VOC will on Sunday launch what it hopes will grow into an annual initiative aimed at honouring the dedicated work of Cape Town’s most influential figures. The VOC Special Awards will this year seek to honour, as well as treat senior ulema that have effectively become the backbone of their respective communities.

Few local alims are afforded the type of recognition that equates to the level of service they provide to the broader Muslim public, and VOC will be aiming to change that.

“We are recognising them for their sterling work in our community, and what they have been doing for our people. Some of them work 24 hours a day without even getting paid and they have been working for 30 or 40 years without recognition of their hard work,” explained VOC marketing manager Sukayna Johaardien.

Many amongst the senior ulema have shown time and again their hard working nature, willing to respond at a moment’s notice to attend to the needs of the community. VOC will now be aiming to give something back to them for their dedicated efforts.
But while the event will this year honour scholars, the broader aim of the station is to in coming years recognise community figures in various sectors of society, be it amongst the youth, women or any other area were Muslims are making great contributions.

Those being honoured will receive a free invitation to the event, and will be treated to a 5-course meal as well as some light entertainment. They will also be issued with awards in relation to their work.

In addition, VOC’s popular Golden Hour programme with Yusuf Fisher will be broadcast live from the venue, and will add to the array of entertainment planned for the day.

While the event will cater to alims over the age of 60, the public are also invited to attend, at a cost of R200 per person.
Corporate clients can also get involved by sponsoring a 12-person table, at a cost of R300 a seat. Tickets can be acquired by contacting the station directly, and all proceeds will go towards funding of the event.

“Light entertainment, good food and Golden Hour live on air, so where else would you want to be. You won’t even have to cook food this Sunday,” declared Johaardien.

The awards presentation will take place at Barron’s Estate, Phillippi on Sunday the 4th October. The programme will run between 12pm-4pm. For more information contact the station at 021 442 3500. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)