About
About SAMCT
Charity Begins At Home
Founded in 2008, The South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) emerged with a distinct mission — to serve as a pivotal conduit for channeling funding assets, vital services, and resources to approved public benefit organizations. From its inception, SAMCT has been unwavering in its commitment to catalysing positive change and making a lasting impact on communities.
Since its establishment, SAMCT has played a transformative role by directing substantial donations towards multifaceted initiatives. These initiatives span across poverty alleviation, empowerment, community upliftment, and sustainability programs. SAMCT’s journey is marked by a dedicated pursuit of fostering social equity and enhancing the well-being of those in need.
Driven by the core belief that ‘Charity Begins At Home,’ SAMCT stands as a beacon of compassion and a catalyst for meaningful philanthropy. The Trust continues to evolve, responding dynamically to the evolving needs of society, and remains steadfast in its dedication to creating a more equitable and empowered South Africa.
Embrace the Privilege of Giving
At The South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT), we redefine philanthropy as a privilege, not merely a duty. Since our establishment, we’ve committed ourselves to the profound impact of giving back.
Funds flow through SAMCT with a purpose—to enhance the health and development of individuals, transcending boundaries of race or religion. Our mission is clear: to attain ambitious objectives, we strategically partner with reputable organisations on select projects. This collaborative approach ensures that every contribution, whether funds or aid, reaches the deserving recipients, creating a meaningful ripple effect of positive change.
Our esteemed members, entrusted with the noble responsibility of providing aid and relief to deserving communities, are distinguished leaders. Drawn from the heart of our community, they bring vast knowledge and experience to the table. SAMCT is more than an organisation; it’s a collective force of compassion, where giving is not just a duty but a privileged opportunity to make a lasting difference.
To realise our organisational objectives, the S.A. Muslim Charitable Trust strategically collaborates with reputable organisations, ensuring that donations and sponsorships effectively reach those in need.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
- Aesop
- Education
- Healthcare
- Welfare
- Poverty Alleviation
Sectors
Scope of Activities
The South African Muslim Charitable Trust contributes towards four primary sectors, Education, Healthcare, Welfare and Poverty Alleviation.
The Team: Upholding Ethical Leadership
Corporate Governance
Shaykh Mahomed Shoaib Omar, known as M.S. Omar, is an esteemed member of the Shari'ah Supervisory Board of Al Baraka Bank. His journey of learning and scholarly accomplishments is nothing short of impressive. He completed his B. Com Law degree and LLB at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, establishing a strong foundation for his legal expertise.
What truly distinguishes Shaykh Omar is his dedicated pursuit of knowledge in Arabic and Islamic Law. He had the privilege of studying under the guidance of the renowned contemporary jurist, Mufti Taqi Usmani, at Darul Uloom Karachi, receiving Ijaazah from him. Additionally, he was a student of the esteemed Chief Qadi of India, Mujahidul Islam Qasemi, a luminary who founded the Islamic Fiqh Academy of India and held an authoritative position in Muslim Family Law.
Shaykh Omar's illustrious career spans over 35 years, during which he collaborated closely with Mufti Taqi Usmani, addressing complex issues related to Contemporary Applications in Islamic Law. His profound knowledge and expertise in this domain are also evident in his 17-year collaboration with the distinguished Shari'ah expert, Shaykh Abdus Sattar Abu Ghuddah, particularly in the realm of Islamic Finance.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, Shaykh Omar holds the right of appearance in the High and Constitutional Courts of South Africa since 1995. Notably, he successfully argued the landmark case of Amod v Road Accidents Fund in the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court of Appeal, a pivotal case that acknowledged the duty of support within an Islamic marriage.
Currently, Shaykh Omar practices as an attorney, specializing in Shari'ah and Corporate Law, where his expertise is highly sought after. He is also a prolific author, having written several books and numerous articles on Islamic law and its contemporary applications, including Islamic Finance, in both English and Arabic. His reputation extends to the domain of comparative jurisprudence (fiqh al muqaarin), where his insights are held in high regard. Shaykh Mahomed Shoaib Omar is a beacon of knowledge and wisdom, and his presence on our board significantly enhances our organization's ability to navigate complex legal and ethical matters.
Mufti Zubair Bayat is a distinguished individual whose contributions to the community and the field of Islamic education have left an indelible mark. As the Founder and current Director of the Darul Ihsan Humanitarian Centre, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes. Additionally, his role as the founder and former head of the Zakariyya Muslim School underscores his dedication to nurturing the next generation.
Mufti Zubair Bayat's influence extends to the boards of several Islamic organizations and Islamic finance institutes, where his guidance and expertise play a pivotal role. He is not only an Aalim and Mufti but also holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies from UJ, achieving this distinction with cum laude honors. His dedication to scholarship and academic excellence is further demonstrated through his authorship of articles and books, which serve as valuable resources for those seeking knowledge.
