The Islamic Circle of Southern Africa celebrated Youme Tashakur (Day of Thanksgiving) at their headquarters in Auckland Park, Johannesburg. Keynote speakers for the event included ANC Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the International Relations Parliamentary Committee, Honourable Supra Mahumapelo, Leader of Al Jammah Deputy Minister, Honourable Ganief Hendricks, and local ward councillor, Naeem Patel.
The event began with lunch, followed by speeches from the guest speakers. Cllr Naeem Patel emphasized the importance of unity in South Africa and globally. He also highlighted the unconstitutional incarceration of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui by the American government, imprisoned in a high-security male prison in Texas for over 20 years, where she has allegedly been subjected to torture, rape, and regular beatings. Cllr Patel urged the international community to pressure the US government for her unconditional release.
MP Supra Mahumapelo discussed President Ramaphosa's upcoming visit to the USA, the Palestinian issue, and the tension between India and Pakistan. Key points from his speech included [Key Points]:
- ANC's Stance on Palestine: The ANC stands in solidarity with Palestine, and President Ramaphosa is leading the government's and ANCs support for Palestine. The decision to take Israel and Netanyahu to the International Court of Justice will not be reversed.
- Response to Parliamentarians' Visit to Israel: MP Mahumapelo condemned members of Parliament from the DA, ACDP, and PA for visiting Israel and misrepresenting the situation. The ANC and Al Jammah have written to the Speaker to address this issue.
- President Ramaphosa's Message to Donald Trump: President Ramaphosa will address several points during his visit, including:
1. Denying claims of genocide in South Africa made by 49 Afrikaners who moved to America.
2. Asserting South Africa's sovereignty and refusal to be dictated to especially in the Palestinian issue
3. Expressing support for the Palestinian struggle and seeking a peaceful settlement.
4. Calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between India and Pakistan, with South Africa committed to speaking the truth in the UN. South Africa will emphasize that both India and Pakistan are sovereign states and should respect each others autonomy
The Honourable Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks spoke about the issues in Kashmir and Palestine, recalling his call for armed struggle in Palestine in the 1970s during a meeting with the late Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi. He praised Cllr Patel's activism and emphasized the need for more community involvement.
The event concluded with a prayer and an atmosphere of jubilation. Cllr Patel stressed the importance of community work and involving youth. A joint event for Youth Month is planned for June 15th, the day before Youth Day, involving Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks, Cllr Naeem Patel, and the Islamic Council of South Africa.
Submitted
