Expectations for the 2025 State of the Nation Address

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30 January 2025

Press Statement from Al Jama-ah: Expectations for the 2025 State of the Nation Address

Al Jama-ah welcomes the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa, but we do so with a sense of anticipation and expectation that the address will provide not just words, but a clear and actionable roadmap for South Africa’s future.

In particular, Al Jama-ah calls on President Ramaphosa to draw inspiration from the wisdom of Julius Nyerere, the former President of Tanzania, whose leadership in the struggle for African liberation remains an enduring symbol of unity and freedom. Nyerere, affectionately known as “Mwalimu,” embodied the spirit of true liberation—one that went beyond political freedom and sought economic self-reliance for all people. South Africa, as a nation still grappling with the legacies of apartheid and colonialism, must strive for the same vision of true liberation.

Al Jama-ah believes that the foundation for a liberated South Africa must include the establishment of a South African Liberation Committee. This committee, similar to the historic OAU Liberation Committee, which met in Tanzania under Nyerere’s leadership, should be the driving force behind our nation’s path towards self-reliance and true freedom. This committee must guide our country through the next stage of its development, ensuring that the principles of liberation are deeply embedded in our political, economic, and social structures.

It is a matter of grave concern that 30 years after the dawn of democracy, South Africa has yet to achieve the full transformation of our society, particularly in terms of dismantling the structures of power that still perpetuate inequality and exploitation. Former oppressors have not fully embraced the values of the liberation struggle. Their continued dominance in the political and economic spheres suggests that the promises made during the liberation struggle have yet to be realized. Al Jama-ah calls for an unapologetic break from these old systems and a bold move towards true transformation.

At the heart of our expectations for this SONA is the call for President Ramaphosa to unveil a masterplan for South Africa’s future—one that is rooted in the principles laid out by Julius Nyerere. Nyerere’s vision emphasized not only political freedom but also economic independence, self-reliance, and social dignity. South Africa, with its abundant resources, is far too rich to remain a nation plagued by poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The time for talk has passed; we need action.

This action must begin with the announcement of a permanent South African Liberation Committee Secretariat, fully funded and empowered to lead the charge for national unity and economic transformation. This secretariat should be a guiding force that brings together political parties and stakeholders who embrace the vision of true liberation and the spirit of Nyerere’s Pan-African ideals. The secretariat must be given the necessary tools and resources to bring the dream of a united, self-reliant, and liberated South Africa into reality.

Moreover, Al Jama-ah expects the SONA to directly address the urgent issues faced by South Africans every day. Unemployment, inequality, and poverty continue to plague millions of our people, and these challenges must be tackled head-on. We also expect concrete plans to address the ongoing crisis of crime and the severe lack of dignified housing, especially for vulnerable groups like farm dwellers and labour tenants. The President should use the opportunity ,now that the Expropriation Act is signed into law, to announce that portions of farmers land where farm dwellers live on must be expropriated with nil compensation to prevent evictions.Pres Ramaphosa has indicated that all aspects of the act must be implemented, the time for him to act is now!

In anticipation of this announcement AL JAMA-AH is helping farm dwellers and Labour tenants who reside on farms who are in court at Paarl to have land expropriated.

Its high time that political parties opposed to this act understand that these are not just policy issues—they are matters of basic human dignity and social justice.

The road to freedom was long and hard, but now, as a nation, we must accelerate our journey. The SONA must provide us with a clear vision and actionable plans to build a truly liberated South Africa, where every citizen can live with dignity and contribute to the prosperity of our nation.

Al Jama-ah looks forward to hearing President Ramaphosa’s plans for 2025, and we hope that they will reflect the radical transformation that South Africa so desperately needs.

Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah
Asghar Khan (Spokesperson)

For media enquiries contact:
Nisa Hendricks
(National Media and Marketing Manager)
082 613 1917

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Al Jama-ah calls for urgent amendments to CoCT’s Supply Chain Management Policy

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30 January 2025

Press Statement from Al Jama-ah: Cllr Advocate Yusuf Khan Dalwai Calls for Urgent Amendments to the City of Cape Town’s Supply Chain Management Policy

Cape Town – Today, during the City of Cape Town’s ordinary council meeting, Cllr Advocate Yusuf Khan Dalwai of Al Jama-ah raised critical concerns regarding discrepancies in Clause 330 of the City’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) Policy. The clause in question grants the City Manager the authority to condone breaches in the procurement of goods and services, a power which has been further delegated to the Bid Adjudication Committee.

