Al-Qalam 
By Ismail Suder
Two Muslim leaders have launched separate political parties that promise to lift millions of South Africans from the doldrums of poverty, joblessness and day-to-day misery caused by poor governance.
The Allied Movement for Change party (AM4C) – led by its charismatic leader Ahmed Munzoor Shaik Eman – held a media briefing at Durban’s Tropicana Hotel on Wednesday.
The other is Maulana Tariq, President of the Peoples Freedom Party (PFP) who hopes to fight for justice and human rights in South Africa and also for Palestine’s freedom. The party has been bolstered by the announcement that Dr Ebrahim Khan – a well-known community activist and member of the Sunni Jamiatul-Ulama – has officially joined forces with the Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).
“This alliance marks a pivotal moment not only for the PFP, but also for the Muslim community in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN),” the PFP said in a statement.
The statement further added. “Maulana Tariq’s journey from the pulpit to the political arena has been one of unwavering commitment to the people of KZN. Beyond the borders of KZN, Maulana Tariq has been a vocal advocate for peace in the Middle East. His unwavering commitment to ending the war in Gaza and supporting a free Palestine has resonated globally. Whether through public addresses, diplomatic channels or grassroots movements, he tirelessly amplifies the call for justice and human rights”.
Meanwhile, at the AM4C media briefing, Imam said the forthcoming national and provincial elections on May 29th comes at a difficult time for South Africa’s citizens, when “despite some successes, our young democracy is at risk of manufactured dysfunction”
“Low economic growth; the energy crisis; high unemployment; high levels of crime and corruption; state capture; ailing infrastructure and health services; the near collapse of state-owned entities; poor governance; high levels of homelessness; and a lack of skills amongst citizens of working age, are national crises that are exacerbated by social and economic exclusion, and the poor quality of education offered to our citizens. We are therefore regarded as one of the most unequal societies globally. Not only are our problems capable of being solved in the short to medium term, but AM4C has a vision for the long-term emancipation of South African citizens from the underlying structural impediments to our economic growth and social development”.
Joined
Two community Durban stalwarts, Shaykh Rafeek Hassan and Nazeer Malek, have joined the AM4C.
Responding to a question by Al-Qalam as to why he joined AM4C, Hassan – an expert on comparative religion – said he was attracted by the party policy’s values.
“Although subscribing to Islamic values is not a Muslim party but a party for all South Africans, the leader of AM4C, Ahmed Manzoor Sheik Imam, is a seasoned and experienced politician who has been in Parliament for the last decade.
“He initiated many motions in Parliament which were adopted, such as having the Israeli Embassy downgraded and having our ambassador recalled from Israel. He also fought for more risk remuneration for the Police. He also motivated the Koi and Saan rights in Parliament and he serves on 16 Parliament portfolios and committees.
“Thus AM4C has leaders active in Parliament who have and know workable solutions to our country’s problems and hence AM4C’s Manifesto is not a theoretical document or a ‘we promise to do’ document but an action and solution driven document”.
Asked the same question by Al-Qalam, Nazeer Malek, who has spent a lifetime in community activism, said he would use his decades-long experience to bring about social changes through his party.
Malek, who recently suffered total blindness through a commonly known term called “retinal detachment,” said despite his disability, he would continue to serve the community,
“In spite of my disability for which I am content, I make dua to Allah to use me till my dying days to serve the Deen and the Ummah.
“Some may argue as to how small parties can make effective changes in the administration of this country, but in the contrary, we have proof that our leader Honourble Ahmed Munzoor Shaik Emam single handedly has made remarkable changes in the lives of South African citizens while also fighting for the Palestinian cause,” he said.
