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.

The post SA Muslims open new school in Gaza appeared first on Al-Qalam.

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.”

The post Political Indaba marks new chapter in Muslim political engagement  appeared first on Al-Qalam.

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.

The post Minara upbeat for Business Awards appeared first on Al-Qalam.

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.

Two South Africans travelling with the Samud Land Convoy currently in Western Libya have spoken out about being blocked by East Libyan authorities from continuing their humanitarian aid caravan to Gaza – but they say they are not deterred.

The convoy departed from the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, passing through the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Republic of Tunisia, then through western Libyan territories, with participation of more than 20 trucks, ambulances, and mobile accommodation units, and more than 230 participants from 44 countries, including doctors, engineers, educators, lawyers, media professionals, and humanitarian volunteers.

But when the convoy neared the border of the breakaway region of Sirte in Eastern Libya, the military informed them they would not be allowed to enter its territory.

When Pro-Palestinian heavyweight Mandla Mandela learnt that the “Samud Land Convoy” had been blocked, he boarded a flight to Libya to meet the activists who were encamped at the coastal city of Zliten.

Al-Qalam interviewed two of the three South Africans in the convoy, Muhammad Bulbulia and Jessica Mary Breakey, who both said that despite the hot desert windstorms, dwindling food and rationed water, their discomfort was nothing compared to what the people of Gaza were enduring. The third South African participant in the convoy is firebrand human rights activist Fatima Hendricks, whose brother Qulb Hendricks – a participant in the latest Global Samud Flotilla – is currently being held by Israel. The others detained are Faizel Moosa, Hajat Kagiso Al Tha’irah Ahjum Mathee, Mogamed Faeek Ariefdien, Ebrahim Peters and Yusuf Rahman.

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The Samud Land Convoy (SLC) is aligned with the Global Samud Flotilla (GSF).

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation condemned Israel for the illegal arrest of the activists, adding it was negotiating for the release of the SA abductees.

Back at the east-west Libyan buffer zone, the executives of the land convoy delivered a letter to warlord Khalifa Haftar’s regime with a plea to allow the convoy safe passage towards Egypt.

The letter read: “We hereby inform Your Excellency that the convoy, subject of this request, is a specialised international humanitarian relief convoy, part of the initiatives of the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” one of the most prominent international civilian humanitarian initiatives, with participation from actors from more than 44 countries worldwide.” 

They asked the regime to facilitate safe passage through the territory under its control, including the cities of Sirte and Benghazi, right up to El Salloum, the primary harbour town and official land border crossing between Libya and northwestern Egypt.

The letter continued: “The Sumud Convoy is proceeding transparently and publicly and is under international observation. There is no legal or factual basis for interfering with its movement.

“Accordingly, we request a response regarding safe passage arrangements and approval within 24 hours of receipt of this letter.”

“Failure to provide confirmation or to guarantee safe passage within this timeframe will be interpreted as a refusal to ensure the safety of a peaceful civilian convoy, despite prior notice and an opportunity for coordination.” They are awaiting a response.

Meanwhile, Johannesburg academic and activist Jessica Mary Breakey told Al-Qalam that participants are from North Africa, but there are large contingents from Indonesia and Turkey.

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“Part of the delegation are specialised humanitarian workers and we want access through Rafah into Gaza,” she said..

“Enroute, we stayed at a coastal town called Zliten, where we were warmly welcomed by the community – and by officials of the local mosque. They offered us accommodation and food and it was really, really beautiful with such a spirit of solidarity. That was when Mandla Mandela came briefly to join us. He flew all the way here to offer his support and solidarity, which lifted our spirits”, she added.

Mandela reminded the activists that Libyans “supported us during our darkest days in the struggle for liberation in South Africa.”

He added: “I am here today when we commemorate the Nakba “Catastrophe” to say we remain united as Africans speaking with one voice in support of the Palestinians in Gaza and Occupied Territories.:

“Our mission will not stop until every Palestinian in the diaspora has been given the right of return to the land of their forefathers. We will continue to mobilise the entire global community until we realise a free Palestine from the river to the sea. Libre Palestina, Aluta continua.”

The post SA activists ‘steadfast’ after Samud Land Convoy blocked appeared first on Al-Qalam.

