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International Waqf Conference - Southern Africa 2007, Cape Town. Media Releases
PRESS RELEASE 28 August 2007 International Waqf Conference Ends on Positive Note Minister Trevor Manuel Endorses Waqf Conference Aims “Waqf is inextricably linked to, can and should play a role in poverty eradication and social justice.” This introductory statement by Awqaf South Africa’s CEO Zeinoul Cajee appropriately summed up the premise and spirit within which the International Waqf Conference hosted under the theme “Developing Waqf Institutions for Sustainable Community Development and Poverty Eradication”, began in the Cape Town City Council’s Chambers on Friday 17 August. The conference, which boasts an array of international speakers, delved into the growing popularity and widespread prevalence of Islamic charitable endowments and trusts or Awqaf globally, and reflected on its potential and possible contribution towards sustainable development, poverty alleviation and economic growth. Sponsored by Awqaf SA, the Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation and the Islamic Research and Training Institute of the Islamic Development Bank, the symposium was the first of its kind in Africa and saw 24 papers presented on various issues related to waqf - from its regulation and legal basis to its relationship with development and poverty eradication. Cajee introduced the aims and objectives of the conference, saying the holistic and historical importance and relevance of the concept of waqf has been somewhat forgotten, yet it would assist in addressing a number of contemporary problems in communities and societies worldwide. “Through this conference, we aim to impart this knowledge to various institutions and organisations to not only empower themselves, but to become self-sufficient and self-sustainable.” Sustainability, development and poverty alleviation were issues which were central in Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille’s address, as she officially welcomed the delegates to the city after Sheikh Thaafir Najjaar opened the conference with the rendering of a prayer. Zille openly articulated the gaping problems which remain in the areas of public service delivery, including a backlog of 400,000 houses, the management of 226 informal settlement areas, and the influx of 16,000 additional families to the city on a monthly basis. She however expressed earnest respect and admiration for the role relief and aid organisations played in assisting where the need arose. “I have never been to a disaster in which one or more Muslim organisation has not beaten me to the scene, and was already busy serving soup, distributing blankets and assisting people across all denominations. I would like to salute the Muslim community of the world and particularly of Cape Town for their commitment to humanity. The concept of charity, zakah and waqf is what is behind their giving and support of human beings.” Elaborating further on the concept of waqf in the keynote address, South African Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel noted the multifarious means in which waqf was important in both the national and global economic climate, equating it to the government’s call for the widening and implementation of the principle of social solidarity in February’s budget speech. “In the budget speech in February this year, we emphasised the principle of social solidarity, where we can act in the interest of all people and benefit as individuals. Waqf embodies this principle, recognising that true wealth creation is about ensuring that everyone benefits in the fruits of success, that opportunity is broadened to those who have been disadvantaged in the process.” Manuel stressed the importance of strong values and ethics in trying to solve the growing disparity between the rich and the poor. “The biggest challenge in fighting poverty to the African continent remains access to investment so that we can create jobs. Waqf and similar initiatives can play a big role in filling the gap between savings and investment. By promoting a culture of savings and also by focusing on long term investments, in this way we would be contributing to the growth and development objectives both locally and in the rest of the continent.” He also warned however of the strain and difficulties which the contemporary global political climate has placed on Islamic business and finance, with the threat and accusation of terrorism links which loom large over the sector. “Part of what we need to do is think about waqf and the institutions of the shari’ah, in a world that frequently is hostile to the norms of Islam. Part of it, is that there is a prejudice in the world against Islamic financing. Too frequently in the minds of some of the world’s leaders, there is an association between Islam and terrorism. And so the principles of financing through Islam, including waqf is then used to describe every part as terrorist financing. Part of our responsibility is to know that we have to act against that. But I think that those who are true believers will also act against those who abuse the name of Islam to do things against humanity.” The innovative conference heard from renowned speakers on the subject including Dr. Monzer Kahf from the USA, Prof Syed Khalid Rashid of Malaysia, Dr Reazul Karim from Bangladesh, Yasini Illiyasa from Zimbabwe, Prof Saad Yahya from Kenya, Dr Sami Salahat from Dubai, and Sr Kawakib al Mulhem from Kuwait, among others. The Friday evening gala dinner was addressed by the the Deputy Minister of Education where he reinforced the need and the role played by Waqf in community development. His talk was preceded by Cape Town City Mayor Helen Zille where she reiterated that Muslims are “leading the way” in their humanitarian efforts. Dr Hisham Dafterdar rendered a speech on behalf of the President of the Islamic Development Bank Dr Ahmed Mohamed Ali. The conference closed
with several resolutions and recommendations calling for stricter governance and
the development of more waqf institutions throughout South East Africa and
beyond. Setting up of a Southern African Awqaf Development Council was also
mooted. (Jihàd Omar) Issued by: National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) Mickaeel Collier (Communications Officer) 0828768027/0822164269
PRESS RELEASE: 11 June 2007 1st International Islamic Charitable Endowment Conference for Cape Town, South Africa 17-19 August 2007
In what will be a first for Southern Africa, the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) in conjunction with The Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IDB) and Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation (KAPF) will jointly host an International Waqf Conference during the period 17-19 August 2007 in Cape Town. About 25 speakers mostly, international, are expected to present papers.
According to the conference
organisers, the institution of Waqf (pl: Awqaf, waqfs) or community
charitable endowments, started in the earliest days of the nascent community
of
With European invasion and
colonisation of Africa and
The theme of the conference is centred on developing waqf institutions for sustainable community development and poverty eradication. The conference aims to focus on legal and regulatory issues that affect the growth of waqf institutions and organisations.
The conference will also focus on issues relating to sustainable community development, local economic development, investments and economic enterprises and social enterprise to mention but a few. In addition to the high powered international and local paper presenters targeted for the conference, participants from diverse backgrounds including researchers, bankers, government ministers and representatives from other SADC countries will be attending this inaugural conference.
The proceedings for the weekend of the 17-19 AUGUST 2007 will also see the hosting of a gala dinner in which President Thabo Mbeki is intended as the guest of honour. The President of the Islamic Development Bank and Minister Trevor Manuel has also been invited to deliver key note addresses at both the gala dinner and conference respectively.
Any person or institution interested in registering may find further details on the Awqaf SA website www.awqafsa.org.za
Issued by Awqaf SA Mickaeel Collier (Communications Officer) +27(0) 82 2164269 E-mail: info@awqafsa.org.za
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