By Hajira Khota
31:08:2021

Several Muslim organisations have gathered together as part of the Rebuilding for Hope and Prosperity (REHOP) effort to restore the Isipingo Market south of Durban, which burnt during the recent turmoil in KZN and Gauteng.

The group assists in the reconstruction of the market. It improves the lives of Isipingo’s fruit and vegetable hawkers, who have worked side by side for decades, providing an invaluable and affordable service to the local community.

Radio Islam interviewed Shabir Chohan, spokesperson for the group says, that the REHOP Initiative would upskill and empower traders by re-establishing the popular Isipingo Market. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to assist them in progressing beyond where they were previously.

He highlighted that the project was carried out through strategic partnerships, emphasising the significance of collaborations in the recovery process. He said that the eThekwini government, fruit and vegetable suppliers, and experts worked together to improve the market.

“We’ll use microfinance models that won’t overload the traders, and we’ll guide them through all the empowering processes hand-in-hand with our experts,” he said.

He stated that the group’s initial focus would be on a microfinance model consisting of grants, loans, and commercial funding for qualified candidates. The project was carried out through strategic partnerships, emphasising the importance of collaborations in the recovery process.

Association of Muslims for Accountants and Lawyers, Growing Hands Enterprise Development NPC, Minara Chamber of Commerce, Muslims for Humanity, National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa, South African Muslim Charitable Trust, and the United Ulama Council of South Africa are just a few of the organisations involved.

The funding of the hawkers allows them to start up again and to contribute positively to the economic recovery of the area,” said Chohan.

“He stated that REHOP’s goal was to assist all businesses, not just informal ones. The development of jobs and the expansion of the economy are our primary objectives”.

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