SAMNET and others need the resources to change the messaging and influence the rules. Let’s treat the cause, not only the symptoms.

While we are all trying to bring lifesaving aid to the people of Gaza — and the rebuilding cost will run into billions — the global ummah needs to invest in changing the way we deal with crisis itself. For every 100 dollars, pounds, rupees or rand given in response to a crisis, we need to give 1% or more towards proactive measures that work to prevent the next one.

Relief Alone Is Not the Answer

We are blessed with many relief organisations, local and global, exceptional at delivering to those in need — after a natural disaster, a war, prejudice, Islamophobia or human rights abuse. But to effect real change we need to influence the public, the media, politics and policy. That requires investment in soft influence, which cannot be counted in food parcels, bricks or bandages.

We are very comfortable investing in tangibles: feed, clothe, build, treat. How long do we keep feeding, clothing, rebuilding and treating? If 1% of those funds went to communication, lobbying, research and the training of media, political, social and environmental specialists, we could turn the tide.

The Long Game

SAMNET’s support for journalism students 10 to 15 years ago means there are now professionals leading newsrooms, making sure the truth survives the propaganda. Count it out: a journalism qualification is four years, an internship one to two, then six to twelve years building skill and experience — and a senior newsroom role arrives in someone’s thirties or forties. Ten to twenty years.

Where SAMNET Has Put That Investment

• Activating Muslims to vote
• Exposing non-Muslims to Muslim values and generosity
• Engaging politicians
• Fighting Islamophobia in schools, universities, workplaces and government
• Responding to proposed legislation affecting education, security, social welfare, NGOs and health
• Educating the public and encouraging participation in public discourse

Change Does Not Happen by Accident

We have had success — just not at the scale needed, and not always publicly. That South Africa led on the ICJ genocide case is not an accident. It is the effort of many individuals and organisations conscientising and influencing the public, the media and politics over many decades. It takes many, many raindrops to build a flood.

Work Out Your 1%

We cannot keep rebuilding lives. Let us work to stop them being broken.

Contributing to SAMNET

Before you transfer: please confirm the account details with SAMNET on info@samnet.co.za or 084 333 3979. Altered banking details are a common fraud, and a moment’s check protects your donation.

SAMNET Projects and Operations
Bank: Albaraka Bank
Account: SAMNET Operations Acc
Account number: 78600041926
Branch code: 800000
Reference: MobileNumber – Name
Proof of payment: info@samnet.co.za

Media, Political Science and Communications Student Bursary Fund (Zakaat / Lillah)
Bank: Albaraka Bank
Account: SAMNET Bursary Acc
Account number: 7860098088
Branch code: 800000
Reference: MobileNumber – Zak/Lil – Name
Proof of payment: info@samnet.co.za

For international contributions, email info@samnet.co.za for SWIFT codes. You can also donate through this website.

Dr Faisal Suliman
South African Muslim Network (SAMNET)

Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in support of all organisations globally working to influence the socio-political system for better human rights, safety, peace, governance and living conditions.