SANZAF Western Cape
As the temperatures drop in the southern hemisphere, aid organisations take on the massive task of assisting the less fortunate ensuring that they receive some warmth during the colder season. The South African National Zakah Fund (Sanzaf) recently launched their Operation Winter Warmth initiative and on Tuesday concentrated their efforts fully at a primary school in Samora Machel, where 1100 learners were handed vital winter supplies.
Sanzaf aims to provide learners with warm clothing items at 15 to 18 schools in the province. “We have chosen to focus on children in the Western Cape, but the relief will also be provided to aged and homeless in the country. We will also have soup kitchens at each of our offices to provide a hot meal for them,” said Sakeena Bock, head of marketing and communications at Sanzaf.
Each learner was given a winter pack consisting of a beanie, scarf, gloves a warm meal and some received rechargeable lamps. “It was an intensified awareness programme that highlighted the plight of many South Africans living below the breadline or faced with poverty on a daily basis.” However, Bock added, Sanzaf requires community support to make their goal possible.
“We rely entirely on the support from the community and it is because of that support that we are able to conduct initiatives such as this.” Sanzaf has 27 offices across the peninsula, each tasked with identifying areas in their vicinity that are rife with dire conditions. “Each office and its case workers had to conduct research within their areas by visiting schools in the areas. Samora Machel Primary School is situated within the informal settlement close to the Weltevreden area. The Sanzaf Lentegeur branch looked at the immediate neighbourhood at the broader community and was alerted to the issues which the school faced,” Bock explained.
This was the second school which Sanzaf visited since the launch of the project a few weeks ago. “We visited a Boland school that was in dire condition and even though we assisted the learners through Operation Winter Warmth, but there is still a lot of work to be done.” For more information or to contribute, contact Sanzaf in Bridgetown on 021 6385108/9 or 086 172 66923. Alternatively, call the Athlone office on 021 6382734 or visit www.sanzaf.org.za. VOC (Aqeelah Bawa)
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Thirty years in the life of a diary is something to celebrate. It is quite remarkable that a project launched as a means of generating revenue for the administrative functions of SANZAF has seen the light of day for thirty years.
We are in the era of iPads, electronic tablets and mobile phones. These revolutionary tools have had a profound impact on diary record keeping. Digital media is increasingly and rapidly staking territory on the internet blogosphere. In light of these developments it is useful to consider the history of diaries, but with an eye on its future.
The history of diaries, as a form of personal and public record is in itself fascinating. The scholar George Makdisi published a paper in 1986 in which makes a noteworthy point. The diary form originated in the civilisation of Islam, and not in the west, as is popularly believed.
In the west the earliest extant diary is a French work called Journal d’un bourgeois de Paris de 1405 a 1449. In the Islamic world the earliest extant diary dates back to the eleventh century with the work of the diarist Ibn Banna (1005-1079). However, there is evidence that this form of writing among Muslims goes back even as far as the ninth and even the eighth century.
It is against this background that the 30th anniversary of the SANZAF diary finds a meaningful context. Of course, there is a clear difference between the literary and historic value of these early forms of writing and the purpose for which a SANZAF diary is published.
But that is not the point. The point is that there is a historic tradition in Islam to commit important events to the written record. This tradition finds legitimacy in the Qur’an itself, as a ‘preserved tablet’ and the great tradition of Hadith scholarship which is based on chains of narrations by narrators and scholars of impeccable integrity.
If anything has provided sound motivation for the mission of SANZAF Diary Project over 30 years, then it is this tradition.
However, this tradition is amply supplemented by SANZAF’s own tradition of providing a service to the Muslim community: an organizing tool integrating the Islamic calendar and the Gregorian calendar incorporating the Muslim’s various personal, professional, religious and other interests.
The SANZAF Diary has always been a Proudly South African product and the only one of its kind in South Africa. No Zakah or Sadaqah money is used for the project. It is funded only by sponsorship.
That is a record worth writing about!
PURCHASE YOUR DIARY TODAY !!!!
R 40.00 for the A5 and R 100 for the A4
Contact Number : 021 638 0965 /021 638 7198
Employment Opportunity
The South Africa National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) is a faith-based Public Benefit Organization. Its core Function is Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment.
SANZAF has a position for a National Director.
Overview of the position
The National Management Board of SANZAF is seeking to employ a mission-focused, experienced, strategic, and process-minded leader. The candidate must be able to lead an executive management team and develop a performance culture among a group of diverse, talented individuals. The National Director must be able to assist regions to deliver measurable, cost-effective results that make the SANZAF vision a reality.
Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities
Report to the National Chairperson and Management Board of SANZAF. The National Director shall lead all internal operations and will have the following responsibilities:
Develop a strategic five-year plan and implement new processes and approaches to achieve it.
Direct regional directors according to overall operations requirements
Develop an advocacy and governmental interaction plan
Evaluate existing Quality Management Systems (QMS). Introduce new QMS guidelines and procedures for SANZAF’S programmes.
