The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) has confirmed that its board and general council will meet over the next few weeks to deliberate on whether registration fees paid by prospective pilgrims will be refunded.
This follows SAHUC’s announcement that it will no longer facilitate the Hajj process, including the accreditation of hujjaj [pilgrims] a role it has overseen for decades. The decision has raised widespread concern among Muslims across the country, with many questioning the fate of those on waiting lists, the future of registration funds, and government’s role in protecting the interests of South African pilgrims.
Speaking to VOC News, SAHUC President Hafiz Moaaz Casoo said the matter of refunds remains under discussion.
“The key concern, a lot of people were asking what is going to happen to the registration fees that persons have paid. At this point in time, the board and the general council needs to meet over the next few weeks. Insha Allah [If God wills], we will discuss this topic and report back to the public with the outcome,” he explained.
Casoo added that all South African pilgrims will now be required to register directly through the Nusuk Hajj platform under the “direct Hajj model.” First-time and repeat pilgrims will need to load their full Hajj package fees upfront into a digital wallet before the accreditation process begins. Only 1,140 South African pilgrims will be accredited in 2025.
Unsuccessful applicants will have to repeat the process annually until accredited. Should pilgrims wish to withdraw funds from their digital wallet after not being accredited, a cancellation fee may apply.
The development marks a significant shift in how South Africans will access the sacred journey, and many will be closely watching SAHUC’s next steps regarding registration fee refunds.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: VOCfm/Stock
