Following a largely successful second week in Woodlands, organisers of the popular VOC Ahlan Wa Sahlan (AWS) programme have called for even greater support from the community, when the programme descends upon the Masjid ul Nasriellah in Belhar.

The programme will see community members from the area join the VOC team in a collective recitation of a Khatam al-Quran, followed by a mass iftar. Those attending the AWS are also urged to bring along non-perishable goods, which will be distributed by the mosque to the poorer members of the community.

Despite receiving huge support from the Mitchells Plain community at last weeks event, AWS co-ordinator, Ebrahim Arnold, emphasised that there was an even greater need amongst the Belhar community. Though Belhar is a largely sub-economic area, he said there were still many living in surrounding areas like Delft and Blikkiesdorp, who were extremely destitute.

Describing the situation in Belhar and surrounding areas, Arnold said nearly 40% of residents were currently struggling with unemployment, with many of those who were employed earning a meagre R1200 or less.

Arnold once again pleaded to the community to bring along any non-perishable foods and goods they wished to donate, which would be distributed to the impoverished by the mosque at a latter date.

“All we are saying to people is please if you’ve got any non-perishable goods, bring it along to the masjid. It is not for immediate distribution, but the masjid will distribute it themselves,” he said.

The programme itself will kick-off at 3pm on Sunday, with a live VOC broadcast starting at 4:45pm until 5:30pm. Anyone unable to visit the mosque but would like to donate any non-perishable goods, may drop their donations off directly to the VOC studios.

The Ahlan Wa Sahlan programme concludes on Sunday the 20th at Masjid Almarkaz al-Islam in Kalksteenfontein. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)