The Legacy 1500 Project is a global initiative commemorating 1500 years since the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

As the world marks 1,500 years since the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), a global initiative is calling hearts and minds to pause, reflect and renew. The Legacy 1500 Project is more than a commemoration, it is a movement to reawaken the timeless lessons of the Prophet (SAW) and to place them at the centre of our modern lives.

From mercy and compassion, to social justice and environmental consciousness, the values the Prophet (SAW) embodied continue to offer answers to the challenges of today. The project is a reminder that the Prophetic legacy is not bound to the past, it is a living guide, shaping how we live, lead and serve in the present.

Rooted in Islamic Civilizational Values

Legacy 1500 highlights the extraordinary contributions Muslims have made across centuries and across continents. For communities like South Africa’s Muslim minority, it offers a chance to reflect on how our presence, rooted in faith, has enriched the broader society. It is also a call to continue playing an active role in building justice, fairness and harmony in a diverse world.

A Global Vision with Local Resonance

Through events, publications and community initiatives, the project seeks to inspire a new generation. It encourages young Muslims to see their faith as both anchor and compass guiding them to tackle pressing global issues with courage and creativity. It also opens a space for interfaith dialogue, reminding us that the Prophetic mission was universal in scope, a mercy to all of humanity.

SANZAF’s Role in the Journey

As an organisation committed to upliftment, service and social transformation, SANZAF is proud to support this campaign. For SANZAF, the Prophetic legacy resonates deeply: the care for the poor, the pursuit of justice and the unwavering commitment to mercy are not abstract ideals, but guiding principles that underpin our work daily.

By standing with the Legacy 1500 Project, SANZAF reaffirms its mission to embody these teachings in a modern context, whether through welfare initiatives, education programmes or platforms that amplify voices of dignity and fairness.

Looking Forward: Building on Timeless Teachings

The commemoration of 1,500 years since the birth of the Prophet (SAW) is not simply about memory. It is about responsibility. It calls us to carry the Prophet (SAW)’s message into every space we occupy: in our families, our workplaces and our communities.

The Legacy 1500 Project is a call to live the Prophetic way, not just in devotion, but in how we care for the earth, how we stand up for justice and how we serve humanity.

As SANZAF joins this global initiative, we invite our community to walk with us in honouring the Prophet (SAW) by striving to live his message in our times. For it is in applying timeless Prophetic teachings to contemporary issues that we truly keep the Prophet (SAW)’s legacy alive.

SANZAF’s Islamic Business & Finance (IBF) Women’s Forum 2025 Sponsored by Al Baraka Bank

On Saturday, 23 August 2025, the Century City Conference Centre came alive with the voices, energy and aspirations of Muslim women from across Cape Town. Hosted by SANZAF and proudly sponsored by Al Baraka Bank South Africa, the Islamic Business & Finance (IBF)

Women’s Forum was an inspiring morning of wisdom, reflection and powerful conversations that left every attendee motivated to embrace their potential while staying firmly rooted in Islamic values.

The atmosphere was warm yet electric, as women gathered to connect, learn and share. From the very start, the tone was one of upliftment: a reminder that empowerment, whether spiritual, financial or personal, begins within and flourishes when nurtured by community.

With Raghma Carr guiding as MC, the room carried an energy that was both professional and heartfelt, a rare balance that left participants feeling welcomed and inspired. The panel discussions flowed seamlessly under the graceful moderation of Shaykha Basheera Hendricks Gamieldien, whose calm wisdom wove the different strands of the day together.

Panel Discussion 1: Journeying Towards a Better You

The morning opened with a focus on self-betterment, setting a strong foundation for everything that followed:

Il-haam Ahmed grounded the audience with a reminder that health and wellness encompasses all aspects of being not just physical health.

Yumna Petersen shifted the lens to financial well-being, reminding us that being intentional with our money is not only empowering but also an act of faith and responsibility.

Yasmina Francke invited attendees to reflect deeply on purposeful living, to pause and reflect on what truly matters.

Panel Discussion 2: Growing Your Influence & Impact

Nazeema Ahmed shared powerful insights on spirituality in the workplace, affirming that faith and career need not be separate but can be harmoniously aligned.

Fayruz Mohamed spoke with passion on leadership and career empowerment, encouraging women to claim their space and embrace their role in shaping change.

Faruz Jabaar closed with a moving call to remain authentic, even in challenging spaces, reminding us that integrity is our most powerful influence.

Each voice added depth to a bigger truth: that women have the power to shape, influence, and lead with authenticity and purpose

Listening to Women: Insights from SANZAF’s Women’s Empowerment Survey

In the months leading up to the forum, SANZAF conducted a Women’s Empowerment Survey to hear directly from those at the heart of these conversations: women themselves. The findings were eye-opening. More than 70% of respondents expressed eagerness to actively join task teams, lead initiatives and contribute to community programmes. At the same time, respondents highlighted real challenges: limited career growth, lack of mentorship and the struggle to balance faith, work and family. Many voiced the need for entrepreneurship support, networking opportunities and professional pathways grounded in Islamic values.

Perhaps most telling was the strong call for mentorship, over half the women surveyed sought role-model guidance while others spoke of barriers to equity and discrimination in the workplace.

For SANZAF, these findings are not statistics, they are a call to action. They shape the vision for programmes that are informed by women, for women, from structured mentorship networks to entrepreneurship incubators, to Islamic values-based workplace training.

