Episode 54 Heritage Day It Up
This episode of Level Up - Heritage Day It Up (Episode 54), hosted by Ziyaad, Nabihah, and Isa Plaatjes, covers news and social issues relevant to young Muslims in South Africa.
Key segments include:
- Local News & Safety: The hosts discuss the distressing discovery of nine women's bodies in the Ekurhuleni region (1:31) and provide essential safety tips, emphasising the importance of communicating travel routes and avoiding secluded areas (16:36 - 20:00). They highlight that there is no mandatory waiting period to report a missing person (18:40).
- Motorsport & Global Updates: The tragic passing of racing champion Robert Wolk (2:34) and the rescue of British national Nusra Chiwa Osman in Malawi (4:15) are addressed. They also cover the viral controversy surrounding athlete Joanna Witsak (5:17) and the ongoing search for six South African citizens missing after floods in the Himalayan region (8:22).
- Social Commentary: George Galloway's visit to South Africa and his advocacy for alternative media are discussed (8:44).
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Issa shares impactful tips for young boys to help stop the cycle of GBV, including modeling respect, standing up against bullying, and practicing emotional maturity (12:42).
- Islamic Heritage: In anticipation of Heritage Day, the hosts provide an extensive history of the Islamic legacy in South Africa, dating back over 370 years. They highlight key pioneers like Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar (26:01), Tuan Guru (26:42), and Imam Abdullah Haroun (28:22).
Listen to Level Up with Ziyaad, Nabihah, and Isa Plaatjes on Radio Islam International MW 1548
Episode 54: Heritage Day It Up
Sunday 20 September 2026 / 08th Rabi al-Thani 1448AH 14h00 - 15h00 (CAT)
Watch Level Up with Ziyaad, Nabihah, and Isa Plaatjes on Radio Islam International MW 1548
Episode 54: Heritage Day It Up
Sunday 20 September 2026 / 08th Rabi al-Thani 1448AH 14h00 - 15h00 (CAT)
Read the Transcript for Level Up with Ziyaad, Nabihah, and Isa Plaatjes on Radio Islam International MW 1548
Episode 54: Heritage Day It Up
Sunday 20 September 2026 / 08th Rabi al-Thani 1448AH 14h00 - 15h00 (CAT)
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to dear listeners. It's just past 200 p.m. right here in South Africa and it's our favorite day of the week, yad.
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It's the 8th day of Rabani 1448 ah alhamdulillah and it corresponds to Sunday the 20th of September 2026.
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I'm Zad Plachies and with me are my co-hosts Nabiha and Issa Plachis.
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Welcome to Level Up where we listen, learn, and grow inshallah with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala's guidance and we break down the week's news and talk
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about what really matters to young Muslims today. Our WhatsApp line is open. The number is 0727861548.
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You can call in on 0185472 or DM us on love.com. That's IL
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Z AOM. We on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Tik Tok, threads, upscalled, and we have a WhatsApp channel as well.
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So, looking at this week's top stories, um, very sad news. um a lot of uh things
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happening here in South Africa that we shouldn't be proud of and that um have come at a real shock to the nation. Um
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nine bodies of women have been found in the East Land Equali over the past 2 months with multiple discoveries made
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this week. On Tuesday, two bodies were discovered, including one in Quatma Springs and the positive identification
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of missing runner Elizabeth Tonso Mosela Homo.
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On Thursday, a ninth body of a woman was found in Dawn Park, Boxburg.
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Police have launched a dedicated task team and offered a 400,000 rand reward for information, though they are still
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investigating whether the cases are connected.
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It's such sad news and um may Allah make it easy for the families during this
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difficult time and may the status of the woman be elevated inshallah. After the
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break we will be discussing some safety tips and Issa will also be sharing tips for young boys to stop the cycle of gender based violence inshallah.
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Staying in Kemp Park, the motorsport community has suffered a big loss as racing champion Robert Vog was gunned
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down this week. Vog 41, who was scheduled to race in this weekend's extreme festival in Cape Town, was shot
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and killed on 16th September 2026 at the corner of Camwood Street and Portland Drive in Esther Park, Kemp Park.
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Alhamdulillah, three people have been arrested in connection with the killing of South African racing driver Robert Vog. Police confirmed that one suspect
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was arrested on the 9th of the 18th of September 2026 and two additional arrests were made on the morning of 19th September 2026.
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Vulks Audi was involved in a minor collision with a Volkswagen Jetta.
