Belgravia High School’s Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) had to do things a little differently for its annual mass iftaar (breaking of the fast) this year.
The MSA usually hosts children from the community and nearby children’s homes to a sit-down meal in the school hall, but because of Covid and lockdown regulations, they were not able to do it this way. Instead, they asked representatives of the 250 beneficiaries to collect the food, cake and gift bags, and the hall was used as a distribution centre. Habibia, St Francis, Leliebloem and Wisdom Pond children’s homes were this year’s beneficiaries.
In addition to this, food was also distributed to residents of Vygieskraal and Hadji Ebrahim informal settlements. The event was held on Wednesday April 21.
This year marked the 10th annual iftaar event the MSA hosted. Lockdown regulations prevented them from hosting it last year.
Belgravia High School’s principal, Andre Buis, said although the event is held during Ramadaan, it is not exclusive to any religious group.
“Anybody is invited to donate, to volunteer their time, and be part of the event in whichever way. With this inclusive activity, we are building unity and instill values such as sacrifice, compassion, generosity, teamwork and empathy for the less fortunate. Once again our parents and local businesses donated generously and we are grateful and thank them for their ongoing support. We hope to continue the relationship for many more years,” Mr Buis said.
Parent Zeenat Dawood said many of the donors had been consistent in their giving over the years. She too, thanked them for their loyal support.
Ward 48 councillor, Magedien Davids, said he was proud to be associated with MSA.
“I have been assisting for nine of their 10 years of existence, and I pledge to serve the community for as long as I can,” Mr Davids said.
Belgravia High pupil and MSA member, Tharyah Williams, 15, said all the work hard the team put in was all worth it, if it means they are making a difference in another child’s life.
Aaliyah Dawood, 15, agreed, adding that it felt good helping others.