A Closing Filled with Gratitude

As the event drew to a close, the vote of thanks delivered by Fadheela Akoojee wrapped the event in gratitude for the inspiring panellists, the engaged audience and the sponsors who made it possible. Special heartfelt gratitude goes to Al Baraka Bank South Africa, whose partnership ensured that this vision could come to life.

Empowering Futures Through Education: The SEED Journey of Upliftment and Opportunity

In the heart of every thriving community lies the power of education, the key that unlocks potential, restores dignity and transforms lives. For the South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF), this belief forms the cornerstone of the SANZAF Education, Empowerment & Development Programme (SEED), a vehicle of hope driving meaningful, long-term change across the country.

Through SEED, SANZAF empowers individuals with knowledge, skills and opportunities that break cycles of poverty and open doors to self-reliance and success. Marked by initiatives spanning vocational training, early childhood development, bursaries, Islamic studies and youth mentorship, each one designed to create a ripple effect of progress across communities.

Vocational Training that Transforms Lives

At the core of SEED lies the belief that education should translate into opportunity. Through its Vocational Training Programme, SANZAF equips individuals with practical skills in caregiving, engineering, baking and even digital literacy. These targeted courses not only prepare learners for the job market but also help them carve out paths to financial independence.

The impact is deeply personal and transformative. Take Ali Malijane from Marianhill’s journey. After losing both parents, Ali faced life without a matric certificate or stable income. Yet his passion for carpentry endured. With SANZAF’s support, providing him with essential tools and business training, Ali transformed his small workshop into a thriving enterprise that now employs seven others in his community. His story embodies SEED’s vision: empowering individuals to uplift themselves and others.

Building Foundations for the Future

Education begins long before university or job training. Through Early Childhood Development (ECD) training, SANZAF offers unemployed individuals, many of them women, the chance to gain qualifications in early childhood care. Graduates go on to work in established crèches or open their own centres, creating income while nurturing the next generation.

This dual-impact approach strengthens communities at both ends: providing livelihoods for adults while shaping the educational foundation of tomorrow’s leaders.

Islamic Studies

SANZAF supports students dedicated to Islamic education by providing bursaries and funding to madrasas. These learners often go on to become spiritual leaders or Huffādh, preserving Islamic knowledge and strengthening community faith. The programme ensures access to authentic learning pathways grounded in tradition and moral responsibility.

Bursaries and Higher Education Access

For countless underprivileged students, the dream of tertiary education often collides with the reality of financial constraints. SANZAF’s Bursary Programme bridges this gap, offering both full and partial funding so that promising learners can pursue degrees in fields ranging from health sciences to engineering. These opportunities ripple outward, uplifting entire families and communities as graduates step into careers once out of reach.

Empowering Communities Through Technology – Imam Muhammad Musa

One shining example of SEED’s reach is Imam Muhammad Musa of Inanda. A graduate of SANZAF’s End User Computing course, Imam Musa took his training and began teaching digital literacy in his community.

His Isizwe Computer Class opens doors for learners to access education and employment opportunities in an increasingly digital world. As a spiritual leader and educator, Imam Musa bridges faith and technology, proving that empowerment multiplies when knowledge is shared.

From carpentry workshops to computer classes, from bursaries to mentorship, the SEED programme reflects SANZAF’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives with dignity, purpose and opportunity. Behind every success is the generosity of people like you, who choose to fulfill the Zakah of Your Wealth by investing in education and empowerment.

When you sponsor a student, you’re not only funding textbooks, tuition or training courses. You’re planting the seeds of independence, leadership and lasting change. You’re giving a young person the chance to break free from poverty, support their family and contribute meaningfully to society.

This is your opportunity to transform lives with your Zakah. Sponsor a student today, when you educate one individual, you uplift an entire community.

Click the link below, sponsor a student today:

https://sanzaf.org.za/donate

Planting the Seeds of Your Academic Success

Every great journey begins with a single step. For many South African students, that step is finding the financial support needed to pursue their educational aspirations. At SANZAF, we know that talent and determination are not defined by circumstance. That’s why we’re pleased to announce that applications for The SANZAF Education, Empowerment and Development (SEED) Bursary Programme are officially open!

Empowering Students, Transforming Futures

The SEED Programme is a commitment to nurturing potential and building brighter futures. We understand that financial barriers can hold back even the most dedicated students. That’s why SEED is designed to support your academic journey, so you can focus on achieving your dreams and making a positive impact in your community.

Why Choose SANZAF’s SEED Programme?

Community Impact – As a SEED recipient, you become part of a network dedicated to uplifting South African communities.

Holistic Development – We believe in developing well-rounded, empowered individuals ready to lead.

Sustainable Change – By empowering you, we’re planting seeds for long-term change that benefits families, neighbourhoods and society at large.

Prepare for Success: Required Documents

Before applying, make sure you have the following documents ready to ensure a smooth and seamless process:

✅ Certified copy of your South African ID

✅ Testimonials from your school or Imaam

✅ Proof of income (parents/guardian/spouse/state grant/self-employed)

✅ Motivational letter

Your Future Starts Today

This is an opportunity to invest in yourself, your education and the future of your community. Every leader, professional and change-maker began with a dream and the courage to pursue it. Now it’s your turn.

With the SEED Bursary Programme, financial challenges don’t have to hold you back, they can become the foundation for your transformation. Together, we can plant the seeds of success and watch them grow into a future filled with promise.

Apply now – your journey awaits.

https://sanzaf.org.za/projects/bursary-program