The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) is calling on Muslims to rethink the way they view politics, arguing that civic participation is not separate from Islamic responsibility but closely tied to the daily realities of Muslim community life.

At the centre of UUCSA’s message is the argument that Muslim communities cannot separate their religious institutions from local government, emphasising that ‘Your Masjid is not separate from your municipality.’

Head of UUCSA’s Political Strategy Committee, Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat, emphasised that disengagement is not what Islam teaches us. “Never forget that we need a conducive environment to preserve our Masaajid, Madaaris and Institutions; to practise our faith and to live our lives as citizens. If you disengage from the system, you are effectively handing over the responsibility to someone else to decide what kind of environment we will exist in materially and spiritually. That is why every vote counts,” he said. 

Explaining the importance of participation in the upcoming local government elections, Moulana Ravat said many voters do not fully understand how the municipal voting system works. Coalition politics has changed South Africa’s political landscape. In many municipalities and provinces, outright majorities are no longer guaranteed, meaning smaller margins can now determine who governs, how coalitions are formed and which policies are prioritised.

“There will be two ballots. One ballot works on a winner-takes-all basis. The second ballot is for a political party. Even if that party’s ward candidate does not win, the total number of votes received across the municipality still contributes towards the number of seats that party receives in council. Your vote still strengthens the party of your choice,” he explained. 

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Moulana Ravat clarified that UUCSA is not forming a political party, nor are they telling people who to vote for. “The aim is to help communities become more structured, organised and mobilised from the grassroots level upwards, so that our efforts are coordinated and more impactful within the political landscape,” he said. 

Moulana Ravat also encouraged Muslims to educate themselves about governance systems and to participate meaningfully in civic life: “Learn the system, apply your mind, be strategic, do the best you can, exercise the power of your vote, and leave the rest to Allah.” 

The Secretary General of UUCSA, Moulana Yusuf Patel, told Al-Qalam that growing frustration with politics should not lead to disengagement. Many people only recognise the importance of politics once service delivery failures begin affecting their homes, institutions and communities directly.

“The question is not whether politics will affect us. It already does. The question is whether we will participate in shaping those decisions, or whether we will leave them entirely to others,” he questioned. 

The council outlined several issues affecting Muslim communities that require stronger representation at the municipal level. These include zoning and land use for Masajid, Madrasahs and Muslim schools, cemetery and burial matters, safety around places of worship, service delivery, housing, disaster response and support for small businesses.

Moulana Patel said that as Muslims, we must distinguish between partisan fighting and principled civic engagement. “UUCSA is not asking Muslims to become blindly loyal to any party. We are asking Muslims to become politically conscious, organised and accountable in how we engage,” he said. 

The organisation also warned against fragmented activism, saying communities that lack coordination often struggle to have their concerns addressed effectively.

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At the same time, UUCSA stressed that Muslim civic engagement should not focus only on specifically Muslim concerns. “Our Islamic responsibility is wider than that. We must speak for justice, dignity and accountable governance for all communities, while ensuring that the specific needs of Muslim institutions and communities are not ignored,” said Moulana Patel. 

Beyond elections, UUCSA encourages Muslims to become involved in ward meetings, civic forums and public participation processes. It also urges communities to monitor promises made by political parties and public representatives.

Moulana Patel said that success would mean Muslim communities becoming “more organised, more informed and more consistent” in civic engagement across the country.

UUCSA’s message to Muslims who feel disconnected from politics is direct: Your voice matters, and your absence also has consequences. Your community is not separate from the decisions made in council chambers. Your responsibility as a Muslim is not separate from your responsibility as a citizen.

“If you are not registered, register now, vote and encourage others to do the same,” said Moulana Patel. 

The post Ulama Council: ‘Your Masjid is not seperate from your Municipality’ appeared first on Al-Qalam.

From SA Top Achiever to Summa Cum Laude, everything changed the moment Azraa Ebrahim stopped asking ‘Can I?’

The young scholar recently graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Religion and Social Transformation, achieving Summa Cum Laude distinction and averaging above 80% across all her modules.