Cllr Yusuf Dalwai sharply highlighted the lack of clarity in the policy regarding what constitutes a “technical breach,” leading to potential misuse and risks to the city’s procurement integrity. In his address, Cllr Dalwai called for immediate amendments to the relevant sections of the SCM Policy to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the City’s procurement processes. His proposed amendments include:

1. Explicit Definition of a Technical Breach –
   The policy must clearly define what constitutes a technical breach, removing any ambiguity in its interpretation.
2. Introduction of Financial Thresholds –
   Clear financial thresholds must be established for what can be considered a minor breach, to prevent significant financial losses from being misclassified as technical breaches.
3. Detailed Reporting on Breaches –
   All ratified breaches must be thoroughly reported, with a clear assessment of their financial and operational impacts. Transparency is crucial to maintaining public trust in the procurement system.
4. Address Systemic Gaps –
   The City must acknowledge and address the systemic gaps that allow breaches to occur. There must be a renewed commitment to strengthening oversight mechanisms that protect the integrity of our procurement processes.

Cllr Dalwai’s comments come on the back of the recent raid by the Hawks, which has put the DA-led administration and the Mayoral Committee (Mayco) under intense scrutiny. As responsible public representatives, we have a fiduciary duty to protect the interests of the Council and its constituents. It is imperative that we take swift and decisive action to rectify the weaknesses in the current procurement policy, ensuring that the City operates with the highest levels of integrity.

We stand committed to supporting efforts that will strengthen the City’s procurement processes, safeguard taxpayer money, and restore public trust in our governance systems, therefore Al

Jama-ah in the City of Cape Town attended today’s council meeting to provide constructive input where it matters, rather than boycotting the session and making noise on social media.

Issued by:
Cllr Advocate Yusuf Khan Dalwai Al Jama-ah – City of Cape Town
30 January 2025

For further information, please contact:
Nisa Hendricks
(National Media and Marketing)
082 613 1917

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It is our duty to stand up for justice worldwide

Press Statement from Al Jama-ah

For Immediate Release

Al Jama-ah President Hon. Ganief Hendricks: A Year of International Engagement and Advocacy for Justice

Al Jama-ah proudly announces a significant year ahead for its President, Hon. Ganief Hendricks, who is set to play pivotal roles on the international stage in 2025. These engagements reflect not only his personal commitment to human rights but also the collective responsibility of the Muslim community in standing up for justice worldwide.

Hon. Hendricks has been invited by the government of China to visit Muslim communities across the country, following claims of mistreatment and reports of concentration camps. The Chinese government has assured him of the freedom to practice and promote the religion of Islam while addressing concerns over the welfare of the Muslim minority. This important opportunity aims to shed light on the situation and to advocate for greater respect for religious freedoms within China.

Further, Al Jama-ah’s global efforts extend to the region of Western Sahara (Riff Republic), where the call for independence from Moroccan occupation remains strong. The President has been invited to Algeria for a national press conference to advance the cause of the Sahrawi people and their right to self-determination. This is part of a broader movement in support of the end of Moroccan occupation, with diplomatic overtures from Morocco seeking to engage with South Africa to improve relations.

In addition, Hon. Hendricks has been a strong voice in Parliament, calling for South Africa to provide necessary support, including military resistance, to Palestine in its struggle against the Israeli occupation. He has also championed legislation to hold South African politicians and Zionist lobbies accountable for actions that support apartheid practices, particularly in relation to Israel.

Moreover, the ongoing issue of Kashmir remains close to Hon. Hendricks’ heart. The Government of Pakistan has formally requested that he engage with the Indian occupation of Kashmir and address the humanitarian crisis faced by the Kashmiri people. This request underscores the critical importance of South Africa’s role in advocating for the rights and self determination of the Kashmiri population under India’s unlawful occupation.

Hon. Hendricks firmly believes that these international responsibilities are not his alone, but belong to the entire Muslim community, given the historic role its activists played in the fight against apartheid and global injustice. He has called upon Muslims to join Al Jama-ah in large numbers, supporting the party’s efforts to further the cause of justice and equity. Financial support from the community will ensure the continuation of these vital advocacy initiatives, both in South Africa and across the globe.

Al Jama-ah remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the cause of justice, freedom, and peace for all oppressed peoples, and under Hon. Hendricks’ leadership, the party will continue to play a significant role in international diplomacy and activism.

Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah
Asghar Khan (Spokesperson)
079 526 8674

Nisa Hendricks
(National Media and Marketing Manager)
082 613 1917

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