Co-ordinate and monitor financial and budget activities for maximum operational efficiency
Facilitate the preparation and analysis of reports
Review performance data (financial and activity reports) to monitor and measure productivity, goal progress and activity levels
Raise funds locally and internationally
Travel to various areas within South Africa
Key Knowledge Area Requirements
Sound Knowledge of Islamic Principles and Ethics
Knowledge of the practical application of Zakah
Poverty Alleviation, Sustainable Livelihoods and Empowerment
Key Skills Requirements
Management and Leadership
Administrative and Computer Literacy Proficiency
Strategic Planning, Fundraising and proposal Writing
Public Speaking and Presentations Panache
Human Resource Management
Conference facilitations
Media and Marketing Management
Send your letter of application, curriculum vitae and certified copies of qualifications by registered mail to: The Human Resource Committee,P.O.241, Gatesville, 7766 or e-mail to fbardien@mweb.co.za. Closing date is 15 january 2013
MASTER THE PILLARS OF ISLAM
Win by Entering the SANZAF 5 PILLARS Muharram Quiz which will be held at the Masjidul Mieftaag in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain on 9 December 2012
Test your knowledge and rise up to the challenge …
SANZAF recently went live with the ever popular 5 PILLARS game show during the month of Ramadaan, due to the success of the Quiz show, we are hosting the SANZAF 5 Pillars Muharram Quiz to mark the opening of our new office space in Mitchells Plain .
There is NO ENTRY FEE (use any of these options)
1) www.sanzaf.org.za
2) Email:quiz@sanzaf.org.za
3) At a SANZAF office near you
Entries close on the 30 November 2012
Download entry form & Rules:
Terms and Conditions (3) latest
MAKE A WAQF, LEAVE A LEGACY!
SANZAF undertakes some activities which, strictly speaking, fall outside of our core activity i.e. Zakah.
However, as one of the largest Muslim NGO’s with a national footprint, we have taken on these
‘responsibilities’ in order to help position Muslims as a progressive, patriotic and involved community.
This is a good thing, considering the negative image usually associated with Islam.
For example, SANZAF has promoted the Fruit-Tree Waqf as one means through which we can organise
and present a Muslim response to an important global issue i.e. the protection of the environment.
However, for SANZAF it is also a means through which we empower the poor and help beautify the
under-resourced communities we work in.
According to Prof Monzer Kahf, Awqaf in Madinah started with the seven palm orchards of Mukhairiq
which were bequests to the Prophet (SAW) who, in turn, made them as Awqaf.
The drinking water fountain of Ruma was bought and made a Waqf by Uthman (RA) on suggestion from
the Prophet (SAW). Hence, drinking water became free in Madinah for the first time.
The farm land of Umar (RA) in Khaibar came next under the title of Awqaf, also on the Prophet’s (SAW)
advice. Those and similar Awqaf properties were able to provide for the support of many of the poor
and needy in the society in addition to public utilities that included mosques, roads and water.
According to Prof Kahf these examples suggest that Zakah proceeds alone may not have been sufficient
to fulfill the basic needs of the poor in the society and that the adoption of the concept of Awqaf and its
extension to cover many areas of societal welfare needs, especially poverty eradication is the first and
most prominent objective of Awqaf. The various Waqf established by SANZAF have similar objectives.
Your support, not only enables us to reach out to and serve poor communities, but you will also be
rewarded for your sincerity, Insha-Allah.
For more information kindly contact a SANZAF office in your region at 0861 SANZAF / 0861 726 923
Assalaamu Alaykum
On behalf of our Chairperson
SANZAF Western Cape
Board of Trustees, members of the executive committee, staff and volunteers,
we thank you for your contributions and convey our best wishes to you and your family.
We pray that you will be enjoying festivities with family and friends this Eid.
Our hearts and thoughts are also with those in need and the oppressed –
right here in our midst and elsewhere in the world.
Eid Mubarak
Wassalaamu Alaykum
SANZAF OPERATION FITRAH
Operation Fitrah is designed to ensure that every Muslim is free from want on Eid day. Muslims who can afford it to are required to pay Fitrah in order to provide a meal to the poor on the day of Eid. However, the Director of SANZAF Western Cape, Amien Jacobs, emphasises that SANZAF remains active throughout the year. “Although Zakáh remains
our core activity, our mission is long term, holistic and focused on reaching the most marginalised in society. The projects of SANZAF are designed to promote greater equity
and to strengthen the role of civil society, ”says Moulana Hassiem Cassiem, SANZAF Chairperson Western Cape .This year SANZAF is challenged by a severe economic recession, but it remains committed to empowering local communities through four key areas of focus, namely educational assistance, poverty relief, skills development and disaster relief.
We are pleased to inform you that through this year through Operation Fitrah the South African National Zakah Fund we will be distributing Fitrah hampers to 14,500 families which equate to 72,500 individuals and are designed to ensure that every Muslim is free from want on the auspicious day of Eid.
In doing so, SANZAF Western Cape must raise at least R2.5 million to satisfy the needs of the families on our records. In light of the above, we humbly appeal for Zakáh, Sadaqah and Fitrah which will not only assist us to continue this much needed aid but also enhance our services to the destitute and needy.
Further information on the operation is obtainable from:
Ml Anwar Parker or Farahnaaz Benjamin at the Athlone office: 021 638 0965
Isghaak Sydow at the Bridgetown office: 021 638 5108
Shireen Kamaldien at the Salt River Office: 021 447 0297
SANZAF’s banking details are: SANZAF Banking Details: Standard Bank
Account holder: SANZAF
Account No: 072 792 191
Branch Code: 025909
To receive an official receipt fax your deposit slip with your reference e.g. Zakáh, Sadaqah / Lillah to
(021) 447 0117.