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Faulk stepped out of his vehicle to assess the damage and to video the situation on his cell phone, which led to a heated argument and fatal shooting
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captured partially on circulating social media video footage where the asalant was seen shooting Vog in the back
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multiple times while Vog was walking away before the asalent stole Vog's phone which was on the ground. This was all captured on CCTV at a nearby home.
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The South African Police Services, SAPS, opened a murder case and swiftly tracked down the three suspects involved.
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Alhamdulillah. So maybe there will be a bit of justice. Um but it doesn't bring back Robert Vulk. And again, we make dua
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that Allah make it easy for the family during this difficult time and elevate the status of Robert Valk.
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Alhamdulillah. British national Nusra Chiwa Osman has been found safe in Malawi after 6-day kidnapping and deputy
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inspector general of police Dr. Nol Cira is recovering after being shot during the rescue operation.
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Nusra Chiwa Osman, a 47year-old mother of two from the UK, was abducted in Blantai, Malawi. The Malawi police
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service tracked her to a hideout near Impa and raided the location. Osman was rescued safely and is undergoing medical
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checks. Two of the kidnappers died during an exchange of gunfire with the police. Dr. Nol Cayera, the deputy
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inspector general of police, Inspector General of Police, was shot in the stomach while leading the rescue. He was
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rushed to Ma Maatu Private Hospital in Blantai where officials report he's receiving treatment and is out of immediate danger. Alhamdulillah.
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Inshallah, may Allah um grant him full shifa and a speedy recovery.
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And in other news, earlier this week, Australian athlete Joanna Witsak re retroactively forfeited her victory and
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apologized after competing with fecal matter on her legs and equipment during a hierarching.
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Whitesrik suffered from acute bowel trouble and soiled herself during the solo pro race. She kept going, used shared equipment, and won the event.
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There was viral outrage after footage spread globally, raising major health and safety concerns over contaminated
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track mats. Hierrock's organizers initially praised her grit, later admitting they made a mistake by not stopping her immediately. Hierarch
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stated that rules between elite and mass participation blurred the response.
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Organizers updated the rule book to handle biological contamination explicitly. Hierro setting permanent bans for anyone sending online threats
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or abuse to whites whites posted an apology on Instagram stating she felt healthy at the start.
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She admitted she should have stepped off the track. She officially withdrew from the race and gave up her earned points.
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And for those who don't know what Hierrox is, Hierrox is a standardized global indoor fitness race that combines 8 km of running with eight functional
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workout stations. Participants complete a 1 kilometer run followed by one functional exercise station repeating
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this exact sequence eight times. It is designed to be accessible for both elite athletes and everyday gym goers.
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So every Hier rocks event worldwide uses the same consistent setup. Competitors face the following sequence. A 1 km run,
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1,000 m ski urge or indoor ski simulator, a 1 km run, 50
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m sled push, again a 1 km run, a 50 m sled pull, a 1 km run, a 80 m burpee
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broad jumps, a 1 km run, 1,000 m row urg and a 1 km run, and a 200 m farmers
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carry holding heavy kettle bells or weights. a 1 km run, 100 m sand bag lunges and a 1 km run with 100 wall balls to finish. Sounds very intense.
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And um I think it was more the fact that she carried on using the equipment that which was contaminated, not that she did
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have a problem because I know one of the athletes during the week as well went to the bathroom before and they were disqualified
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um because they started late. But a lot of athletes were saying that you know these things happen especially when
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they're doing like ultramarathon or very intense um competitions or races and I
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think it was more the fact that you know it everything became contaminated and was unhygienic.
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Um then looking globally, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Durko, confirms that all six South African citizens remain
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unaccounted for following the devastating floods on the 26th of August in the Himalayan region. We make dua
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that they are found safe and alive inshallah.
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Then moving back home, British politician and activist George Galloway arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa this week for his multi-ity people power tour alongside journalist Ivonne Ridley.
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The tour started in Johannesburg on the 17th of September and moved to Pritoria on the 18th of September. Events will be
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held on the 25th of September in Durban and the 1st to the 3rd of October in Cape Town inshallah.
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Galloway is a prominent advocate for Palestinian rights and is using the tour to discuss global justice and anti-imperialism.
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He voiced strong support for South Africans South Africa's legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, the ICJ, stating he
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wanted to meet the heroes behind the litigation.
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The itinerary spans major hubs featuring press conferences, university workshops, and solidarity fundraising events.
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During media appearances this week, Galloway addressed international politics, British policy, and historical ties to anti-apartate figures like the
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late Aziz Bahad. In interviews with local networks, he commented on domestic discourse, asserting that claims of
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systematic white discrimination or white genocide in South Africa are false.
