Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News- 2013-05-11

Hajj Watch has laid down the gauntlet to the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) after the hajj regulator's auditor was charged with unprofessional conduct.

In a statement released, Hajj Watch said it lodged a complaint in July 2011 to the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) against the auditors of SAHUC’s Audited Financial Statements. IRBA has informed Hajj Watch that the designated auditor has been charged with unprofessional conduct and has subsequently been fined.

Hajj Watch claims it has again been vindicated in its allegation that SAHUC’s audited financial statements were misleading and incomplete. SAHUC and its auditors refused to disclose material and tax compliance information. This underscores SAHUC’s disregard for accountability to the Muslim public and the laws of South Africa.

This victory sends a clear message to an organisation like SAHUC that it needs to account for public funds it receives and compliance to the law. SAHUC has still not released its financial statements ending 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2013. No explanation or reasons have been furnished for their tardiness. SAHUC has consistently refused to provide a breakdown of hajj expenses it incurs in Saudi Arabia," said the statement.

At the time of going to press SAHUC's attorney Yousha Tayob told Radio Islam the Secretary General of SAHUC, Shaheen Essop, said they following up on the matter and could not comment on the press statement released by Hajj Watch until they have spoken to the suspended auditor.