Cape Town Islamic scholar, Shaykh Moegamad Amien Jardien, has made an impassioned plea to South Africans to embrace migrants and refugees rather than to gleefully watch the shameful xenophobic attacks against them across the country.

Shaykh Jardien has taken to social media and the mimbar to plead for tolerance and empathy for legitimate foreign nationals residing in South Africa. He also shared his thoughts with Al-Qalam.

“When the refugee suffers in Cape Town, in Johannesburg and Durban, we should feel that suffering as our own. When the immigrant shopkeeper is attacked, it is our own hand that is burned. When the asylum seeker is denied justice, it is our own heart that is wounded.

He said the Prophet (SAW) was himself a refugee who sought refuge in Madina during the Hijrah after facing 13 years of persecution by the Quraysh of Makkah. He said the “strangers”, the Ansar of Madinah, transformed his vulnerability into dignity, his displacement into belonging, and his poverty into prosperity.

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“Right now at this moment, South Africans whose forefathers, fathers and brethren have faced colonialism, slavery and apartheid, are about to commit a heinous crime against African migrants who came here looking for a better life. Let us reflect upon one of the most profound lessons from the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — the Hijrah, his migration from Makkah to Madinah, and the extraordinary generosity of the Ansar who received him and the Muhajirun with open hearts and open hands. This sacred history is not merely a story of the past; it is a living blueprint for how we, as Muslims in South Africa, should respond to the refugees and immigrants in our midst”.

“As Muslims of South Africa, we cannot hear these stories and then turn a blind eye to the refugees and immigrants in our own land. We cannot praise the Ansar while emulating the Quraysh who expelled the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.

“Today, xenophobic rhetoric fills our streets and our social media. Immigrants and refugees are blamed for unemployment, for crime, for housing shortages, for every social ill.”  This was mostly not true, he said.

“The Prophet ﷺ taught us that our provision is written by Allah before the creation of the heavens and the earth. So, no human being can take what Allah has decreed for you. The immigrant who opens a shop, the refugee who drives a taxi, the asylum seeker who works in a restaurant — they are NOT stealing your rizq, they are seeking theirs, just as the Muhajirun sought theirs in Madinah.

“In fact, the evidence in South Africa shows that immigrants and refugees are more likely to start businesses than native-born citizens. They create employment not only for themselves but for South Africans as well. Studies has found that immigrant-owned businesses in townships and informal settlements often employ local South Africans, contributing to job creation rather than job loss.”

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Shaykh Jardien pointed out that Research by organizations such as the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town and academic studies on immigrant entrepreneurship have documented that immigrant-owned businesses in South Africa’s townships and informal settlements often sell basic foodstuffs at prices significantly lower than established retailers. This is not because they are “undercutting” unfairly; it is because they operate with lower overheads, longer hours, and a willingness to accept smaller profit margins.

“These migrants are not the cause of unemployment; they are a response to the failure of the formal economy to serve the poor. They are filling gaps that South African businesses have abandoned such as operating in rural areas, informal settlements, and open late-night hours. They are demonstrating to South Africans that with hard work, modest capital, and community trust, prosperity is possible.

Shaykh Jardien told Al-Qalam that many South Africans fear immigrants because they do not know them. He suggested they organize community dialogues, interfaith gatherings, and educational programs that humanize refugees and immigrants. “Let South Africans hear their stories, just as the Ansar heard the stories of the Muhajirun and wept with compassion”.

He added: “Today we stand at a crossroads in our nation’s history. We can choose the path of the Ansar — generosity, solidarity, and faith — or the path of the Quraysh — suspicion, exclusion, and oppression.”

The post Xenophobic attacks: ‘Muslims must stand up for refugees’ 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.

Behind the warm smile and humble demeanour, Sumaya Suliman is tough as nails when it comes to driving her string of businesses, ranging from trucking to restaurants and hospitality enterprises.

Al-Qalam caught up with her at one of her restaurants in Durban to ask about her recipe for success.

A wife and mother of four, Sumaya’s entrepreneurial story began long before the accolades and business successes that would later define her career. Educated in Laudium, Pretoria, she relocated to Durban after marriage, where she focused on raising her family while steadily building her presence in the business world. Guided by determination and a natural entrepreneurial instinct, she transformed challenges into opportunities and developed a diverse portfolio encompassing transport, hospitality, property, and tourism.

