City set for annual mass street Iftar celebration

THE GALESHEWE Muslim Association will host its 3rd annual mass street Iftar to break the fast in Seochwareng Street, on the tarmac in front of the mosque, at sunset on April 15.

The chairman of the Galeshewe Muslim Association, Aslam Mxolisi Tawana, said the entire block between the corners of Speedy Grey and 4 Way Wessels would be cordoned off and traffic diverted for the duration of the event.

Tawana added that this “only one of its kind” event in central South Africa was expected to attract 400 people.

“Muslims from around Kimberley and surrounding towns as well as those who do not belong to the Muslim faith are welcome to witness the event.

“The objective of this event is to foster social cohesion between the various Muslim communities within our city - African, Indian, Malay, African expats and those from other parts of the world. This to display how we do things in our township as well as to celebrate the multi-racial make-up of the Muslim community in Kimberley,” said Tawana.

He added that dignitaries, including Premier Zamani Saul, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development Dipuo Peters and Sol Plaatje executive mayor Kagisho Sonyoni, were expected to join in breaking the fast ahead of the Eid ul Fitr that is anticipated to be celebrated next week.

“Senior Muslim theologian Moulana Adam Feltman, who is the president of the Northern Cape Ulama Council (NCUC), will also be present at the event. Imams of the various other mosques in Kimberley will also be present,” Tawana said.