A R545 000 vehicle donation has transformed a Kensington, Cape Town, charitable organisation’s
ability to extend its vital feeding scheme endeavours in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
and its devastating economic impact on vulnerable communities.
The Naqshbandi Muhammadi Order Of South Africa’s (Naqshbandi) feeding scheme boost was the
result of a recent donation by the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT). Commenting at
the official hand-over of the vehicle, SAMCT representative, Mr Faried Boltman, said: “This
additional vehicle will add significantly to improving the extent of the organisation’s Dawah and
feeding scheme outreach endeavours in impoverished areas across the region.”
The Naqshbandi is an organisation whose members voluntarily set out to assist the disadvantaged
deal with a wide range of socio-economic challenges, inclusive of the provision of food, clothing and
facilities in which to hold seminars and workshops about pertinent issues, such as HIV/AIDS, crime,
abuse, child-care and empowerment. It has also assisted communities by giving effect to disaster
relief in the aftermath of floods and fires.
Mr Boltman said of the organisation’s activities: “Such good works require the dedication of a large
team of selfless individuals intent on making the lives of the disadvantaged better. For this, those
who give of their time to the NMSA are to be roundly applauded. Unfortunately though, their work
comes at a cost; and that cost is transport. Many use their own vehicles at their own expense to
regularly journey out to fulfil the organisation’s Dawah programme, taking the message of Islam to
underprivileged and often destitute communities, as well as providing hands-on assistance to such
communities.”
He however stressed that the expansion of the Naqshbandi’s humanitarian activities and a shortage
of vehicles to undertake its outreach initiatives had left volunteers battling to keep up with demand
for feeding programmes in impoverished areas, given the grip the pandemic had in the region.
“Charitable organisations, such as the Naqshbandi, do incredible work on shoe-string budgets;
budgets which are subject to fund-raising and grants. With such tenuous income streams, such
organisations simply lack the financial clout to meet large capital expenditure outlays, such as would
be required to purchase a vehicle. Unfortunately, however, good, effective transport is key to most
charitable organisations being able to function, to reach those who need their assistance most and
to make a telling difference in the lives of those they so diligently and selflessly serve week in and
week out,” he added.
The organisation annually provides meals for up to 3 000 disadvantaged people daily during
Ramadan.
“However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic – and the economic effects it has had on so many
South Africans and, particularly, those who were already vulnerable – has resulted in a major
upsurge in food provision needs,” Mr Boltman said.
Since April 2020 and working in conjunction with the Centre For Humanity, the Naqshbandi has
provided up to 10 000 meals daily for needy people through up to 60 food kitchens in South Africa
and Malawi.
Mr Boltman indicated that within the first 18 months of the pandemic, the Naqshbandi had
provided those in need with a staggering 4,1 million meals.
“This awesome display of caring for others is literally saving lives and, unfortunately, the need is not
going to go away any time soon. It is imperative, therefore, that the organisation be equipped to
deal effectively with both its work in the building, reparation and maintenance of Islamic community
centres in disadvantaged areas – adding to its completion of 21 Masjid projects in South Africa – eight
in South Africa and 13 in Malawi – as well as meeting and expanding its feeding scheme initiatives in
such areas.”
“To this end, the South African Muslim Charitable Trust was extremely pleased to be able to assist,
providing the Naqshbandi with an additional vehicle, valued at some R545 000, in order that it
might continue and grow the extent of its vital Dawah and feeding scheme outreach endeavours in
this region of South Africa.”
The SAMCT, which was created in 2008, was established to provide funding, services and other
resources for the improvement of the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. It has
successfully delivered significant assistance solutions throughout the country, irrespective of race or
religion and work to support needy organisations in the fields of health, poverty alleviation,
education and socio-economic development.
He concluded saying: “It is our hope that the additional vehicle we have been able to provide to the
Naqshbandi will make a tangible difference to the work the organisation undertakes and that it
relieves some of the stresses associated with managing the fine balance required between available
funds and the delivery of effective services to our most vulnerable communities.”
For more information about the SAMCT and its
Naqshbandi Muhammadi Order Of South Africa
vehicle donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Email: samct@samct.co.za