IAHET turns 10 in style
In the space of ten years the Imam Abdullah Haron Education Trust (IAHET) has grown from humble beginnings into one of South Africa’s most respected NGO’s.
Addressing more than 600 guests who attended the organisation’s glittering 10th anniversary Gala Dinner at the Islamia College Hall on 5 September 2015, IAHET chairperson Mustaq Brey outlined the organisation’s contributions to marginalised communities through its bursary, tuition and early childhood development programmes.
“Despite the tough economic times of recent years we have grown steadily into a highly respected NGO, making a modest but significant difference in the lives of people of all ages who live on the margins of South Africa’s still unequal society.
“I’m happy to say we have during our 10 years of existence managed to raise and spend close to R3.5 million on our various projects,” said Mr Brey.
Delivering the keynote address, Sheikh Sa’dullah Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Islamia College paid tribute to the fearless leadership of Imam Haron at a time when the apartheid regime launched a harsh crackdown on its opponents.
“Imam Haron was small in physical size but massive in moral stature. A valiant voice against the oppression of the racist apartheid regime his words still echo in the memories of freedom fighters.
“The criminal apartheid security branch detained our people, the diabolical Group Areas Act moved our people, but here we are today … nurtured by the blood of martyrs, bearing testimony to the victory of Imam Haron over his torturers; they killed his body but his mission is alive, they silenced his voice but his message continues to inspire, his body lies buried but his spirit lives on … it lives in every person he taught (young or old), in every poor home he visited (in Manenberg or Langa), in every life he touched,” said Sheikh Khan.
Click here to read the full speech.
A surprise donation of R100 000 by the Nedbank Foundation to the IAHET’s ECD programme embellished a thoroughly enjoyable evening that was hosted by well-known standup comedian Dr Riaad Moosa, who kept the audience entertained throughout the evening with his unique brand of humour.
