcare workers, war crime investigators, eco-builders and others to help build essential infrastructure in the Gaza Strip that was destroyed by the Zionist regime,” she added.

Those willing to volunteer may sign up here: https://registration.globalsumudflotilla.org/

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‘What you post online could ruin your life’

Al-Qalam — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:56:59 +0000

Muslim leaders urged to educate youth on the real consequences of social media misuse, writes Azra Hoosen.

As digital platforms continue to shape the social lives of young people, the rapid growth of social media has introduced serious risks, particularly for those who may not fully understand that what they post or share online could potentially ruin their own lives or those of others.

The South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) is urging Muslim organisations and community leaders to prioritise education around the moral, legal and social implications of social media misuse.

SAMNET member, Mohamed Kharwa, told Al-Qalam that across communities, concerns are growing around issues such as cyberbullying, digital harassment, grooming and the creation or sharing of manipulated content like deepfakes. While precise figures are difficult to determine, available research suggests the problem is widespread and growing.

Legal experts have also warned that many young people do not realise how easily online actions can lead to serious consequences.

SAMNET pointed out that this was happening within the Muslim community, among, by and against Muslim youth.

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Kharwa reflected on the teachings of digital law specialist Emma Sadleir, who has become a leading voice on the risks of online behaviour.

In her public talks, Sadleir frequently highlights that what young people consider jokes, pranks or private messages can easily cross into criminal territory. Sharing explicit images, participating in online harassment, or distributing manipulated content such as deepfakes can lead to serious legal repercussions.

She emphasised that digital content leaves a permanent trail, something many teenagers fail to consider in the moment.

For SAMNET, the concern is that community discussions about social media often focus on condemnation rather than education.

“Many talks, Jumu’ah khutbahs and podcasts focus on saying social media is bad, that people should stay off it or delete the apps. It condemns the technology but doesn’t teach how to use it or protect yourself,” he said.

Kharwa said the youth need guidance to protect themselves from misuse among peers and their own actions. “The prevailing strategy of ‘building walls’ and trying to ‘isolate ourselves’ from the reality is not going to work,” he said.

A major challenge, however, is that the digital world has evolved far more quickly than the ability of many parents and educators to keep up with it. “Until we educate and support parents, teachers and community leaders, how can we expect them to know what to do?” he asked.

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Rather than addressing incidents only after they occur, SAMNET is urging proactive engagement to equip both youth and adults with the knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.

To address the issue, the network has proposed a multi-layered initiative aimed at strengthening awareness and education.

The plan includes a programme to “educate the experts” by bringing together specialists in youth psychology, law and education to develop a unified messaging strategy. The initiative would also involve training community-based facilitators across different regions to deliver consistent guidance and support.

Another key component would involve workshops for parents and educators hosted through mosques and community organisations, helping adults better understand the platforms young people use and the challenges they encounter online.

SAMNET also proposes a sustained social media awareness campaign across both digital and physical platforms to reinforce responsible online behaviour and highlight potential legal consequences.

The organisation believes addressing the issue requires a coordinated approach involving legal experts, psychologists, educators, community organisations and youth leaders.

Importantly, the conversation should not be limited to schools or even to youth alone. “These problems exist in universities, workplaces and even between adults. The youth conversation is critical, but broader discussions about responsible digital behaviour must happen in parallel,” Kharwa said.

SAMNET also believes addressing these challenges should extend beyond the Muslim community: “As part of a diverse country, we have a responsibility to everyone. Just as we respond to hunger or physical hardship, we must also respond to social harm.”

Kharwa noted that digital abuse affecting any woman or young person should be treated as a collective concern.

For SAMNET, the goal is clear: build awareness before harm occurs.

“This is about building an informed and prepared generation. We cannot ignore the realities young people face online. We must equip them to navigate it responsibly,” said Kharwa.

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