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And a question put forward by RadioI Islam International at the press press conference was, "What role do you see
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for alternative media?" Galloway responded by urging audiences to actively back independent and
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alternative media platforms by paying for subscriptions rather than funding mainstream news. I think let me repeat that again.
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Galloway responded by urging audiences to actively back independent and alternative media platforms by paying
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for subscriptions rather than funding mainstream news. He advised listeners to switch off mainstream media programs and
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refrain from quoting dominant corporate narratives.
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Then some good news for us South Africans. The 4th of November 2026 has been declared a public holiday for us to
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cast our vote in the local government elections. Inshallah.
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If you would like to join the conversation, our subline is 0727861548
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or you can call in on 01854702 or you can even DM us on ed.com on
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social media. That's I L O V E Z A C O M. Let's go for a break and when we get
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back, we'll be talking about Islamic heritage in South Africa and I'll be sharing tips for boys to end gender
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based violence. Inshallah, tutoring, mentoring, homeschool assistance, concessions, facilitation, and more.
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Visit After Fak Grand Academy, the dawn of excellence.
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and welcome back to Level Up. If you've just tuned in, we've been catching up on the latest news locally and
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internationally. If you missed it, be sure to check out the Radio Islam International SoundCloud during the week for the podcast as well as our
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website.com for the video podcast.
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But right now I'll be sharing some tips to put an end to gender based violence inshallah.
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If you would like to join the conversation I would say blind is open.
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The number is 0727861548 or you can call in on 0185472
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or you can even DM us on.com. That's I l a c o m.
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I am 12 years old and I think at 12 years old, a young Muslim boy has a powerful voice.
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In Islam, standing up against injustice, showing gentle character, and protecting others
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are core principles which fit naturally into preventing genderbased violence, GBV.
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If we follow the teachings of our beloved prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam, inshallah we will have
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a good start to ending based vi gender based violence inshallah.
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First we need to model good character speak and act with respect. Islamic
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teachings teachings emphasize treating mothers, sisters, class peers, and elders with honor and gentleness.
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Taking care of the home, cleaning, and helping female family members is an
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honorable sunnah that bolds equal partnerships. Second is to stand up
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against bully and exclusion. If your friends make mean comments, comments,
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insult girls, or mock someone for being different, call it out calmly or refuse to laugh along.
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If someone is being picked on at school or online, speak up if it's safe or
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report to the situation to a trusted adult, teacher, or parent.
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Next, we must practice digital safety and respect. Never share private photos,
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rumorbased posts, or disrespectful comments about girls or classmates in WhatsApp groups or on social media.
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Use digital spaces to encourage friends and share positive messages rather than
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targeting others. We should also look at normalizing emotional health. Remind
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friends that it is okay for boys to feel sad of sad, overwhelmed or upset. True
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strength comes from managing anger, talking through problems and seeking help rather than reacting with
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aggression. Aggression, especially on the opposite gender.
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Lastly, lead by example in community spaces. participate in school talks,
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youth groups or awareness events like 16 days of activism to demonstrate that
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boys are active allies in creating safe spaces inshallah
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shukran issa for that um I think it's very important especially for young boys like Issa 12 years old and as they grow
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older you know to learn those type of things to uh respect women and then you know as we get older as men um to
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continue doing those things and if we weren't taught those things then we should learn them now as well because in
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Islam we know that um a woman you know when you marry her then she completes
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half your dean then uh when she becomes a mother then jana lies at the feet of mothers. So you know these type of
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things should be instilled in our uh young boys and in our men in society and inshallah it will help to end this um
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gender- based violence um across the world.
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There's two posts that we put out this week as well um on our social media and one was a community safety alert. It says stay vigilant protect each other.
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So before you leave, tell someone where you where you're going and who you are with. Uh make sure that your phone is
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charged. When you arrive, send a live location on WhatsApp. If you change the spot, send a new location. That's also
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if you're traveling um you know uh with these e-haling services as well. Maybe you know send a live location while
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you're traveling. Uh communicate with people. I think the most important thing is communication as well to let people
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know, you know, when you leave a certain place, when you come back. Um, that also
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helps to to track or trace if something uh were to happen.
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On your way home, confirm you have arrived safely. And when using Uber, Balt, or taxi, check the route question.
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um check the route obviously that the the driver is using and question diversion. So if they going off the route and you know the way um to the
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place that you are going to you know ask you know why are you going this way and if if you feel unsafe go live on Facebook or Tik Tok or record discreetly
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what is happening and always share your your trip status. So share it with family members or friends um whoever you
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are comfortable with letting know letting them know where you are and general safety. Don't walk alone in secluded areas. Don't be a hero.
