SAMNet awarded former president Nelson Mandela with a recognition award on behalf of South African Muslims in August.

We are a generation fortunate to be living in historic times in our country. We have seen the transition from oppression to democracy and we have lived in the times of great leaders who have the struggled for this freedom from oppression and discrimination. Muslims have been an intricate part of the fight against apartheid and have made sterling contributions to the welfare of South Africans.

Mr Nelson Mandela is the iconic living representation of the heroes who sacrificed so that we may be free and we will be presenting him with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of this. Mr Mandela’s living embodiment of forgiveness, compassion and humility are traits we can all admire and emulate.

Since his retirement from politics and official public duties, Mr Mandela has declined many awards and personal visits, so it is, with the Grace and Mercy of Almighty ALLAH, with pleasure that we were, after much trying and help of some people, able to secure a meeting with him to present to him the recognition of the Muslim community for his service to humanity.

As the leadership representing the length and breadth of Muslim society we delivered many organisations' letter of recognition and well wishes to Mr Mandela together with the award.

SAMNET Muslim Leaders: (from left to right): Dr Faisal Suliman (SAMNET – Chairman), Thandile Kona (Muslim Youth Movement – President), Mohammed Aslam Ismail (SAMNET – Vice Chairman), Mr Nelson Mandela, Moulana Ebrahim Bham (Jamiatul Ulama South Africa – Secretary General), Moulana Mohamed Yusuf Gaffar (Sunni Jamiatul Ulama – President), Sheikh Achmat Sedick (Muslim Judicial Council – Vice President)