Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 2013-06-24

As the chill of winter begins to bite and while we are warm cosy and fed in our homes spare a thought for those that are less fortunate than us.

This is exactly what the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa has done. The Muslim organization has once again embarked on its winter distribution campaign which is in its tenth year.

On Saturday 22nd  June at the Jordan High school the Jamiat spared a thought for over 200 residents of Cheapside in Evaton that are less fortunate than many by distributing  a bag of maize meal, a box of groceries and a blanket to make the lives of the needy a little more warmer & fulfilling this winter.

Police captain Aidah Mnxuma from Evaton opened the day’s proceedings by calling on residents to take responsibility. She told residents that although the Jamiat distributes necessities during winter, they should also be responsible for themselves and their children's well being. She cited an example where some residents instead of buying food for their households, would rather spend R1000 on a Carvela shoe. She said this is irresponsible as you can eat food but not the shoe.

Speaking to Radio Islam, Moulana Kaloo from the Jamiatul Ulama said the delegation was well received by the community police forum, the South African Police Service, members of the community and recipients of the parcels.

“Quite a few talks were given to the people highlighting the issues of poverty and service delivery as well as social breakdowns and issues of xenophobia etc. The talk that was given to the community of Evaton was of an educational nature and to even educate a community; also to highlight the importance of sharing and giving,” said Moulana Kaloo.

Meanwhile Gwen Maseko the community leader of Cheapside and aged was grateful to Moulana Kaka and his team. “We are very happy because of Moulana Kaka and Ismail because they are bringing the food every year…And this is the tenth year, this is our tenth anniversary,” said Maseko

Maseko also offered a ‘thank you card’ to the Jamiat on behalf of the community. She said that in the African tradition to say ‘thank you’ to someone would be to give them a blanket. But since the Jamiat distributes blankets, the community got a card instead so that it could be displayed for all to see.

Interestingly Gwen told radio Islam that the community of Cheapside got its name from a shop owner in the area whose shops name was Cheapside. "It's a long story she said."