The South African Muslim Network hosted a workshop with Regent Business School for the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA), held on 5 December 2024 at Regent Business School in Johannesburg.

Theme: Data-Driven Decisions in Islamic Initiatives — A Research-Based Approach

The session, facilitated by Mohamed Kharwa, was highly interactive, and introduced participants to the principles of using research and data to make their organisation more effective in serving the Ummah.

Acknowledgements

SAMNET extends its gratitude to Regent Business School and their academic team for co-developing tailored, activity-based workshop material. Particular thanks to Dr Shahiem Patel, Academic Dean, for his commitment to capacity-building initiatives of this kind and to further engagement and training in future.

Key highlights

• Diverse representation. Participants came from across JUSA — Ifta, Social Support and Media among them — with a notable majority being young people.
• Engaging discussion. Attendees brought critical thinking, curiosity and a real ease with technology to the practical applications of data-driven tools in organisational services, administration, support and communication.
• Positive feedback. Participants and senior JUSA leadership valued the emphasis on sound information in decision-making, and on challenging preconceptions that turn out not to be supported by data.

Participant feedback

“The importance of acquiring sound information for informed decisions was emphasised.”

“Challenged preconceived ideas, unsupported by data.”

“Kept the tempo up… keeping participants stimulated and engaged.”

Looking ahead

This pilot marks the beginning of a broader SAMNET intention to expand capacity-building workshops to other organisations and other areas of knowledge, insha’Allah — building a culture of data-driven decision-making within the Islamic community, for the benefit of society.

Particular thanks to Ml Mohammed Kathrada (JUSA) and Br Mahlatse Assad Ragolane (Regent Business School), whose contributions were instrumental to the workshop’s success.

SAMNET remains committed to partnering with organisations to deliver training and support. For enquiries or collaboration, email info@samnet.co.za.

Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in the interest of capacity building and data-driven decision-making for the benefit of our community, country and future.