In 2000, she co-founded RNS Trucking, establishing her foothold in the transport and logistics industry. Over the years, her interests expanded into hospitality and property investment, demonstrating a remarkable ability to identify opportunities across sectors.

 Today, Sumaya owns several well-known restaurant franchises, including Jimmy’s Killer Prawns at Gateway and Westwood Mall, as well as Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant at Gateway. Her business interests include holiday letting and hospitality ventures such as Raeesa’s Guesthouse.

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 Her entrepreneurial achievements have earned widespread recognition. In 2019, she received the Panache Women of Wonder Award. Two years later, she was named among Eastern Eye Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Personalities in South Africa and received the Women of Wonder Visionary Award. In 2023, she was nominated for Businesswoman of the Year by the Minara Chamber of Commerce, served as a panellist at the Al Baraka Women in Business event, and represented South Africa at World Halal Day. Her growing influence was further recognised in 2024 with the Women Icon International Award.

 Her leadership journey continued in 2025 when she was appointed a Director of the Minara Chamber of Commerce and became one of the administrators of the United Halaal Association. Through these roles, she remains committed to empowering others and creating opportunities for women in business.

 For Sumaya, one of her proudest achievements was opening her first Jimmy’s Killer Prawns franchise at Westwood Mall in September 2008.

“It was a dream come true,” she recalls. “The mall was still under construction at the time, and I had to wear boots when coming to see the store.”

 Like many entrepreneurs, her journey has included successes and setbacks. While several ventures flourished, she also faced the difficult decision to close Jimmy’s outlets in Musgrave, the Musgrave Centre Food Court, and The Pavilion.

 Her transport and logistics business proved particularly valuable during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite her extensive business experience, public speaking has presented its own challenges. Sumaya describes addressing the audience at the Women of Wonder event in 2019 as one of her most stressful experiences. “As an introvert, speaking in a theatre was incredibly stressful,” she admits.

 Drawing on years of experience navigating changing economic conditions, she offers practical advice to aspiring and established business owners alike. “The market is so volatile at the moment. You have to have your hand in many pies,” she says. “The markets are not good. Cut down expenses, go through your bank statements, and scrutinise your accounts.”

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Beyond business, Sumaya is involved in charitable initiatives, supporting madrassahs in Inanda and Bonela.

At the Minara Chamber of Commerce, she has helped introduce a loyalty programme that offers members discounts through a network of partner businesses. While she remains tight-lipped about future professional and personal ambitions, she hints that exciting developments are on the horizon.

When asked what qualities are essential for success in business, her answer is immediate. “Resilience, because business is a rollercoaster ride. You have to be strong-minded and approachable so that customers, staff, and suppliers can communicate with you. Ethics and principles are also essential in all your dealings.”

Support from her family and team has helped her pursue new opportunities, including the launch of a food trailer at Magma Agri Fair in Camperdown.

The post Sumaya Suliman: Woman of substance appeared first on Al-Qalam.

Palestinian activists worldwide have launched a campaign to call on the breakaway East Libyan government to free the 10 Samud Land Convoy participants it arrested while they were trying to negotiate safe passage through its territory to deliver tons of aid to Gaza.

While the majority of the Samud Land Convoy participants have returned to their respective countries, the 10 – who were acting as negotiators – were arrested and charged with illegal entry – there is limited consular access to establish the status of their detention.

On her return to Cape Town, activist Fatima Hendricks said their travel through Libya was difficult. Their convoy had faced insurmountable hurdles as they travelled with 10 containers of food and medicine, ambulances, vehicles and mobile homes.

“But what did the military do? They (the East Libyan forces) came in their might to squash us. Our comrades are being held with very limited access. We demand their immediate release,” she said.

Meanwhile, Feroza Mayet, a spokesperson for the Samud Land Convoy, told Al-Qalam that aid for Gaza is in storage in East Libya, and negotiations are ongoing to have it transferred to Gaza.

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She said all of the 200 participants had Libyan visas and they were working with the Red Crescent to facilitate the convoy’s passage across Libya, with their final destination being Gaza.

She called on people of conscience to stand up and call for the release of the 10 negotiators.