Born with Congenital Bilateral Optic Nerve Atrophy, a rare degenerative condition affecting her vision, Azraa first drew national attention in 2021 after achieving the highest results among special needs schools in KwaZulu-Natal and placing second nationally. Since then, she has continued carving out a space for herself in academia, while using her platform to speak about disability, inclusion and representation within Muslim spaces.

Beyond academia, Azraa has presented at national conferences, travelled independently and returned to her former high school as the guest of honour at its Senior Prizegiving ceremony.

But long before the accolades and public recognition, there was a young girl trying to understand why she had been born blind. “Throughout my life, Islam has been my compass, offering direction through both triumph and hardship,” Azraa told Al-Qalam.

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As the only learner with a disability in a mainstream Muslim school during her primary school years, she faced bullying and exclusion that deeply shaped her understanding of herself and the world around her. “It was through Islam, particularly Sufism, that I found the tools to not only endure those experiences but transform them into sources of personal strength and purpose,” she said.

For Azraa, the concepts of sabr and tawakkul became living practices. “Islam taught me that struggle carries meaning, and that understanding fundamentally changed how I experience my disability, not as something to overcome, but as part of a purposeful journey,” she said. 

That understanding followed her into university, where the challenges became less visible but no less demanding.

“Being blind means that a lot of things take longer. Every piece of learning material had to be worked through carefully and completely.”

Using a screen reader to access academic material meant that even simple formatting issues could become major obstacles. Most of her studies were completed on her phone, often while managing severe eye pain.

Still, she pushed through.

“Achieving Summa Cum Laude required discipline, consistency and a genuine love for the process itself,” she said.

One of the most demanding parts of her Honours year came during presentations. Unable to rely on cue cards or slides, Azraa memorised entire scripts before presenting them. “What surprised me was that this became one of my favourite parts of the process. Memory is genuinely my greatest strength,” she said. 

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For Azraa, the shift in her life came when she stopped seeing blindness as something standing in opposition to her ambitions. “For a long time, I asked myself, ‘Can I or can’t I?’. The moment I replaced that with ‘how will I?’ everything changed,” she said. 

That perspective has also shaped the way she understands representation. Growing up, she seldom encountered stories of Muslim women with disabilities succeeding academically or publicly. “The absence of role models that looked like me growing up is precisely why I understand the weight of the position I now occupy,” she said.

Azraa credits much of her confidence to her parents, who refused to raise her within the limits society often places on disabled children. After noticing how bullying had caused her to retreat into herself as a child, they enrolled her in karate. Years later, she earned her black belt.

Now preparing for her Master’s research on disability in Islamic digital spaces, Azraa hopes to push conversations within Muslim communities beyond accommodation and toward genuine inclusion. “I want the voices of disabled Muslim women to move from the margins to the centre. As one of the very few researchers with a disability working in this field in South Africa, I am aware that my presence in these conversations is itself an argument for why they need to happen,” she said. 

The post Visually impaired graduate Azraa Ebrahim now working towards MA appeared first on Al-Qalam.

Mymona Galant was born in Durban in 1939, the youngest of five children, to Rashaad and Kubrah (nee Salie) Domingo. Her childhood home was No 37 Maud Lane in Central Durban, an address she repeated frequently in her last years. Both her parents were prominent community members in the small Durban ‘Malay’ community at the time. Her father was a manager in his brother’s textile factory and also a much consulted khatib in the community. Her mother was a well-known and sought-after dressmaker and also served as a ‘toekamandie’ (person responsible for washing and shrouding the deceased) in the community. 

Mymona attended Albert Street Primary School and Umbilo Road High School up to Standard 8.  During the Apartheid forced removals in the 1960s, the family moved to Havelock Road, Greenwood Park. She learnt how to recite the Qur’an from her parents. Her love for the Qur’an inspired her to join the Arabic Study Circle in Durban as one of its first students in the early sixties. 

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She married Sedick Galant in 1964, a teacher from Draper Street, Claremont and relocated to Cape Town. Her parents joined them in Cape Town in the early seventies and lived with them, in Vanguard Estate, Athlone, until they passed on. 

