SAHUC not mandated to issue visas to Cape Town couple

Qaanitah Hunter| Cii News| 12 October 2012

The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) will not be mandated to issue hajj visas and travel documents for Ahmed and Aziza Abrahams, the South Gauteng High Court ruled on Friday.

The pair’s hajj accreditation was revoked by SAHUC on the premise that they lied in their registration.

In handing down the judgment, Judge Kgomo made reference to the argument presented by SAHUC lawyers that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is solely responsible for the issuing of Visas.

Kgomo thus struck the matter of the roll, meaning it will not be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

Lawyer for SAHUC, Advocate Yusuf Saloojee, argued that visas are issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via the embassy to SAHUC.

Therefore he argued that SAHUC cannot be ordered to issue the visas.

Attorney Zehir Omar, representing the Abrahams’ counter argued that the initial visas allocated for the pair should be restored.

Kgomo noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could not be joined to the case as per the request of Saloojee as they enjoy full immunity as they are a sovereign country.

He further said that he would like to see an amicable solution found between the two parties.

“It is a sad day to see fights of this kind within the close knit Muslim community,” Kgomo said.

Responding to the judgment, attorney Yousha Tayob, who was acting on behalf of SAHUC, said they are satisfied with the outcome.

“The case is over from our side but it is up to the applicants to take the matter further,” he said.

Omar said that they will re-enroll the matter for next Tuesday.

“We will try everything in our power to ensure that the pair goes for hajj,” he said.

Friday’s hearing formed part A of the case against SAHUC.

Part B involves allegations of corruption against SAHUC and requests the director of public prosecutions to investigate the organisation.

This matter will be heard in 4 weeks time.

Nacema Ismail

I find the judgement strange! If they nt mandated to issue visas how did they cancel them? I truly believe the writing is on the wall for sahuc!

OBSERVOR

As far as I can see, both parties may be at fault. All of us Muslims are governed by
specific decrees in our daily lives – be it business,a simple household chore, going on
travel for a specific purpose or just a holiday. Our intention must governed the way
in which we execute these very different things. The desired intention and result should
be solely for the pleasure of our Creator thereby ensuring the we reap the benefits in
both worlds and that we use the proper criteria for appointing people in positions of
TRUST.

OBSERVOR

Two questions:- 1. Why do we as Muslims perform Haj?
2. Why lie?

We know, or rather should know the criteria for performing this very sacred Ibadah, a
pillar of our Din and, even if we have done so a thousand times the same criteria would still
be applicable or, do we make up our own rules as we go along. Why try and up grade what is perfection in itself? Or are we so dissatisfied with our Divinely decreed way of life that we want to change things to suit ourselves. Where is the logic in that? Or has Haj & Umrah now
really become just a holiday/a fad? And we dare to go to the secular courts to give a verdict
that we know would most probably be in our favour but with total disregard for the Din.
joe why lie

what is sahuc doing for hujaj in Saudi Arabia Shsheen Essop is the biggest liar and hypocrite he should stand down. he does not deserve the privilege to serve hujaj. there us not 60 people a day visiting the clinics. what has sahuc done with the R700 per hujaj. show yourself here in Mmakkah
TRANSPARENCY

SAHUC MUST BE INVESTIGATED