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Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Honoring South Africa's Islamic heritage through Hajj
I had the honor of welcoming the first wave of pilgrims from South Africa who entered the Kingdom to embark on the sacred journey of Hajj on April 29. Prior to their departure, as they bade farewell to their families and loved ones, I knew they carried with them an overwhelming realization that this was nothing but an invitation, a privilege, and a blessing bestowed by the Almighty. With that reflection also came the awareness that they are now part of millions from around the world, united in a sacred rite that Prophet Muhammad undertook during his blessed life. For me, the honor of welcoming these pilgrims — and later spending time with them from Madinah to Aziziya (where South African pilgrims reside before the five blessed days), to the camps in Mina, through Muzdalifah, the stoning at the Jamarat, and finally the sanctity and majesty of Arafat — is profound. Profound in the sense that it gives me personal pause to reflect on the gift of Islam that reached the shores of the Cape of Good Hope in the 17th century. This gift was, in and of itself, instrumental in shaping many key developments in South Africa — not least the foundations of a language often assumed to have originated solely with Dutch settlers. In fact, there is ample historical evidence that slaves and political prisoners — most of them Muslim and brought by the Dutch from the Malay Archipelago — carried with them wisdom and knowledge. Through this knowledge, wisdom, and interaction with local communities and other enslaved peoples, they helped form a patois that would later evolve into what we now formally recognize as Afrikaans, a language widely spoken throughout South Africa and Namibia. Allow me to share a personal anecdote. Around the age of 20, an elder from my community came to test my ability to read fusha Arabic (classical Arabic). I struggled to understand the passage he showed me — until he pointed something out. He told me, in our mother tongue, Afrikaans, that I was reading one of the earliest records of Afrikaans written in Arabic script (similar documents are preserved in archives to this day). That moment left an indelible mark on me. It reminded me of how the Hijrah of the Prophet shaped not only the Arab world but also global communities as far as the southernmost tip of Africa. The point is that the beauty of South Africa's diversity is well known — and hard-won. Many fought for that diversity to be embedded in the DNA of what shapes our country today. As a descendant of those who, through Islam, helped shape our diverse cultural landscape, I am deeply humbled to represent my country in welcoming our pilgrims to Saudi Arabia — and to spend time with them during this sacred journey. On behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the government of South Africa, and Ambassador Mogobo David Magabe, I wish to acknowledge the thoughtful measures taken by Saudi Arabia to ensure a spiritually uplifting and logistically smooth Hajj. We further commend the Kingdom for its continued commitment to serving the global Muslim community. The operational role entrusted to Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah is already bringing ease and reassurance to pilgrims, even before they reach Mina. Equally important is the vital role played by all those working behind the scenes to support the South African pilgrim experience, including community-based organizations such as the South African Hajj and Umrah Council, and the Mashaariq in Saudi Arabia. In conversations with South Africans already in the Kingdom, it is clear that initiatives such as early restrictions on entry into Makkah and Madinah are easing pressure and enhancing the journey in meaningful ways. It is equally important for South African pilgrims to remember that in every action — whether in prayer, in queues, in transport, or in how we treat others — we represent our country. Let our conduct reflect the spirit of ubuntu, the belief that our humanity is bound to one another, and be worthy of the welcoming and tolerant identity that so many fought for us to uphold and protect. To all the pilgrims, and especially those whom I have yet to meet in person, I wish you a Hajj Maqbool and Hajj Mabroor, Insha'Allah. • Imran Simmins is the acting consul general for the South African Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Condé Nast Traveler
06-05-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
Seroja — Restaurant Review
What were your first impressions when you arrived? Seroja's location, in a shiny, mixed-use development, is somewhat unexpected for a restaurant with such soul and sensitivity. But it's appropriate for a place dedicated to the flavors of the Malay Archipelago—this neighborhood used to be the seat of Malay royalty in the region. Inside, you'll pass a botanical arrangement inspired by lush tropical forests before entering a soothing space that's all curved edges and organic contours; a reflection of the shape of the islands in the archipelago. At its center is an open kitchen—the best seats in the house are the 13 that run along the counter here, where you can see all the action. What's the crowd like? Serious foodies out for a culinary adventure; folks celebrating a special occasion. What should we be drinking? The wine list, while compact, has won awards for its curation. But it's the non-alcoholic pairing menu—a series of in-house brews that includes things like fizzy oolong tea with lemon oil shrub and smoked seaweed broth—that really showcases the team's skill and creativity. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. There are fixed menus for lunch and dinner, each averaging about 10 courses. The food marries ingredients typical of the region, like traditional herbs, with rare local produce, such as rice from a remote Borneo tribe, creating explosive and unique flavor combinations that you're not likely to taste anywhere else. Come hungry and practice restraint (especially when the bread course, a wonderfully fragrant pull-apart loaf served with Johorean butter, is set in front of you). And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Seroja's front-of-house team is led by general manager Long Tran, one of the most experienced people in the business, so as you might expect this is one smooth operation. What's the real-real on why we're coming here? Fine-dining has become almost uniform over the years, with the same ingredients that draw top dollar appearing on menus all over the world. Seroja's food has a distinct identity and sense of place, making this a culinary experience worth traveling to Singapore for.