In Cape Town, Mymona initially followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a dressmaker working from home. In 1973, she started volunteering as a teacher at the Vanguard Madrasah near her home.  Inspired by her teaching at the madrasa, despite having no formal teaching experience, she started attending tajwid classes taught by the late Hafiz Yusuf Booley in order to improve her recitation. She also enrolled for short courses offered by Vista University on child psychology. These studies inspired her to apply to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) for degree studies despite having no matric. In 1997, two years after her husband had passed away, she was granted an age exemption at the age of 58 and started studying towards her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of the Western Cape. In 2002, she completed her Honours degree in Arabic and Linguistics at UWC.

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For twenty years, Mymona taught at the Vanguard Madrasa, later becoming the principal. During this time, she developed a pioneering phonetic method of teaching Qur’an reading. She developed a comprehensive madrasah teaching syllabus accompanied by colourful wall charts, flash cards and other visual aids. She proceeded to share her knowledge and experience of teaching this method for Qur’an reading in numerous workshops with madrasa teachers from various madaris in the Western Cape, as well as teachers in Zimbabwe. Her method of teaching Qur’an reading has been published in a series of eight Qur’an Readers currently used in all grades at the Claremont Main Road Mosque Saturday Morning Madrasa. During her active years, she also taught regular hajj classes and toekamandie classes to groups of women at home and other locations. 

Mymona’s life personifies lifelong learning and teaching. She touched many people’s lives through her teaching and leaves a lasting legacy of a method for Qur’an reading that will benefit generations to come. Mymona Galant is survived by her three children, Jaamia, Khalid and Raashied and one grandchild, Zidane. 

The post Farewell Mymona Galant: A pioneer of teaching Qur’an appeared first on Al-Qalam.

Well-known UK-based journalist, Dilly Hussain, has relocated to South Africa to set up One Nation Media, a global digital platform whose mission is to fight Islamophobia and anti-Muslim narratives.

Before joining One Nation Media, he co-founded 5Pillars in 2013, which grew into one of the largest independent Muslim news platforms in the West, and hosted the widely followed Blood Brothers Podcast, known for in-depth conversations on politics, identity and faith.

His appointment comes after more than a decade in Muslim digital journalism, during which he built a profile covering major political and humanitarian developments across the Muslim world, alongside long-form media and commentary.

Hussain has reported from several regions affected by conflict and political transition, including Afghanistan following the withdrawal of American and NATO forces, the floods in Bangladesh in 2021, and post-Assad developments in Syria. He also covered global reactions to the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020.

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Speaking to Al-Qalam, Hussain said his identity is shaped beyond journalism.

“Beyond journalism, I’m a husband, father of two young daughters, and someone whose life has been shaped by faith, family and a strong sense of purpose,” he said.

He was raised in Bedford, a town north-east of London, in a British-Bangladeshi working-class family. Growing up in post-9/11 Britain, he said, shaped how he understood the representation of Muslims in mainstream media.

“Journalism became more than a profession for me; it became a responsibility,” Hussain said.

Before joining One Nation Media, he co-founded 5Pillars, which grew into one of the UK’s most recognised independent Muslim news platforms. He also hosted the widely followed Blood Brothers Podcast, known for in-depth conversations on politics, identity and faith.

His move to South Africa marks a new chapter after years of UK-based media work.

“After more than a decade helping build 5Pillars in the UK, I felt there was space for a new kind of Islamic digital media platform rooted in civilisational journalism and confident in articulating an Islamic worldview without apology,” he said.

“There is a strong intellectual and activist tradition here, particularly around Palestine, social justice and anti-colonial struggles,” Hussain said.

He also noted the importance of South Africa’s press environment in supporting independent media work.

The relocation has also been a personal transition, involving his young family adapting to a new country.

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“Relocating a young family to another country is never easy, especially leaving behind loved ones and familiar surroundings,” he said. “But South Africans have been incredibly warm and welcoming, and my family and I have genuinely felt embraced.”

For Hussain, much of his worldview has been shaped by witnessing how Muslim stories are framed globally and the need for independent platforms.

“If Muslims did not build their own platforms and tell their own stories, others would continue defining us,” he said.

Now stepping into his role as Executive Editor at One Nation Media, Hussain says the aim is to build a platform that goes beyond conventional reporting.

“My vision for One Nation Media is to help build a serious Islamic digital media platform rooted in journalistic integrity, intellectual confidence and civilisational clarity,” he said.