Meanwhile, in a statement, human rights organisation Amnesty International said the 10 participants – four men and six women – were arrested while en route to Sirte to negotiate with local authorities to allow safe passage for the convoy to pass through.

“The Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) must ensure the immediate release of 10 members of the Global Sumud Land Convoy who have been arbitrarily detained for over two weeks in eastern Libya solely for attempting to deliver aid to Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing genocide, Amnesty International said today. 

Following periods of enforced disappearance ranging from two to nine days, prosecutors interrogated them before ordering their pretrial detention pending investigations into charges of “assembly without authorisation.” If convicted, they face up to six months in prison and/or a fine. 

“At a time when Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are grappling with Israel’s ongoing genocide and catastrophic humanitarian conditions, it is utterly disgraceful that individuals seeking to deliver humanitarian assistance and end Israel’s unlawful blockade have been met with arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and prosecution on bogus charges in Libya,” said Mahmoud Shalaby, Regional Researcher at Amnesty International. 

“No one should be punished for undertaking peaceful humanitarian action and trying to stop human rights abuses. The Libyan Arab Armed Forces must ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the activists, and in the meantime ensure that they have prompt and regular access to their families, consular representatives, lawyers and any medical care they require.” 

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“From 1 June and at least until 4 June 2026, the detainees, whose ages range from 30 to 70 and who are nationals of Argentina, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Uruguay, and the USA, went on hunger strike to protest their detention and denial of access to their lawyers and families.  

The 10 are Achraf Khoja (Tunisia); Lucas Aquilera (Argentina); Maria Gimenez (Argentina); Ana Franca Baptista (Portugal); Leornarda Alberizia (Italy); Jenelle Jones (United States); Matias Alvarez (Uruguay); Laura Alsubaih (Poland); Alicia Armesto (Spain) and Domenico Centrone (Italy).

The statement added: “On 17 May 2026, the convoy comprising more than 200 participants who had intended to drive to Gaza over land halted its journey and camped at a location approximately 9km from Sirte due to security concerns about the concentration of armed men nearby. One week later, on 24 May 2026, a delegation of 10 convoy participants proceeded toward Sirte to seek permission from the local authorities for the convoy to continue its journey. An armed group affiliated with the LAAF arrested the group at a security checkpoint near Sirte, without informing them of the reasons for their arrest.  

“The 10 were then escorted into unmarked white vans and forced onto a plane to Benghazi, where they were held in an unknown detention facility without allowing them to contact their lawyers or families.”

The post Palestinian activist Fatima Hendricks: ‘Libyan military came to squash us’ 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.

Despite attempts to seek shelter at the Durban Central Police station, they have been met with further aggression from the police, who tried to disperse them with teargas and rubber bullets. After having their legal status verified at the Home Affairs Office in Che Guevara Road (at the request of local Municipal authorities), they have refused to return to their homes and communities out of fear for their lives. Since 21 May, they have opted to live on the pavement outside the very same Home Affairs office which confirmed their legal status. They have been relying on the goodwill of a few local civil society groups to provide them with food, blankets, medication, hygiene products and other essentials required for human survival.

The South Africa Palestine Movement (SAPM) and SAPM Youth Committee, which has been part of a civil society coordinating group providing support to these displaced refugees, expresses its utter shock and disappointment at the response from government officials as well as the broader religious leadership of eThekwini. It is at times like this when people become internally displaced due to either natural disasters or political violence that the authorities and faith-based groups are meant to activate disaster management plans or open up their doors to provide shelter and refuge to those who have lost the comfort and security of their homes both in their countries of origin and here in South Africa. Being left to fend for themselves in a foreign country is certainly not supposed to be a South African trait, much less an African one. Yet it is a trend that is increasingly becoming prevalent in local communities.

The fact that people (with some brave and notable exceptions) have generally been reluctant to help this group, who qualify for humanitarian relief, is most distressing and painful. The fact that they have been allowed to enter the country by the authorities, given documents to prove their asylum/refugee status, then harassed by local vigilante groups and finally abandoned in their time of suffering is, needless to say, nothing less than unethical and criminal.

