As I bring my tenure as National Chairperson of SANZAF to a close, I do so with immense gratitude and deep reflection. Over the past six years, I have had the honour of serving this extraordinary organisation, helping to guide its growth, strengthen its foundations and amplify its impact on communities across South Africa. It has been a journey marked by purpose transformation and immense Barakah.
One of my earliest priorities as National Chairperson was to initiate the development of SANZAF’s first-ever written core values, a process that began with a national roadshow alongside CEO Yasmina Francke, engaging stakeholders to define the principles that continue to guide our work with sincerity, excellence and compassion. These values became the backbone of our culture, shaping how we serve and lead. We gained global recognition for our transparency and accountability, introduced robust policies and reimagined our impact through our shift from an annual to an Integrated Report, offering deeper insights into SANZAF’s strategic direction and value creation.
Among the initiatives closest to my heart are the Learn to Grow programmes, the Zakah Advocacy in-house training and the launch of The Islamic Business and Finance (IBF) Women’s Forum, the first in South Africa. Each was born from a belief that leadership must be nurtured at every level and that inclusivity and development are non-negotiables in our path forward. These projects, among others, aimed to empower both our internal teams and the broader community we serve.
This final year of my tenure has been particularly meaningful, coinciding with SANZAF’s 50th anniversary, a milestone that speaks volumes of our legacy and longevity. I am proud to report for the Financial year ending in 2025 we achieved record-breaking income, which enabled us to reach more beneficiaries than ever before. It was a year of impact, growth and affirmation that our mission continues to resonate and serve in powerful, life-changing ways.
In October last year, SANZAF took the important step of transitioning leadership, as Moulana Mogamat Hassiem Cassiem was nominated and elected as the new National Chairperson. With over 35 years of experience in SANZAF, Moulana brings an unmatched depth of knowledge from an Islamic and community perspective. His leadership reflects the values of humility, wisdom and service that are essential to our work. I am confident that, supported by the trustees and leadership team, he will continue to guide SANZAF with purpose and spiritual clarity in the years to come.
It has been an honour to serve, not as a position of power, but as a position of trust. I close this chapter with a heart full of gratitude for the opportunity, the people and the purpose that have defined these six years. May SANZAF continue to flourish and remain a beacon of compassion and transformation for the next 50 years and beyond, Ameen Yaa Rabb.