The platform aims to produce journalism, documentaries, debates, podcasts and analysis that not only report events, but explain their meaning and context.

“The platform is grounded in an Islamic civilisational lens rooted in faith, morality and justice, rather than purely secular frameworks,” he said.

For Hussain, the need for such platforms reflects a broader gap in global media representation.

“Muslims are hungry for authenticity. People can sense when content is sanitised, performative or disconnected from their lived realities,” he said.

As he settles into his new role in South Africa, his focus is on building a sustainable media institution that connects African Muslim narratives with wider global conversations.

His arrival signals the beginning of a new chapter in independent Muslim media collaboration between the UK and South Africa, rooted in storytelling, identity, and purpose.

The post One Nation Media to challenge anti-Muslim narratives appeared first on Al-Qalam.

As South Africa’s education system faces ongoing pressures, Awqaf SA has stepped in to address the much-needed educational demands of learners. Now in its 11^th year, the community-based organisation’s flagship Maths Workshop series is ready to kick off this weekend by providing support to Grade 10-12 learners across the country.

 These critical interventions have reached learners in places such as Soweto, Ladysmith, Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha. Hosted locally in association with the Western Cape Education Department, the goal is to assist learners who are struggling to understand Maths, as well as those who have potential in Maths.

“The high numbers of attendance over the past decade show that the workshops are making their mark”, said Awqaf SA’s CEO, Mickaeel Collier. 

“As a community-based organisation, our role is to fill the gaps when the system is under pressure. The learners are eager to improve, and we are proud to lead this intervention.

“Careers of the futures such as STEM (Science, Technology and Medicine) all require Maths. Despite South Africa’s economic potential, poor learner performance widens the country’s skills gap and the growing high youth unemployment rate,” said Collier.

“Awqaf SA’s workshop series confronts this challenge by giving learners the strategy and confidence to approach their exams like a ’War room,” stated Maths Facilitator, Mohammad Khota.

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“This life-changing experience lays a well-planned foundation for the learners’ futures.”

 Collier said that the driving force of the project has been Khota. And that with his unique brand of humour, he has transformed thousands of learners’ approach to Maths. Through him, they have acquired an understanding for complex Maths concepts and built an affinity for the subject.

 Following a successful 2025 workshop series, where 85 000 learners benefitted, and a record 700 learners participated at Spine Road High, the 2026 series is set to equal, if not increase its impact. 

 The partnership between Awqaf SA, the Western Cape Education Department, Spine Road High, Portlands High and Luhlaza High School continues to strengthen the Maths ecosystem.

 What makes the sessions accessible is that they are hosted as hybrid sessions. There is an in-person cohort at schools, completed by a larger audience who log on via Awqaf SA’s YouTube platform.

  Registration is free, making this Maths education available to any learners with access to an internet connection.

 An annual competition assesses the impact of the intervention. Armani Rahman, a Grade 12 learner, scored 97% in her final Maths exam. She is now studying Medicine. Jayda Lee Pillay from Strandfontein High School scored 87%. In Grade 12 this year, she aspires to study Actuarial Science at UCT. 

 This bears testament that learners have benefited from this model. Furthermore, learners have been able to realise their full potential by unlocking scholarships, bursaries and university placements.

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 Workshop

This workshop caters for grades 10, 11 and 12. This will be a hybrid session where learners will be in person at the school venues and for learners who will attend via YouTube.

 Grade 12: Venue: Spine Road High School, Maths Paper 1 (Algebra), Saturday, 23 May 2026 – 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. Maths Paper 2 (Geometry), Sunday, 24 May 2026 – 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

 Grade 11 Venue: Portland’s High School, Maths Paper 1 (Algebra), Saturday, 30 May 2026 – 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. Maths Paper 2 (Geometry), Sunday, 31 May 2026 – 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

 Grade 10: Venue: Luhlaza High School, Maths Paper 1 (Algebra), Saturday, 6 June 2026 – 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. Maths Paper 2 (Geometry). Sunday, 7 June 2026 – 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

The classes are free. Online registration is required to confirm in-person attendance and to obtain the YouTube stream links.  For more information, visit: https://awqafsa.org.za/mathsmay2026/

The post All systems go for Awqaf’s Maths Workshop series appeared first on Al-Qalam.