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5 December 2025
Al Jama-ah Welcomes the Auditor-General’s 2024/2025 Report
Al Jama-ah in the Umdoni Municipality welcomes the Auditor-General’s report for the 2024/2025 financial year. We are encouraged by the Unqualified Audit Opinion with Matters of Emphasis, which demonstrates that the municipality’s financial statements and performance information are largely credible and in line with legal prescripts.
As a Chapter 9 institution, the Auditor-General operates independently and without fear or favour. We therefore appreciate the assurance that Umdoni Municipality is on a positive trajectory, while also noting that certain areas still require focused attention.
Al Jama-ah is entrusted with oversight responsibilities in the municipality, and our councillor, Cllr Asghar Khan, serving as the Chairperson of the MPAC, can be proud of the improved audit outcome for the year under review. This progress reflects a commitment to accountability and better governance—principles we consistently uphold.
We call upon the Executive Committee — made up of the ANC, DA, EFF and IFP — to ensure that the matters of emphasis identified by the AG are addressed urgently and effectively. The public can be assured that through our MPAC Chairperson, the corrective action plan will receive the thorough oversight it deserves.
To the Umdoni community: we recognise that many pressing challenges continue to affect your daily lives. These issues require urgent intervention, and Al Jama-ah will continue to advocate strongly for solutions, especially in wards where communities have been left with little more than excuses. Let us hold hands, join hearts, and work together to make Umdoni great again.
Issued by Al Jama-ah in the Umdoni Municipality
Media Enquiries:
Cllr Asghar Khan 079 526 8674
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04 December 2025
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Al Jama-ah announces Shireen Ebrahim as Mayoral Candidate 2026 for City of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa – AL JAMA-AH is proud to announce Mrs Shireen Ebrahim as it’s Mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Ebrahim is one of five female candidates nominated for powerful posts.
With a remarkable track record of service delivery activism, philanthropy, and digital governance expertise, Ebrahim is poised to bring transformative leadership to one of Africa’s more vibrant cities.
Ebrahim’s appointment has received resounding support from two former mayors and the current Presidential Champion for Johannesburg, Deputy Minister of Social Development and President of Al Jama-ah, Hon Ganief Hendricks, MP. “We are confident that Shireen’s leadership will propel Johannesburg forward, addressing the needs of its citizens and fostering a prosperous, inclusive city,” said Hendricks.
A seasoned activist and philanthropist, Ebrahim has dedicated her career to improving the lives of Johannesburg’s residents. Her expertise in digital governance will be instrumental in driving innovation and efficiency in the city’s administration.
“Shireen brings us a unique blend of passion, expertise, and vision to this role. We are committed to working with her to deliver on our promises and make Johannesburg a better place for all its citizens,” said Hendricks. Al Jama-ah is proud to present Ebrahim as its candidate, and we invite all citizens to join us in this journey towards a brighter future for Johannesburg.
“As the ANC settles the election of their regional chairperson for Johannesburg today, Al Jama-ah announces its own Mayoral candidate for the COJ. We can now get the numbers to continue governing the COJ as a strong local government of unity and Shireen brings unique talents that will make Johannesburg an iconic City,” added Hendricks.
Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah
For media enquiries contact:
Nisa Hendricks (Media and Marketing Manager)
Cell: 082 613 1917
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03 December 2025
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DISABILITY INCLUSIVE SOCIETY: AL JAMA-AH SUPPORTS ITS PRESIDENT HON. GANIEF HENDRICKS
Al Jama-ah Party is proud to announce that its President, Hon. Ganief Hendricks, commemorated International Disability Day on 2 December 2025 in Gauteng, as part of the SASSA-hosted International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) Commemoration in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province.
Hon. Hendricks, in his capacity as Deputy Minister of Social Development, delivered a keynote address at the event, highlighting the importance of creating a society that is accessible and inclusive to people with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities,” aligns with the party’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality for all.
Prior to the event, Hendricks opened a summit on drugs and was a guest of the Deputy President to celebrate World AIDS Day on 1 December 2025 in Limpopo. These engagements demonstrate Al Jama-ah’s commitment to addressing critical issues affecting our society.
