The National Assembly has approved a motion focused on safeguarding the rights of South African Muslim pilgrims. The proposal, put forward by the Democratic Alliance (DA), seeks to safeguard pilgrims against possible price hikes that could arise from the newly implemented changes to the Hajj industry by the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC).
The motion demands that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) intervene in the Hajj industry and that the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission investigate SAHUC for purported misconduct. Additionally, the motion calls for greater transparency in Hajj operations and the implementation of the Nusuk Hajj system.
SAHUC’s president, Moaaz Casoo, informed VOC News that the council is open to any investigation and has nothing to hide.
Casoo addressed the idea of a monopoly forming in the Hajj industry, arguing that SAHUC is not attempting to monopolise the industry as it does not sell Hajj packages.
*Listen to the full interview here.
VOC News contacted DIRCO for a statement but could not obtain a response before the broadcast.
*This is a developing story. Additional updates will be shared as they become available.
Photo: sourced
