The atmosphere in Makkah is electric where just under 5,000 South Africans will join approximately 2 million of the Muslim faithful for the big move to Mina on Wednesday. Speaking to VOC on Tuesday, head of mission of the South African Haj and Umrah Council (Sahuc)'s haj mission, Hafth Ismail Coovadia, reported that the South Africans were all good to go for the crunch of this year's haj.
Coovadia added that no major incidents had been reported among South African hujjaj thus far. "At this point it is absolutely electric. You can feel the crowd, the tension and the density of the people. Everyone is hyped up ahead of D-Day tomorrow which starts from just before or after Fajr when we will all leave for Mina. Everything is running smoothly."
Asked about the threat of the H1N1 virus which has claimed the lives of 4 pilgrims with another 70 hospitalised, Coovadia said that no incidents were reported among South Africans. "We have had no deaths and no one has contracted the virus. There have been a few hospital admissions (for other illnesses) but they have all officially been discharged and are ready for the crunch that starts tomorrow," Coovadia reported.
Meanwhile, Makkah was abuzz as all pilgrims pour in from the surrounding areas. The head of mission said because of the demolitions in the Shamia/Shubaika areas, where most South Africans traditionally stay, the biggest influx has been in the Misfallah area. "But there have been no changes in the logistics. Security has always been on high alert," he confirmed, "If not then there would be questions asked. As such, security has been a primary objective of the haj authorities in order to ensure that hujjaj are served in an environment of safety."
Coovadia thus far it has been an incident free haj for South Africans. "There have been one or two issues, but these issues were minimal and nothing serious. I must compliment the travel agents who are trying to abide by the rules. It is indicative of the fact that we are on the right track. For now we need everyone's duas and support for this to be a successful and incident free haj, insha Allah." VOC |