At the World AIDS Day event, Hendricks emphasized the need for renewed efforts and sustained commitment to end the Aids pandemic. He highlighted the alarming statistics, including over 40 million people living with HIV/Aids globally and over 7 million people affected in South Africa.
The IDPwD is an important observance that seeks to promote greater understanding of disability-related issues, ensure equal access to resources and opportunities, and advocate for accessible infrastructure and inclusive services.
In his keynote address, Hendricks stated, “Today we are united by a shared, vital vision: a truly inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, can participate fully and equally.” He emphasized that inclusion is not just an ethical imperative, but a smart strategy for social and economic flourishing.
Hendricks urged attendees to commit to working side-by-side with Persons with Disabilities as equal partners, making inclusion a reality in everyday actions, not just policy.
Later today, Hendricks will be closing the commemoration at the gala dinner, further solidifying Al Jama-ah’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality for all.
“We believe that a disability-inclusive society is a fundamental human right,” said Hendricks. “We will continue to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and work towards creating a society that is equitable and just for all.”
Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah.
For media enquiries contact:
Nisa Hendricks (Media and Marketing Manager)
Cell: 082 613 1917
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03 December 2025
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Al Jama-ah announces Hafidha Ayesha Adam’s Selection for International Qur’an Competition
Al Jama-ah Party s proud to announce that 18-year-old Hafidha (a female who memorised the Qur’an) Ayesha Adams has been selected to represent South Africa at the 32nd International Qur’an Competition (IQC) in Egypt.
The Egyptian Ministry of Charitable Endowments has proudly announced the convening of the 32nd IQC for the year 1447 A.H. – 2025/2026 A.D., a distinguished global event dedicated to the memorization, recitation, and Tajwid of the Ever-Glorious Qur’an, and to the profound understanding of its elevated purposes.
Hafidha Ayesha began her Qur’anic journey at Jam ‘Eyyatul Qurra’ Kindergarten at the age of two, where she remained until she was five years old. She then progressed to the pre-primary programme at Jam ‘Eyyatul Qurra’, where her formal introduction to Qur’anic study began. At the age of nine, she enrolled in the Jam ‘Eyyatul Qurra’ Female Hifth Institute to pursue structured hifth studies, completing her hifth in 2019 at the age of eleven.
Ayesha’s love for the Qur’an was nurtured by her parents, who created a home environment filled with Qur’anic recitation. Under the guidance of Shaykh Suleiman Benjamin, she completed her hifth and went on to study Arabic and Islamic sciences at Zahraa Institute. She has also received Ijaazah in the narrations of Hafs ‘an ‘Aasim and Shu’bah ‘an ‘Aasim.
She has gained teaching experience at a hifth institute and currently teaches part-time, offering foundation phase lessons in Yassarnal Qur’an and Qur’an recitation and memorisation classes for females of all ages. She is currently pursuing a six-year ʿĀlimiyyah programme at Darul Uloom al-Arabiyyah al-Islāmiyyah – Female Division, with the aim of strengthening her understanding of the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic law.
Ayesha will be departing for Egypt on Thursday, 4 December 2025, to participate in the prestigious competition.
“Al Jama-ah Party congratulates Hafidha Ayesha Adams on this remarkable achievement and wishes her all the best as she represents South Africa at the International Qur’an Competition in Egypt,” said Hon. Ganief Hendricks, President of Al Jama-ah Party.
Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah
For media enquiries contact:
Nisa Hendricks (Media and Marketing Manager)
Cell: 082 613 1917
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19 November 2025
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Al Jama-ah’s leader highlights the critical importance of ‘Financing Safe Digital Futures for Children’ at C20 Social Solutions Summit
Al Jama-ah’s leader, Hon Ganief Hendricks who is Deputy Minister of Social Development, has highlighted the critical importance of ‘Financing Safe Digital Futures for Children,’ at the C20 Social Solutions Summit currently underway in Johannesburg.
In a round table debate at the Summit, Hendricks said financing of a safe digital future for children at the same time leverages the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Hendricks says the digital landscape presents unprecedented opportunities for children’s growth, learning, and development. “However, it also poses significant risks, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbully, and cyber exploitation. Governments, tech companies, and civil society must collaborate to address these challenges and ensure that children can safely navigate the digital world,” says Hendricks.
