The African National Congress (ANC) will in January mark 103 years since its inception; a road that included several highs and lows in what became a fierce battle for a free and democratic South Africa. Each year the party hosts an annual birthday rally to commemorate the struggle, and recognize the efforts of those who have brought about its success down the years.

Amongst the organizers for the 2015 event is a relatively new group called the South African Muslim Development Forum (SAMDF), who have sought to extend an invitation to members of the community to attend the anniversary celebrations.

According to representative Abdulaziz Papas, the SAMDF was established in light of the continued problems experienced in the community, relating to the country’s racially divided past. It was formed with the intention of promoting the ideals of the Jazakallahu Khairan, or last sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), which stressed the important of equality amongst all people, regardless of race or colour.

“We also feel that the community should engage (with government). We need to address the issues of social economic development, and social cohesion in our communities,” he explained.

The Muslim community has also played a vital role in the struggle against Apartheid; something that is likely to be a vital narrative of the ANC’s anniversary. Whilst the actual anniversary is the 8th of January, Papas noted that the event would actually take place at the Cape Town Stadium on the 10th. He urged members of the Muslim community to attend the event, and make their presence and contribution to a free South Africa known.

“We ask our brothers and sisters to attend the event. I’ve spoken with the host of this event, and she has ensured that we will have very good seating,” he said.

Also collaborating with the SAMDF on this event will be the Griqua Royal House in the Western Cape, who will represent the tribal sector of South African society. Chief Peter Petersen said they had a ‘memorandum of understanding’, to work hand in hand with the SAMDF in this regard.

“We share the same vision as the SAMDF, and we would like our members as the Griqua community to attend this. We also have two of our chiefs sitting on the chaplaincy of the ANC. So we appreciate this opportunity to invite everybody who is part of the Griqua community to attend,” he said.

The entries to the event are limited to 10 000, so those seeking to attend are urged to register as soon as possible.

For more information or to register, visit the forum’s website at www.samdf.org. Applicants will be required to provide their full name, I.D number, address, contact number, as well as other relevant details. Entries open at 5pm on Friday.

You may also contact Papas directly at 074 111 1113, or via email at director@samdf.org or wpapas@gmail.com. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)