Around 3,500 Muslims from various sectors of the community attended the 6th Annual Mass Iftaar in Laudium, hosted by the PMT, this past Saturday (March 7). The gathering brought together brothers and sisters in Islam to share in the blessings of Ramadan while strengthening the bonds that unite the community. The Mass Iftaar also served as a reminder that Ramadan is not only about fasting, but also about brotherhood, charity, togetherness and gratitude, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion among those present.
Although the local ANC councillor was seen by some attendees as using the important community gathering to promote both the ANC and himself, the overall event was widely regarded as a success. A particularly meaningful aspect of the evening was the presence of children from the Garden Service Centre, which gave the gathering a deeper sense of purpose.
Almost 100 children from the centre attended the Iftaar. Many of them were orphans and several were visually impaired. The children, who live in various homes operated by the centre in Laudium, were visibly delighted when each of them received a food pack containing savouries, sweets and juices.
Moulana Aboo from the Garden Service Centre told the Laudium Sun, “The excitement of these little children, sitting together with and being part of the community, along with their smiles when they received their food packs at the Mass Iftaar, brought tears to my eyes. These children deserve to be treated equally to our own children, as they are part of the community.”
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Although ANC Councillor Naeem Patel and the PMT have once again been criticized for inviting certain ANC members—reportedly chosen by Patel—to the important Mass Iftaar, seemingly to promote both the ANC and the councillor within the Muslim community, the event was nevertheless widely regarded as a success.
The Pretoria Muslim Trust (PMT) hosted its 6th Annual Mass Iftaar this past Saturday (March 7), bringing together around 3,500 members of the Muslim community for an evening of unity, spirituality, and brotherhood at the PMT Jummah Masjid complex on Jewel Street in Laudium. While there were murmurs among some attendees regarding the presence of ANC (non-Muslim) politicians at the event, particularly as Councillor Patel was seen interacting with and promoting himself alongside them, the presence of children from the Garden Service Centre gave the gathering a deeper and more meaningful purpose.
Almost 100 children from the centre attended the Iftaar. Many of them were orphans and several were visually impaired. The children, who live in various Laudium homes operated by the centre, were all smiles when they received food packs containing savouries, sweets and juices.
Mohideen Hasware of the PMT told the Laudium Sun, “The Mass Iftaar formed part of the sacred month of Ramadan, a time when Muslims around the world gather in prayer, reflection, charity and community. Volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare food, coordinate seating and ensure everything was ready for the breaking of the fast. The community also contributed generously through food items, savouries and donations, with proceeds supporting the ongoing running and maintenance of the Masjid under the Pretoria Muslim Trust. The turnout was truly remarkable, with thousands attending, reflecting the strong community spirit that exists in Laudium and surrounding areas. It once again demonstrated the powerful spirit of togetherness that characterises the Laudium Muslim community.”
The Iftaar programme began after the late afternoon prayer (Asr Salaah), as families, elders, men, women, youth and children arrived and filled the Masjid parking area, where food was being laid out in preparation for the breaking of the fast.
As sunset approached, the gathering grew into a sea of people stretching across the mosque grounds. Rows upon rows of attendees sat patiently, waiting for the siren that would signal the time to break the fast, followed shortly thereafter by the Maghrib prayer.
Mohideen added, “The atmosphere was filled with unity, gratitude, brotherhood and spiritual reflection. It was a reminder of how Ramadan brings the Muslim community together regardless of age, background or status. As the sun set and the Adhaan for Maghrib echoed across the Masjid, thousands of fasting individuals simultaneously broke their fast together. Dates and refreshments were shared, followed by warm meals distributed by volunteers and community members. The sight of people sharing food, smiling, greeting one another and making dua created a deeply moving moment.
“The Iftaar was not just about food — it was about community, compassion and faith, as volunteers ensured the evening ran smoothly. The Pretoria Muslim Trust, one of Laudium’s oldest Islamic organisations, continues to play an important role in serving the community through religious, educational and welfare initiatives. Events such as the Mass Iftaar showcase the strength of this service and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to bring the community together.
“Thousands of people sat side by side, sharing the blessings of Ramadan and strengthening the bonds that hold the community together. The evening served as a reminder that Ramadan is not only about fasting, but also about brotherhood, charity, togetherness and gratitude. Through initiatives like this, the Pretoria Muslim Trust continues to foster a spirit of unity and compassion within the community.
“May the Almighty accept the efforts of everyone involved and allow such beautiful gatherings to continue for many years to come. Ameen.”
An organiser of the Mass Iftaar confirmed to the Laudium Sun that the PMT had invited leadership from the provincial and regional offices of the ANC on the advice of Councillor Naeem Patel, who selected the names of the ANC members to be invited. The organiser also confirmed that the EFF—described as a strong supporter of the cause of the oppressed people of Palestine—was not invited to the event.
