2023 Archives - Voice of the Cape

‘Am I even worthy of this pilgrimage,’ reflects 2023/1444 AH Hujaaj

By Aneeqa du Plessis The atmosphere at the Cape Town International Airport was exhilarating as the second group of Capetonian hujaaj (pilgrims) bid farewell to their loved ones on Tuesday afternoon. This comes as the group of nearly 100 pilgrims travelling with Khidmatul A’waam Pilgrim Services embarked on the journey of Hajj 1444 AH/2023. For many pilgrims it was the first time boarding an aircraft let alone travelling across the […]

24 May 2023

Local

‘Additional cost of R1.3k came as a surprise to the world,’ says SAHUC on extra fees for Hajj 1444 AH/2023

By Aneeqa du Plessis Confusion is rife among aspiring Hujaaj [pilgrims] after they’ve been requested to cough up an extra R1 300 or 250 ر.س as part of their fees before embarking on the auspicious journey of Hajj 1444 AH. But, according to the Western Cape Chairperson at the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) Mohammad Groenewald, the announcement from the Saudi Kingdom came as a surprise. “This is […]

16 May 2023

Local

‘There will be a 50/50 chance,’ says President of Crescent Observers Society on sighting the moon for Ramadhan 1444 AH

Muslims across South Africa will head to various lookout points across the country this evening (22nd March) to get a glimpse of the hilaal (crescent moon), which will signify the start of Ramadhan 1444 AH. In the Mother City, the Crescent Observers Society ‘maan kykers’ will congregate at Three Anchor Bay in Sea Point, where they will spend just over 30 minutes trying to locate the hilaal. Following this, brief […]

22 March 2023

International

‘Shock’ over new Ramadhan mandates in Saudi

Muslims across the globe have taken to social media to express their outrage following the release of new Ramadhan 2023/1444 AH restrictions set for the Saudi Kingdom by the country’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh. Among the Arabic mandates released last week Friday in the contentious ten-point document, children will no longer be allowed in the Masjid Al Haram during prayer as they may cause distractions to the […]

9 March 2023

News

Hajj 2023: SAHUC releases 2nd accreditation list, extends deadline to pick operator

By: Aneeqa du Plessis The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) has released the second hajj accreditation list for 2023/1444 AH. According to a statement released last night, the accreditation list starts on the 13th April 2015 and ends on the 11th June 2015. Accreditation must be accepted or deferred by the 17th February at 18h30. Furthermore, the final date to choose an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved […]

7 February 2023

Local

VOC Breakfast kick off school year at Talfalah Primary School in Manenberg

By: Aneeqa du Plessis It was all systems go at Talfalah Primary School in Manenberg, Cape Town where the learning institution kicked off their 2023 academic year with a bang as VOC’s Breakfast team broadcasted live from the school on Wednesday morning as part of their stationery drive in collaboration with The South African National Zakáh Fund (SANZAF). According to Principal Mr M.A Karriem, the excitement was palpable as over […]

18 January 2023

News

Hajj 2023: SAHUC releases prelim Hajj operators list

By: Aneeqa du Plessis Following a weeklong Hajj and Umrah convention and exhibition in Saudi Arabia last week on the upcoming Hajj 1444 AH/2023, South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) President Shaheen Essop revealed the preliminary list of six accredited Hajj operators. The list includes: o Harveyworld Travel Evans Park o Khidmatul Awaam Pilgrim Services o XL Flywell Travel o Travel & Tour World (TTW) o Yusra Tours o World of Travel Speaking on VOC’s […]

16 January 2023

News

SAHUC anticipates bigger quota for Hajj 1444 AH

By: Aneeqa du Plessis Following the announcement made by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Council in Saudi Arabia that local residents may begin the process of registration for the annual pilgrimage, SA Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) President, Shaheen Essop says they anticipate good news with regards to an increase in the local Hajj quota. However, an official announcement will be made later this week during the conference being […]

9 January 2023

Local

Here are four things to look forward to in 2023

It is always good to look on the bright side, despite the country’s ups and downs, when it comes to a new year. Despite the challenges 2022 brought with it, there are reasons to be hopefulabout 2023. Here are four things to look forward to in the new year: ANC’s January 8 statement ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the party’s January 8 statement during its 111th birthday celebrations. The […]

2 January 2023

2023

Download our new app

Download
our new app