S African leader commends Muslim fight against poverty

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the charitable efforts of South African Muslims in alleviating poverty in the country in an Eid message to the community.

“On behalf of the government of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his best wishes to Muslim compatriots as they celebrate Eid ul Fitr,” his office said in a statement.

The president said the end of the fasting month should give Muslims an opportunity to renew and continue the values which unite all South Africans including tolerance, respect, and selflessness.

“It is tradition in the Muslim community that after performing the Eid prayer, money is paid to the poor and needy,” the statement said.

“As South Africans collectively strive to alleviate the plight of the indigent, the destitute and the unemployed – the Muslim community’s charitable efforts are to be commended,” the presidency said.

There are several Muslim founded charitable organizations in South Africa that render a variety of services to different communities in the country.

Muslims in South Africa who account for about 3% of the country’s 57 million population celebrated Eid al Fitr on Wednesday.

Worshippers dressed in Islamic attire prayed at open sports grounds in different cities across the country, where most preachers encouraged them to remain pious and continue with the spirit of Ramadan by helping the less privileged in their communities.