Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 09-09-2016

With just two days before hujjaj depart for the plains of Arafah in Makkah Saudi Arabia, the South African Muslim Travel Association (SAMTA) has told Radio Islam that “Camp C” where pilgrims will spend the day is the same facility that has been used for a number of years.

The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) raised concerns that given the high temepratures which is expected to reach between 40 & 50 degrees at Arafah, hujjaaj will face a difficult task in the non-special services “Camp C” opted by hajj operators which will not have air conditioners but rather air blowers.

Hujjaj will depart the tent city of Mina on Sunday for the plains of Arafah which is the most important of the 5 days of Hajj.

Spokesperson for the South African Muslim Travel Association and hajj operator Fazila Malek says South Africans in non-special services have always used “Camp C” which has air blowers in Arafah.

Malek says even after the discounted offer by the Muassasa for an upgrade from the air blower to the water cooler in “Camp C”, it was simply not affordable to the hujjaj and therefore all operators unanimously declined the offer.

“We asked them to upgrade, but having to pay the 350 Riyals which accumulates to about R 1,400, one could not afford it and realistically I speak on behalf of the travel fraternity together with the hujjaj while talking to them and trying to upgrade them, they don’t even have money for food.” (sic)

Malek says from next year it must be compulsory for the water coolers to be included in the non-special services hajj packages.

“And the way forward I must say and emphasise that next year we should make it compulsory go for the other option because obviously looking at the concern (temperature) about the health of the hujjaj in South Africa.

SAHUC meanwhile has urged all hujjaaj to remain hydrated during the 5 days of Hajj.

Twitter: @Faizie143