South Africa has experienced several waves of xenophobic and Afrophobic violence for the last almost two decades. The country has not gained anything from such behaviour by the local population. If anything, South Africa loses its standing in the international community every time, as well as any foreign investments that may have created possible jobs for the locals who continuously (and erroneously) claim that foreign nationals are taking their livelihoods. In addition, travel for South Africans seeking opportunities abroad becomes even more difficult as we will not be welcomed by other nations while we eject their citizens from our shores.

Apart from the group in Che Guevara Road, there have been increasing reports of foreign nationals being chased out of several other communities and forced to seek shelter in other open spaces. This is simply adding fuel to an already growing fire which may result in mass violence if not extinguished immediately.

SAPM calls upon the government of South Africa and broader civil society to come together in this time of crisis to find solutions for both the challenges faced by the local citizenry as well as foreign nationals. Leaving vulnerable human beings (especially women and children) to survive and fend for themselves in an increasingly violent environment or even forcing them to leave the country is not going to miraculously produce the jobs or service delivery that locals are seeking.

We call on those whose job it is to minister and tend to the frail, helpless, hungry, homeless, poor and vulnerable to rediscover your Ubuntu, if it has been lost.

We call on the political leadership and law enforcement authorities of the country to carry out your responsibility to protect, help and serve all those who reside within the borders of our country, while following the laws of the nation (as required by the constitution)

And most importantly, we call on South Africans to remember what it means to be free in the land of your birth (albeit with many economic challenges). The foreign nationals who currently huddle together in fear and uncertainty in pockets around the country, unsure of whether they will live to see another day, did not leave their land of birth to seek shelter in another African country, only to wonder if they are actually still in Africa.

SAPM/SAPM Youth Committee
www.southafricapalestinemovement.org

The post As foreign nationals flee vigilantism, we ask, ‘Where is your Ubuntu?’ appeared first on Al-Qalam.

Omar Artan was due to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making Fifa’s final list for the tournament. He is one of Africa’s top referees and was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025.

In Mogadishu, Artan criticised the decision to deny him entry to the US for the World Cup, saying what had happened to him was “unfortunate”. The Trump administration said on Tuesday that the US had denied Artan entry for the World Cup because of his links to “suspected members of terror organisations”.

“What happened has happened and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me,” Artan said. He urged his supporters to stand behind their country. “Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country. I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be.

“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” he said as hundreds of supporters at the airport waved the Somali flag. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”

A Fifa spokesperson said Artan would now not be able to train or officiate at the tournament, which starts in Mexico City on Thursday. Somalia’s government said it had tried unsuccessfully to negotiate with the US and FIFA so that Artan could enter the US, and was saddened by what had happened.

Without identifying Artan, the US Customs and Border Protection said a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday and was deemed inadmissible because of vetting concerns. An administration official said later that CBP officials had determined that Artan was a threat to national security. Artan was issued a visa to travel to the US last week, according to the Somali embassy in Kenya that processed it.

The Trump administration’s strict immigration policies have been a point of concern before the World Cup, with Washington imposing a sweeping travel ban last year on citizens of 12 countries, including Somalia. – The Guardian

The post Referee given hero’s welcome in Somalia after US entry blocked appeared first on Al-Qalam.

As justice-seeking people, we have a responsibility to raise concerns about exploitation, particularly of vulnerable groups, wherever in the world they are. The role of women in the Baloch insurgency has become one of the most contentious and emotionally charged aspects of the conflict in Pakistan’s southwest. While groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and their supporters often present female participation as a symbol of empowerment and resistance, there is a compelling counterargument that deserves closer examination.

In recent years, the emergence of female suicide bombers and women in militant propaganda has been celebrated by some as evidence of women’s agency within the insurgency. Yet critics argue that this narrative obscures a more troubling reality. They contend that the recruitment and deployment of women in militant operations may reflect manipulation and ideological conditioning rather than genuine liberation.

This concern is not without precedent. Across numerous insurgencies and extremist movements globally, women have often been recruited not solely through ideological conviction but through a combination of social pressure and emotional dependency. Security analysts have long observed that militant organisations frequently exploit these vulnerabilities to advance strategic objectives.

Particularly troubling are allegations surrounding the disappearance, after recruitment, of young women from Balochistan. Families have periodically appeared before the media claiming that daughters or female relatives vanished and later surfaced in militant circles. While individual cases remain disputed and difficult to independently verify, the recurring nature of these allegations has fueled growing public concern.

