Al-Qalam 
Dr El-Banna breaks down during an address in Johannesburg when he reflects on the suffering children of the world, writes an Al Qalam Reporter.
Humanitarian Dr Hany El-Banna – based in Birmingham, UK – was personally thanked by President Cyril Ramaphosa after he received the #Ubuntu Award for Social Responsibility at a glittering event in Johannesburg this week for the work humanitarian efforts of Islamic Relief SA – the global organization that he co-founded in 1984.
The award acknowledges South African citizens and institutions “who play an active role in projecting a positive image of South Africa internationally” – who, through their Integrity, Passion, Patriotism and Humility have raised the South African flag high on an international stage.
The prestigious event brought together cabinet ministers, ambassadors and leaders from civil society.
Dr El-Banna is also a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
In his address, an emotional Dr El-Banna said he was surprised at receiving the award. “I didn’t expect it because I don’t deserve it,” he said. He said millions were suffering through poverty, wars, displacement and other calamities affecting humanity. “The people who deserve to stand here next to every one of us are the suffering children of the world, the children of humanity,” he said. He added that when we talk about children facing numerous hardships, “we don’t feel the agony they have – we see them as images, but we don’t see them as human beings.”
He gave the example of war-ravaged children in Syria who are living in tents and in snow covered ground. Many have frozen to death. He said every suffering child should be standing “next to us” to receive the award for the brutal suffering they were enduring each day of their young lives. “To every human being on earth, please use the capacity of your heart to accommodate (and help) every other human being created by Allah Subhahanawatalla, said Dr El-Banna tearfully. He received a standing ovation as he was helped down the stage.
In a statement, Islamic Relief (SA) said: “We are extremely humbled by this award and wish to thank our donors, volunteers, supporters and sponsors, without whom we would never have been able to receive it.
With your support we will continue to serve humanity by responding to emergencies and empowering vulnerable communities, both locally and across the world. Several others were also given awards for their selfless efforts.
President Ramaphosa said that South Africa was closer to a better and peaceful world that was envisioned by South African icon Nelson Mandela.
He thanked all the award winners and nominees for representing what he called ‘brand South Africa’.
“I would like to say thank you for flying the South African flag high. You have assumed the task, as you fly this flag high, you have taken into your hands the task of elevating what I would call ‘Brand South Africa’ in the community of nations.”