He explained that the Department is the custodian of the Children’s Act and that the amendments before Parliament will be up for public participation. “The amendment bill has clauses to combat child trafficking; underage marriage, the couple can only get married after having turned 18 years old. Thus, no engagement before 18, it is sealant about countering any physical touching such as kissing,” says Hendricks.
Tech companies can integrate child safety into their corporate social responsibility strategies investing in AI-driven solutions and promoting digital citizenship.Digital citizenship should be constant, and Africa must take lead and this must be the first step for European Union and Africa’s Commonwealth.
“A good start will be zero-rated internet, whattsApp by noted companies as part of their leniency conditions which would take time to implement. This zero rated opportunity will have features that provide a safe digital future for children, can become a legacy of the 2025 G20 led by His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa. South Africa and G20 need to have a model digital Statute of the child and teenagers,” he says.
Al Jama-ah calls on tech companies to use their full social responsibility budget to finance safe digital features for children and to have a social plan in place; in the absence of such a plan, they should be at risk of losing their license. “This is a shout out to Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and others. I am declaring a ‘war’ on robots harming children,” exclaims Hendricks.
Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah
For media enquiries contact:
Nisa Hendricks (Media and Marketing Manager)
Cell: 082 613 1917
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11 November 2025
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Historic New Bill to Criminalise Apartheid Takes Centre Stage as South Africa Leads Global Fight Against Racial Segregation:
Cape Town, South Africa – In a landmark move echoing the continent’s historic struggle for liberation, a new Private Member’s Bill – the Implementation of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid Bill, 2025 (“the Apartheid Bill”) – is set to be introduced in Parliament.
The Bill, championed by the Al Jama-ah political party on behalf of a powerful secretariat of eight represented political parties, seeks to domesticate the United Nations International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, which South Africa acceded to on 14 May 2024.
This follows a storied legacy where a strong Secretariat of the Liberation Committee, comprising leading African nations, spearheaded the journey of self-determination and freedom for African countries, culminating in South Africa’s liberation from apartheid in 1994. Now, a new era of accountability begins.
Member of Parliament for Al Jama-ah, Hon Imraan Moosa, acting in accordance with section 73(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (“the Constitution”), intends to introduce the Apartheid Bill Iin Parliament. An explanatory summary of the Bill is hereby published in accordance with Rule 276(1)(c) of the National Assembly Rules (9th Edition).
One hundred and ten States are parties to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid (“the Apartheid Convention”), which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 30 November 1973, by 91 votes in favour, four against (Portugal, pre-democratic South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States) and 26 abstentions, and came into force on 18 July 1976. The democratic South African government acceded to the Apartheid Convention on 14 May 2024, and the accession came into effect on 14 July 2004.
The draft legislation will create a stand-alone crime of Apartheid distinct from existing provisions under the Implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act, 2002 (Act No. 27 of 2002). It will grant extraterritorial jurisdiction to South African courts to prosecute individuals, South African citizens or residents, or persons present in South Africa for apartheid crimes committed anywhere, including in South Africa.
It will require consent from the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) before prosecution. It will designate a High Court to handle such cases, following consultation with the Chief Justice and NDPP. The Bill makes provision for the appointment of a specialist committee to investigate apartheid-related complaints and to make recommendations to the Minister responsible for the Apartheid Bill regarding those complaints.
The Parliamentary timeline for the bill is: Publication: Government Gazette on Friday, 14 November 2025.
Public Comment Period: Opens until 13 December 2025.
The bill will be circulated internationally to encourage signatories of the Apartheid Convention to enact similar legislation.
Al Jamaah is piloting the bill on behalf of the Secretariat, which consists of the following eight parties:
1. African National Congress (ANC)
2. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
3. Good Party
4. National Coloured Congress (NCC)
5. Pan African Congress (PAC)
6. RISE Mzansi
7. UMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP)
8. Al Jama-ah
“The world must not allow apartheid to rear its ugly head again. This bill is a bold step to ensure those who engage in apartheid activities, including PR stunts, face the full force of the law. South Africa’s accession in 2024 reaffirmed its commitment to combating racial segregation and systemic oppression,” said Moosa.
Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah
For media enquiries contact:
Nisa Hendricks (Media and Marketing Manager)
Cell: 082 613 1917
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