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Muslim Views . April 2020
South African Muslim community expends R55 million thus far on COVID-19 crisis response THE Muslim community of South Africa – represented by numerous theological, civil society and community organisations – have, by April 18, expended R55 million on relief efforts to support vulnerable citizens during the national lockdown. This cumulative total was quantified by researchers from the SA Muslims COVID-19 Response Task Team (SAMTT). The SAMTT wishes to express its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the various faith-based, humanitarian, community-based and civil society organisations who have been working tirelessly on the frontlines to support provincial and local government authorities to assist families in need. Up to the week ending Friday, April 17, 2020, more than one million South Africans benefitted from various aid distributions undertaken by partner organisations from the SAMTT. Of particular importance is the Operation SA and South African National Zakah Fund (Sanzaf) distribution of R4,9 million, distributed in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Social Development. The Sandton Islamic Association and the Fordsburg Muslim Youth Organisation undertook another important collaborative project under the banner of
MealSA, which brought together a host of organisations to purchase and distribute 100 000 bags of 12,5 kg maize meal. The project ensures that close to one million meals are provided to vulnerable communities across South Africa. Organisations supporting this initiative are the World Memon Organisation, Awqaf SA, Caring Women’s Forum, Al-Imdaad Foundation and many others. The Share-the-Care one-million free fabric facemask campaign is another significant and impactful collaborative project between the Al-Kaaf Human Rights Centre, Awqaf SA, the Black Business Council, the Community Chest and other partners. Five hundred thousand (500 000) masks will be donated to Government and the remaining 500 000 will be distributed to various communities across South Africa by relief organisations. A total of 200 000 masks have been delivered at the time of going to press. Africa Muslims Agency has expended R7,4 million, Day 2 Day Foundation R3 million, Caring Sisters Network R3 million, Al Imdaad Foundation R1,8 million, the World Memon Organisation R1,7 million, Islamic Relief SA R1,5 million, Jamiat Ulama South Africa R1,2 million, NMJ Welfare R2,4 million, Mustadafin Foundation R1,4 million, Salaam
Local community volunteers and organisations, like the SA Muslim Covid-19 Response Task Team (SAMTT), as well as national humanitarian organisations have responded to the needs of the poor throughout South Africa. Pictured, on April 6, is a Gift of the Givers volunteer distributing food to immigrants who were moved from Greenmarket Square, in the Cape Town CBD, and rehoused in a tent in Bellville. Photo ZEHEER BANDERKER
Media R786 000 on PPE equipment, Penny Appeal SA R644 000, Roshnee Welfare and Zakaah Fund R500 000, Sabrie Chisty Foundation R220 000, among many others.
Several other smaller community-based organisations have also contributed significantly in various ways with amounts ranging from R2 500 up to R200 000. The distributions included food hampers, soup kitchens, cooked meals, hygiene packs, medical supplies, building supplies, elders packs, educational materials, blankets, clothing and water. The Willowton Oil Group has also extended a helping hand to distressed SMMEs by making available R100 million for SMME loans. R85 million will be contributed by the Willowton Oil Group, R10 million from Al Baraka Bank and R5 million from the South African Charitable Foundation. The fund and project is administered by Al Baraka Bank and a team of business experts. The Union of Muslim Students’ Association, MSAs of the Cape and chapters across the country, have responded to the COVID-19 crisis by providing solidarity support through various youth educaand mental health tional programmes. The week of April 13 saw an increase in frustration within vulnerable communities, where the economic effects of the lockdown has taken its toll. Some communities in the Western Cape resorted to looting shops in what appeared to be desperate attempts to feed their families.
While Muslim humanitarian and civil society organisations have been working around the clock to respond to these urgent cries for help, the need continues to grow by the second. As a society, we have a moral obligation to respond as a matter of urgency. We call upon the National Government to make a once-off special COVID-19 grant available to all support grant recipients. Furthermore, to be able to deliver food, water, hygiene kits and protective gear to thousands of men, women and children across the country, the SAMTT is calling on all members of society to pledge their support to any of our humanitarian partners (a list of partners can be viewed on www.muslimteam.co.za). A crowd-funding site has also been opened and donors may donate to an array of projects at https://www.tawakul.org/covid19/ As South Africans, we are now in our fourth week of this national lockdown. The need is now greater than ever to remain calm, respect the call to stay home and practise social-distancing. We also need to work swiftly to find sustainable solutions to assist those living in abject poverty and who face an uncertain future. Issued by the SA Muslims COVID-19 Response Task Team (SAMTT).
