150,000 fed through Qurbani on Eid al-Adha

The community of Cape Flats Development Association (CAFDA) in Retreat welcomed Awqaf SA, in partnership with non-governmental organisation Diyanet Türkiye, who distributed food as part of a Qurbani programme on Eid al-Adha, which was celebrated on Saturday, June 7. 

The Qurbani programme, facilitated by Awqaf SA and Diyanet Türkiye, involved the slaughter of 200 head of cattle, resulting in over 120 tonnes of meat being distributed to nearly 150,000 underprivileged individuals across the Western Cape and Johannesburg.

This initiative formed their broader mission to support disadvantaged communities in these areas. 

Former minister of trade, industry and competition, Ebrahim Patel, was among the honoured guests. In his address to the Cafda community during the distribution, he highlighted that the Islamic principle of sharing food plays a vital role in addressing the food security needs of society’s most vulnerable.

Mr Patel said: “In a world divided by distance and difference, this partnership between Türkiye and South Africa reminds us that true solidarity is not in speeches, but in shared sacrifice - when strangers thousands of kilometres away ensure that no child goes hungry, and that faith is lived through action.”

As South Africans observed Eid al-Adha through the act of Qurbani—slaughtering animals to provide meat for the poor—a deeper story of unity, sacrifice, and cross-cultural solidarity unfolded.

“The Qurbani this year has been more than just a religious obligation; it has become a profound expression of ubuntu,” said Mickaeel Collier, CEO of Awqaf SA.

In Islam, the Qurbani ritual commemorates Prophet Abraham’s unwavering faith, the perseverance of Hagar—his African wife, whose struggle is universally re-enacted during the Hajj—and the obedience of their son, Ismail, to the will of the Creator.

This year’s Qurbani in South Africa transcended barriers of race, religion, and class, symbolising unity, compassion, and shared humanity, said Mr Collier.

“It has united a white Afrikaans farmer, a Turkish humanitarian agency, and a South African Muslim development organisation - along with its volunteers - in a chain of care that benefits black, coloured, Indian, and white communities alike.

“It completely debunks the myth of a so-called ‘white genocide’ in South Africa. Instead, it shows how cooperation can truly follow in the footsteps of Prophet Abraham, where sacrifice builds, rather than breaks, society,” said Mr Collier.

Mr Collier said that the collaboration stands as a powerful example of what is possible in a democratic South Africa when communities work together.

He said Awqaf SA expressed deep gratitude to its partners, donors, volunteers, and the people of Türkiye for standing with South Africa’s vulnerable and for embodying the values of mercy, justice, and solidarity at the heart of Eid al-Adha.

Turkish Consul General, Her Excellency Yonca Sunel, also praised the initiative. “Once again, it is a deep honour for Türkiye to contribute meaningfully to South Africa,” she said.

Emphasising the long-standing bonds of solidarity between the two nations, she reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to continued support.