Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 26-06-2017
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to the role Muslims like Ahmed Kathrada and Ahmed Timol have played in the struggle for freedom in securing a better life for all South Africans.
Ramaphosa was speaking at the Eidgah in Lenasia today which has been touted as the biggest Eid prayers in the suburb in recent years.
The deputy president thanked the community of Lenasia for welcoming him saying he was deeply honoured to share in the Eid celebrations.
“Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, you radiated on our nation the value of self-discipline, self- sacrifice and generosity. As you performed service and acts of goodwill and charity for the poor and needy members of our communities, you reminded us that Islam is a faith founded on compassion, justice and universal brotherhood.”
Ramaphosa says South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people.
He also asked the Lenasia community to offer special prayers for the African National Congress (ANC) as it as it deliberates on its policies from this week at the Nasrec Exhibition Centre and goes to its elective conference in December.
“So we ask you to pray for us to elect ANC leaders in December that will move our country forward and restore South Africans’ faith in democracy. We pray for leaders who will embrace values that you have practiced devoutly during Ramadan.”
Ramaphosa says fasting has become a mirror through which Muslims could reflect and identify with the suffering of others emphasizing the Quran teaches us, end social strife and bring lasting hope to orphans and widows.
Today’s celebration of Eid ul-Fitr coincides with the adoption of the Freedom Charter on the 26th of June 1955 at nearby Kliptown.
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