Muslims across South Africa are expected to gather at designated lookout points on Wednesday evening in anticipation of sighting the hilaal (crescent moon), which will signal the possible start of Ramadhan 1447 AH / 2026.
In Cape Town, members of the Crescent Observers Society — commonly known as the “maan kykers” — will assemble at Three Anchor Bay in Sea Point to scan the horizon for the new moon.
Speaking to VOC News, Chairperson of the Crescent Observers Society, Shaykh Safwaan Sasman, said members across the Western Cape will be stationed at various sighting points.
“The Crescent Observers Society has members throughout the Western Cape, extending as far as Grabouw, parts of Worcester, and up to Saldanha Bay. All our members will be at their respective locations specifically for the sighting of the moon for Ramadan. We are looking at favourable indicators for this evening’s sighting,” he said.
Sasman added that teams will also be positioned at Bakoven and Signal Hill. The organisation is working in partnership with other sighting bodies across the country, including those in Durban, Gqeberha, and Johannesburg.
He said coordination takes place through the Muslim Judicial Council and the United Ulama Council of South Africa, with a national announcement expected after sunset.
“At 19:35, which is sunset, we will be able to make the announcement regarding the start of Ramadan,” he confirmed.
“Understanding the moon’s statistics assists us in sighting it. This evening, we have about a 35-minute window between sunset and moonset. That means there are roughly 35 minutes before the moon drops below sea level and can no longer be seen. In Cape Town, the moon will be approximately four to five degrees above the horizon — roughly a hand span — which is where we will focus our search. Based on our precursors and calculations, the possibility of sighting is fairly good, Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to God).”
The final confirmation of Ramadhan 1447 AH will depend on verified moon sightings from across the country.
VOC News
Photo: VOCfm
