Issued by: Office of the Deputy President
Today, over 1.2 billion Muslims throughout the world are celebrating the joyous occasion o Eid-ul-Fitr. On behalf of the Government of South Africa, I would like to extend my warmest greetings and good wishes to the Muslim community on this auspicious day.
The day of Eid is a culmination of the month long experience of Ramadaan where Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset. The month of Ramadaan is a reminder to all that spiritual upliftment is intrinsically linked to social upliftment the spiritual regimen imposed on Muslims during the Holy Month of Ramadaan is designed to cultivate in man a sense of humanity and to enable him to develop a social conscience. Eid is the culmination of a month in which the focus is on our fellow beings who are less fortunate and under-privileged.
Historically, Muslims in South Africa have played a significant role in the struggle for freedom and justice. Enormous sacrifices were incurred in order to give birth to our emerging democracy. Today, as we stand on the threshold of a new era, our struggle has entered another dimension. The struggle now one of re-building the nation after centuries of social devastation caused by apartheid as well as helping Africa to regain its leading place in the world community.
Muslims were integral to the struggle for liberation and we seek to enhance this partnership with the Muslim community in the task of re-building and developing this country for all its citizens. Although the Muslim community has already taken a leading role in the fields of education, business development, health care, social welfare to name but a few, there is much work still to be accomplished.
Indeed, it is the hallmark of Muslims to express their spirituality in terms of social action and these efforts are recognised.
The watershed elections in 1994 that ushered in our new democracy, has secured the rights of all religious denominations. Conditions have been created for all religions to practice and flourish without any fear of discrimination. We call upon the Muslim community to avail themselves of this opportunity to consolidate their religious expression. A strong and practising community of Muslims will certainly have a positive impact on the social fabric of this nation.
Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Muslims, EID MUBARAK.
Deputy President Jacob Zuma
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa 082-990-4853
012-337-5205