By Rezaa Kasu
Local aid and development agency, Islamic Relief South Africa was recognized by the South African government at its annual Ubuntu Awards this year. The founding father of Islamic Relief Worldwide, Dr. Hany el-Banna accepted the acknowledgment for outstanding Social Responsibility on behalf of the organization’s staff and beneficiaries at a glittering awards ceremony held in Cape Town this month.
Since opening doors in 2004, the organization is reputed to have saved and changed the lives of more than 170 million lives globally and spent over R200 million on aid and development programs on the continent.
The Ubuntu Awards were launched by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in 2015 to celebrate South African citizens and organizations who play an active role in projecting a positive image of South Africa internationally and serve as global ambassadors for the Rainbow Nation.
Media personalities Leanne Manas and Bob Mabena presided over this year’s event which is traditionally scheduled after the opening of Parliament to celebrate and bring together captains of industry, civil society leaders, members of Cabinet and other eminent persons.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address which was themed: “Celebrating Excellence in Diplomacy – Working Together to Build a Better Africa and a Better World”.
“It is you who are out there in the capitals of the world … working tirelessly to promote the interests of South Africa and to foster peace and friendship. The very fact that you have been nominated is a mark of the esteem with which you are held by your peers, and that your country has seen fit to recognise you and honour you,” Ramaphosa told a captive audience that included Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to South Africa.
Among the recipients were members of the Springbok team, who won the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and 11-year old author Michelle Nkamankeng.
Islamic Relief’s Dr. Hany who has previously been awarded an OBE from the British Government told the audience to use the full capacity of their heart to embrace the children of the world and become their saviors. Holding back tears, he said that it was on the shoulders of the downtrodden that allowed him to be recognized and in doing so, accepted this award on their behalf.
“Keep excelling because excellence has no limits, no ceiling, no boundaries. Al-Ihsan (excellence) is one of the 5 values of Islamic Relief. Ihsan is not a certificate, ihsan is a community witness, ihsan is a community solution.”
The charity, which has offices in Durban, Johannesburg and in Landsdowne Cape Town is known for its work in championing the rights of orphans, widows and the destitute.
It famously sponsored the entire oncology ward at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg to the tune of R110 million.
It also runs an active volunteer-led programme that involves itself in environmental, social and sporting challenges including the global phenomenon Charity Week on university campuses in six different countries that include USA, Germany and Australia.
To volunteer, donate or find out more about Islamic Relief, readers can contact them at 0800 111 898 or make an enquiry online at www.islamic-relief.org.za or email info@islamic-relief.org.za
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