Galeshewe Muslim Association to hold mass street Iftar

The Galeshewe Muslim Association will host its 5th annual mass street Iftar in Seochwareng Street, Galeshewe on March 29 at 6pm.

Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Sunday or Monday, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Chairman of the Galeshewe Muslim Association Aslam Mxolisi Tawana said the road would be closed to traffic from 3-8pm on Saturday.

"Traffic will be diverted by officials from the traffic department."

He indicated that Muslims would break their fast at sunset during the Iftar to commemorate the holy month of Ramadan.

"The purpose of holding the Iftar on the street and disrupt traffic originated when the Muslim community of Galeshewe wanted to highlight their plight about the lack of a proper Masjid and Islamic Centre, while waiting for 15 years Sol Plaatje municipality to allocate land." 

He stated that this year would be the last time that the event would be held in the street.

"As from next year the event will be moved to the land that was eventually allocated by the municipality to the Galeshewe Muslim Association.

"We are, however, not very pleased in that the land comes with a hefty price tag in excess of R720 000. While patiently waiting for years for the land, we refrained from illegally occupying the land, unlike other churches that were given the land free of charge after illegally erecting their structures." 

Tawana explained that their clergy and Muslim elders advised them to remain good citizens and not to become involved in any illegal activity.

"We are busy engaging with the municipality to relook at the cost, as other churches were allocated land for free."

Tawana stated that Muslims from all over the city and surrounding towns were expected to attend the event.

"We are expecting a massive crowd this year. This event has become so popular that non-practicing Muslims from the township come and experience how Muslims break their fast and pray. The event nurtures a spirit of ubuntu in our township." 

He added that limited parking would be available on a first come, first serve basis on the tarmac in front of the Masjid.

"The SA Scout Movement in Galeshewe will also assist in monitoring and patrolling the parking area."