Another issue receiving increased attention is the reported targeting of university students. Critics of the insurgency argue that educational institutions have become important battlegrounds for influence and recruitment. They allege that politically active and intellectually capable young women are especially vulnerable to ideological messaging that frames militancy as a noble cause. Supporters of student activism also argue that political engagement is a legitimate democratic right, but in this context, the coercion and manipulation is unacceptable. Nevertheless, the debate highlights the broader struggle over influence among Baloch youth.

The use of female suicide bombers presents perhaps the strongest challenge to the empowerment narrative. Suicide attacks are designed to maximise political and psychological impact. When women are deployed in such operations, questions inevitably arise about the extent to which coercion and personal agency intersect. To portray these actions simply as acts of liberation risks overlooking the complex mechanisms through which militant organizations recruit and retain followers.

Equally significant are allegations that women associated with militant networks may be exposed to various forms of exploitation and abuse. While many such claims remain contested and require rigorous independent investigation, they point to a broader pattern observed in conflicts around the world: women often bear disproportionate costs in environments dominated by armed actors.

The discussion should not be reduced to a simplistic choice between state and insurgent narratives. Human rights concerns exist on multiple fronts in Balochistan, and allegations against all parties deserve scrutiny. However, it is entirely legitimate to ask whether the glorification of female participation in armed struggle masks deeper questions about vulnerability and exploitation.

Ultimately, the women of Balochistan deserve more than symbolic roles in a protracted conflict. Whether one views the insurgency sympathetically or critically, the objective should be to expand opportunities for education, political representation, and personal security. A society that offers meaningful opportunities to women is likely to be far more empowering than one that celebrates their involvement in violence.

The central question is therefore not whether women can participate in political struggles. It is whether militant organisations are genuinely advancing women’s interests or merely using the language of empowerment to serve broader strategic objectives. That is a question that deserves far greater public debate.

The post Exploitation of women and the cost of the Baloch insurgency appeared first on Al-Qalam.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

•                     500g chicken strips or soya strips (vegetarian option)

•                     2 Tbsp oyster sauce

•                     1 tsp red chilli paste or dry crushed chillies

•                     3 Tbsp garlic & herb spice

•                     ½ packet egg noodles

•                     4 Tbsp olive, vegetable, or sesame oil

•                     1 tsp ginger slices

•                     1 onion, sliced

•                     2 carrots, cut into strips

•                     ¼ cup water

•                     2 baby marrows/courgettes, cut into strips

•                     ½ cup butternut or red pepper, cut into strips

•                     200g mushrooms, sliced

•                     2 Tbsp light soya sauce

•                     6 Tbsp sweet chilli sauce

Method

1.      Marinate chicken (or soya strips) with oyster sauce, chilli paste, and garlic & herb spice.

2.      Boil noodles in 4 litres of salted water until tender.

3.      Heat oil in a wok or deep pan. Add ginger, onion, and chicken. Stir-fry until lightly browned.

4.      Add carrots and ¼ cup water. Cook until carrots begin to soften.

5.      Add marrows, butternut/peppers, and mushrooms. Stir-fry until vegetables are cooked but still slightly crunchy.

6.      Add soya sauce, sweet chilli sauce, and noodles. Toss well, adjusting sauces to taste.

Chef’s Note

This recipe, inspired by a dish enjoyed in Pattaya, Thailand, balances sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours beautifully. Keep vegetables slightly crunchy for texture, and don’t be afraid to adjust sauces to suit your palate. For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with soya strips — the flavour remains just as vibrant

May National Competition

Competition Question:
According to the recipe, how long does it take to cook the stir-fry?

Send your answers via WhatsApp on 0743998576 or email us at: admin@alqalam.co.za and stand a chance to win a special hamper from Gorimas.

To increase your chances of winning:

• Like and follow the Al-Qalam social pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok
• Share the above recipe
• Tag your family and friends
• Send us a screenshot via WhatsApp
•  

Winner for the April National Table Pride’s Food hamper is:

Bilkis Abdul Samud from Overport, Durban

The post Stir-Fry Our Way appeared first on Al-Qalam.