A prolific writer and public speaker, Mufti Zubair Bayat has taken his wisdom and insights to numerous countries on lecture tours, sharing his wealth of knowledge with diverse audiences. His multifaceted contributions and extensive experience make him a respected figure in the field of Islamic education and community development
Board Member and the Chief Executive of Albaraka Bank Limited –South Africa. A qualified Chartered Accountant (CA.SA) by profession with years of experience in both the business and financial sectors.
Faried Boltman: A Visionary in the Unit Trust Industry and Humanitarian Endeavours
With a remarkable career spanning over three decades, Faried Boltman stands as a seasoned expert in the Unit Trust industry, making profound contributions to its development and regulation.
Faried’s dedication to the industry is evident through his previous active involvement with the Association for Savings and Investments SA (ASISA), the industry's regulatory body. He has served on several committees and workgroups within ASISA, playing a pivotal role in shaping its current landscape. His commitment extended to the National Treasury committee, where he contributed to the development of Shari’ah-compliant financial products.
Faried's influence isn't confined to South Africa alone. He has previously been a driving force behind Old Mutual’s Africa roll-out program, instrumental in establishing Unit Trust businesses in multiple African countries. His work in expanding the reach of financial services across borders has had a lasting impact.
However, Faried's contributions transcend the financial realm. His humanitarian spirit has led him to work closely with organizations like SANZAF and OMIGSA's Green Hands, actively involved in distributing aid to the destitute and needy. He has also generously offered his time and expertise by serving on the committees of mosques in Cape Town and chairing School Governing Bodies, emphasizing his commitment to community well-being.
Even in retirement from full-time employment, Faried's passion for sharing knowledge and expertise endures. He continues to contribute to the industry by presenting to delegates on ASISA industry courses, enriching the next generation of professionals. Moreover, he serves as a consultant to various financial institutions, bringing his wealth of experience and insights to guide their strategies.
Faried Boltman's profound impact on the Unit Trust industry and his unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes make him an invaluable asset as a Trustee. His presence strengthens our organization's commitment to integrity, innovation, and community welfare.
Abdul Gaffar Osman is a seasoned chartered accountant with a rich professional background that spans several decades. Having earned his qualification in 1977, he embarked on his career in private practice, making significant contributions to firms such as Sabdia Jeena and Company, Farra Jeena, and MSGM Masuku Jeena. In 2003, he transitioned to PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he served with distinction until 2006. Even after retiring from private practice, Mr. Osman continued to offer consultancy services to a select clientele, showcasing his enduring expertise in the financial domain.
Beyond his notable achievements in the world of finance, Mr. Osman has demonstrated his commitment to diverse sectors. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Fasic Investment Corporation (Pty) Ltd and Lion Match Company (Pty) Ltd, where he also fulfills the role of an Audit Committee Member. His dedication to education and governance is evident through his appointments by the Minister of Education to the University of KwaZulu-Natal University Council, where he chaired the Finance Committee.
Mr. Osman's proficiency encompasses a wide array of skills, including auditing, accounting, taxation, PFMA corporate governance, and risk management. His versatility and in-depth knowledge make him a valuable asset to the organizations he is associated with.
Currently, Mr. Osman serves as a Trustee and Chairperson of the Audit Committee of the UKZN Foundation Trust. In his role at SAMCT, he stands as a beacon of positive change within South African communities. His unwavering dedication to community development, coupled with his extensive experience, positions him as a pivotal force in driving impactful transformations within the country.
Wasiem Abbas is a distinguished professional with a wealth of expertise and experience that enriches our organization. Holding the title of Investment Operations Manager, Wasiem plays a pivotal role in overseeing investment operations within the OMIG and/or OMCS ecosystem, ensuring the seamless operation of critical aspects of our business.
Wasiem’ s impressive qualifications include a CA (SA) designation, a BCom degree with majors in Accounting and Information Systems, and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. With a remarkable 19-year career in the industry, he boasts a journey marked by significant roles within Old Mutual, where he served as the Chief Operating Officer for the OMCS capability, Head of Investment Operations, and Investment Client Reporting at Old Mutual Investment Group, as well as Head of Finance for Old Mutual Unit Trust Managers (RF) Pty Limited.
As a Trustee of SAMCT, Wasiem Abbas brings his profound financial acumen and nearly two decades of industry knowledge to the table. His dedication to driving impactful change aligns perfectly with our charitable organization's mission to uplift disadvantaged communities in South Africa. Wasiem’ s remarkable track record and commitment to our cause make him an invaluable asset in our pursuit of positive and lasting transformation.