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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Press Statement from Al Jama-Ah
Date: January 26, 2025
For Immediate Release
Hon. Ganief Hendricks, President of Al Jama-Ah, Expresses Shock and Condolences on the Deaths of South African Defense Forces Members in the DRC
Al Jama-Ah President, Hon. Ganief Hendricks, has expressed his deep shock and heartfelt condolences following the tragic deaths of a dozen South African defense forces members who were deployed as peacemakers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“We cannot sit back and allow our soldiers to be killed in the line of duty,” said Hon. Hendricks. “There must be immediate consequences for those responsible. It is imperative that Commander- in-Chief, His Excellency President Ramaphosa, take swift action. Those who killed our soldiers must be held accountable and removed.”
The Al Jama-Ah President further stated that Rwanda’s role in this atrocity must not go unaddressed. “Rwandan diplomats must be sent back,” he said. “Rwanda must silence their guns and hang their heads in shame for their role in these despicable deeds.”
Al Jama-Ah calls for the swift and decisive actions that honor the lives of those who sacrificed their own in the service of peace.
Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah
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25 January 2025
Press Statement by Al Jama-Ah in Response to DA Objections on Expropriation Bill and the GNU
Al Jama-Ah has responded to the concerns raised by the Democratic Alliance (DA) during their recent press conference regarding the operations of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the signing of the Expropriation Land Act.
Firstly, it is important to note that the GNU is fully subject to the laws and regulations established by the past six Parliaments. The complaint that the GNU is not accountable to the laws arising from the 6th Parliament lacks any legal standing. The President has upheld the constitutional integrity of the process, having issued a certificate of constitutional compliance through the Office of the State Advisor, with input from Parliament’s Law and Constitutional Committee. Any further matters regarding irrational processes can and should be addressed by the courts, as the DA claims.
Furthermore, it is vital to clarify that the GNU cannot override Parliament; rather, it functions as an extension of the Presidency. The DA, as part of the coalition, signed a statement of intent agreeing to follow the processes leading to cabinet decisions, which are initiated by a cabinet memo. The DA should make use of this formal process. The DA’s Minister of Home Affairs previously attempted to raise concerns but submitted a poorly constructed memo, causing his proposal to lack the necessary backing, despite the fact that Al Jama-Ah supported the spirit of the proposal, much to the dismay of some ANC members. The issues now raised by the DA should have been addressed during the public participation process or within the portfolio committee of public works.
The recent gains of the GNU, including the strengthening of the rand and investments, are a result of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s tireless efforts. We have yet to see the DA actively engaging with captains of industry to encourage the release of their large cash holdings into the economy. The clearing mechanism, praised by all ten parties within the GNU, has made significant strides in improving our economic landscape. It is unfortunate that the DA now seeks to undermine these successes.
Al Jama-Ah remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the government, and we encourage the DA to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure the continued success of the GNU for the benefit of all South Africans.
Issued by:
Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah
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Statement from Al Jama-ah Party:
Al Jama-ah Welcomes the Signing of the Expropriation Bill into Law as a Landmark Step Towards Land Reform and Economic Redress
Al Jama-ah, under the leadership of President and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hon. Ganief Hendricks, warmly welcomes the recent signing of the Expropriation Bill into law. This pivotal move comes at a crucial time, as President Ramaphosa has also entrusted Hon. Hendricks with a special assignment to combat the illegal and unjust farm evictions happening across the country.
The signing of the Expropriation Bill into law marks a historic moment for South Africa’s path towards proper land reform and economic redress. Al Jama-ah believes that if implemented fairly and justly, this Act will go a long way in addressing the historical injustices faced by our people and contribute to the overall well-being of the nation. We are confident that, with this law in place, we can begin to see genuine efforts to restore land to those who have been wrongfully dispossessed.
Al Jama-ah stands firm in its commitment to the protection of farm dwellers, particularly in areas such as Paarl and Robertson in the Drakenstein Municipality, where mass evictions reminiscent of the apartheid-era Group Areas Act continue to take place. These evictions harm labour tenants who have long called these farms their homes. President Ramaphosa’s confidence in appointing Hon. Ganief Hendricks to address this issue demonstrates the urgency of ensuring that all municipalities, including Drakenstein, take a firm stand in support of labour tenants and not in favour of lifestyle farmers and others seeking to remove them from their land.
As part of this mission, Hon. Hendricks will engage with the Ministry of Land Affairs and Rural Development, as well as the Ministry of Cogta, to find legal remedies to halt these unlawful evictions. The Deputy Minister has also urged the Minister of Cogta to clarify which side the Drakenstein Municipality is on: the side of the farmers or the side of the labour tenants. We call on all municipalities to stand with farm dwellers and prevent any further displacement.
The next critical step in our journey toward a more just society is the amendment of the Land Reform Labour Tenants Act of 1996. Al Jama-ah, together with the expertise of the Ministry of Social Development, is determined to address these injustices and bring permanent relief to farm dwellers. Expropriation with nil compensation, in line with the new law, is at the forefront of our fight to protect the rights of our people and ensure they receive their rightful share of the land.
We look forward to the continued support of our allies in government and civil society as we work toward a future where the land and its resources are distributed equitably, and where the rights of all South Africans are safeguarded.
Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah, January 25, 2025.
Asghar Khan (Spokesperson)
079 526 8674
For media enquiries: Nisa Siers
(National Media and Marketing manager)
082 613 1917
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PRESS STATEMENT
NO EMBARGO
22 January 2025
Al Jama-ah welcomes the cease fire and release of hostages from both sides
Al Jama-ah says the handover of one of the hostages, Emily Damari and the smile on her face when Hamas released her to the International Red Cross in Gaza, captured the imagination of the world’s humanitarians.
“It was a joyous moment to have seen this young woman being released and with a smile embracing her mother whilst watching her brother. The new leadership of Hamas must be complimented for showing the world the highest standards of care to women during hostage situations,” says Al Jama-ah’s President Ganief Hendricks and Deputy Minister of Social Development in the Government of National Unity.
It is clear that the hostages have been treated well, compared to the horrific and brutal treatment Palestinian prisoners including women and children, endure in the Zionist Israeli prisons which are likened to ‘concentration camps,’ and not forgetting the murdering of over 20 000 Palestinian women since October 2023.
“We call on the Resistance movement to continue the high standard of care to women but to contemplate over the keeping of women hostages for so long,” says Hendricks. The world society should hold the Zionist Israelis accountable for every misdeed and should not use Hamas as a convenient excuse for their endless atrocities.
President of the USA’s statement that his people will continue supporting a Genocide makes him the worst President the USA has ever had. “Al Jama-ah calls for an end to the occupation which would bring about lasting peace in the Middle East. We further call on the media to change their narrative from justifying, nurturing a genocide and trying to derail the Hamas “deal” by broadcasting interviews from belligerent spokespersons. What is needed is voices calling for peace,” he says.
The Al Aqsa Flood must continue to remain top on the mind but must focus on the international legal justice which includes executing the warrant of arrests of avenged war criminals: there must also be complicity charges against those that supported Israel.
The Zionist regime should be punished for their inhumane acts since 8 October
2023. “South Africa has taken the lead in laying international criminal charges and this must be supported by the civilised countries which excludes most western countries. The rule of international law must prevail justly!” exclaims Hendricks.
For interviews contact:
Ms Sinazo Mtshengu
078 512 3186
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As the Deputy Minister of Social Development, I am entering 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear plan to drive impactful change for our people.
In line with my appointment by President Ramaphosa as the champion of the City of Johannesburg under the District Development Model, my New Year’s resolution is to bring together all social development services under my delegation to transform this vibrant metropolis into a model of integrated and people-centered social development. This initiative will not only set a benchmark for Johannesburg but also pave the way for similar interventions across the country, starting with the Cape Flats and resistance villages like Cofimvaba, Groutville, Mpame, Claridges, and As Salaam in Umdoni. These communities, which were the first to die and be hanged for the freedoms we enjoy today, have been the last to receive services. My mission is to change that reality.
The legacy of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as a social worker in the City of Johannesburg inspires my passion for this mission. Operating from her house in Soweto, she exemplified what it means to serve with compassion and resilience, and her work continues to remind us that our mandate is about improving the lives of our people. It was Julius Nyerere who profoundly reminded us that the purpose of economic activities is the welfare of the people, not private profit for capitalists. This foundational principle will guide my efforts to ensure sustainable livelihoods, particularly for those who rely on social grants. Economic freedom begins with self-reliance, and this is the vision I aim to instil in every South African.
Our path is not without challenges. Within the Government of National Unity (GNU), we encounter varying priorities and approaches. While we may be one of ten in leadership, some partners, like the Democratic Alliance, remain disengaged from the critical mission of eradicating poverty. Their lack of participation and insistence on bureaucratic processes, such as demanding two weeks’ notice for engagement, hampers progress. In my department, we cannot afford such delays; the urgency of our work demands immediate and unwavering commitment.
My resolve is to engage even those who are resistant, to fundamentally challenge their perspectives, and to rally collective action for the welfare of our people. Self-reliance will be the cornerstone of this transformation. As we empower communities to build their capacities and reduce dependency, we lay the foundation for true economic freedom—the vision of our nation’s and Africa’s great leaders.
To achieve this, the rollout of social development services will focus on accessible and integrated systems in Johannesburg, leveraging the district development approach to streamline resources and amplify impact. From there, we will extend these lessons and successes to the Cape Flats and resistance villages like Cofimvaba, Groutville, Mpame, Claridges, and As Salaam. By fostering partnerships, empowering grassroots organizations, and ensuring that every intervention prioritizes the welfare of the people, we will create a ripple effect that reaches every corner of the nation.
Additionally, I am helping draft a new five-year drug master plan to address the scourge of substance abuse. Building on my department’s groundbreaking success in the fight against HIV/AIDS and my role as patron of the Men’s Parliament, I am taking the lead in developing a new master plan to combat gender-based violence (GBV). This initiative will include state-of-the-art shelters and one-stop service centers to provide holistic support to survivors and tackle GBV comprehensively.
My commitment is unwavering: to lead with the spirit of Winnie Mandela, to advocate for the principles articulated by Julius Nyerere, and to build a legacy of self-reliance and economic freedom for all South Africans. This is not just a resolution for the year ahead but a lifelong dedication to fulfilling the vision of our nation’s and Africa’s great leaders
