Pretoria – Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Eid al-Fitr celebration is a reminder of the contributions made by the Muslim community during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and the country’s liberation.
Addressing the Eid prayer held by the Muslim community in Pretoria on Wednesday, the Deputy President said the Muslim community continues to contribute to the development of South African societies.
The event took place during the month of Ramadaan, which is the fourth pillar of Islam.
“Islam is part of our African heritage, our history and our future… We recall the involvement of the Muslim community in the struggle against apartheid. We remember the contribution of the Muslim community of Pretoria to our struggle.
“This is the community that gave South Africa its first black Chief Justice, Justice Ismail Mohamed. This is a community that continues to play a vital role in the renewal, reconstruction and transformation of our nation,” he said.
Deputy President Ramaphosa said the Muslim community reminds government of the work it must continue to do to improve the lives of citizens and the people of Africa.
“As we mark the end of the holy fast, let us affirm our commitment to work together to end poverty, inequality, injustice and tyranny. Let us work together to end racism, sexism and religious intolerance.
“Let us stand up for the oppressed and the dispossessed, for those whose lands have been occupied and whose livelihoods have been destroyed.
“Let us stand together to oppose the wars, civil conflicts and acts of terror that continue to claim the lives of so many innocents. Let us build a peaceful, just and prosperous world,” said the Deputy President.
The event took place just weeks before South Africans go to the polls to elect their representatives of local government on 3 August. Deputy President Ramaphosa urged everyone to ensure that the elections are peaceful, free, fair and inclusive.
“Let us work with each other to build the South Africa of our dreams, the South Africa described in the National Development Plan, the South Africa envisaged in our Constitution. Let us build a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it,” he said, wishing all Muslims a blessed Eid.
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