The additional quota granted to South Africa has allowed hundreds of South Africans who had not expected to go on haj this year, to find their way to the holy land. This included a four out of the six people affiliated to VOC who are presently in the Kingdom. It also means that VOC has continued to have a presence at the annual haj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since its inception 15 years ago.
VOC volunteer presenter, Narriman Hendricks, was one of the first time hujjaj who was part of the first list of accredited hujjaj and was the first VOC staffer to depart. She was followed a week later by VOC's official haj reporter this year, Muhamad Zain Majiet (seen here), who came through on the additional quota as a first time haji. In the same week, Imam Abdul Hakim Raban, who serves of VOC's Board of Trust and religious panel also left for haj. His presence is due to the fact that he acts as spiritual advisor for one of the haj groups.
Last Friday VOC stalwart presenter, Yusuf Fisher, also left as the member of another haj group. Still recovering from a long illness this year, Yusuf said that his presence at Arafat this year was a means to give grace for his return to health. Then on Friday, Sheik Achmat Sedick, chairman of the Muslim Broadcasting Corporation's Board of Trust and MJC deputy president left for haj. Joining him on the same flight was VOC special reporter and journalist for Mail & Guardian, Yazeed Kamaldien, another first time haji. Yazeed will be joining his mother - also a first time haji - as well as his father who left for haj on Friday.
Stay tuned next week as VOC brings you daily haj link ups at 9pm as the pilgrimage reaches its climax. VOC |