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Document discreetly. So if you see something happening or you sense something is going to happen, document it discreetly um by videoing, voice
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recording, you know, and if you see suspicious plates or people, make a note of it and contact authorities.
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um as soon as you can. Your life is more important than your phone or handbag. So that was the one post that we put out.
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The other one is there's no waiting period to report a missing person.
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Immediate response by the SAPS can save a life. So it said there's no waiting period and this is from the SAPS.
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Um there's no waiting period to report missing persons. Provide as much information as possible when reporting the case at your local police station.
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Provide latest photograph of the missing person. Keep the investigating official updated on any developments all the
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time. And SAPS crime stop is 08600 10LE1
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or the SAPS emergency line is 10LE1 and you can simply download the my SAPS
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mobile app. The my SAPS app is a free crime tip off mobile application available to smartphones on Google Play
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Store and Apple App Store and visit the www.saps.gov.za for more information. So I think that's
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very important that you know we always feel that and we were told that if someone is going is gone missing we need
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to can only report it after 48 hours or 72 hours and you should do it immediately because like they said it can save a life.
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And talking about um you know community safety and alerts, we spoke about this last year. Um there was a girl that was
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at the Singularity South Africa who invented the alerting alerting earpiece
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that actually um records if you're in a dangerous situation and then sends that
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to uh a signal to your friends and family. Um if you want to you can check the previous recordings on um RadioI
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Islam International Soundcloud or you can visit our website izc.com and you can see how you can get in touch with
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her to get these uh this device. There's also um other apps that people use
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tracking devices. I know people um you know carry if they're not carrying their cell phone then carry these air tags with them so that they can also be
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tracked. Uh but I think the most important thing is to always be vigilant and always
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um like we said if boys grow up knowing that these things are wrong um and they
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teach other the other friends of um you know in Islam we know that but if they teach other the other friends in um
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other faiths then they will also learn these things that woman need to be respected at the
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end of the day and any human needs to be respected. Uh because I mean it it's not only this week that we saw uh the bodies
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of nine women being found but also um a male a man was um coldbloodedly killed
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uh also in the same region uh Kemp Park at Kuroleni area. So may Allah make it easy for all of us inshallah and may
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Allah um end this violence that is happening in our country.
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So this week um subhan allah we look across South Africa this week as the nation gathers to observe national
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heritage day a time to reflect on the rich tapestry of cultures languages and histories that define the rainbow
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nation. But for South African Muslims, it is more than just a public holiday or a family gathering. It's an opportunity
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to honor an extraordinary Islamic legacy that spans over three centuries.
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Our heritage in this land was built on the unwavering faith and sacrifice of our predecessors. Alhamdulillah.
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From political exiles like Sheh Ysef of Macasa arriving at the Cape in 1694 to the free blacks and indentured
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workers who laid the foundations of Islam under colonialism and aparate. Our forefathers held firm to the dean during times of extreme oppression.
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They built the Owl Mosque in Borup, preserved the Holy Quran from memory, and built communities that fought sidebyside with fellow South Africans for justice and liberation.
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As mentioned, the history of Islam in South Africa spans over 370 years.
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Unlike in many other regions where Islam spread via trade or military conquest, its arrival in South Africa was rooted
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in resistance to colonialism, exile, forced migration, and indentured labor.
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The development of Islam in South Africa occurred primarily in three historical waves. So let's start with the early
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Cape phase, which was 1650s to the 1800s.
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Exile slaves and free blacks. The foundation of Islam was laid in the Western Cape by people brought by the
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Dutch East India Company, VOCC. These included political prisoners, scholars, and resistance leaders exiled from the
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Dutch East Indies, modern-day Indonesia, and India alongside enslaved artisans and workers.
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Under Dutch rule, practicing Islam publicly was strictly outlawed under pain of death. Early Muslims gathered
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secretly in the forest and hills around Cape Town like Signal Hill and Constantia to preserve their faith.
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Religious freedom in 1804 with the arrival of the British and policy changes under the Dutch command demissed. Religious freedom was
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officially granted in 1804. This allowed Muslims Muslims to construct open places of worship and establish formal schools.
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We then move on to the Nutell and Transval phase, the 1860s onwards, indentured workers and passenger
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Indians. The second major arrival took place on the eastern coast in the colony of Natal.
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Indentured laborers 1860s thousands of workers were brought from India by British authorities to work on sugarcane
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plantations. Roughly 7 to 10% of them were Muslim.
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Then passenger traders, independent merchants primarily from Gujarat, India arrived at their own expense. They
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established trade routes, built mosques and expanded Muslim communities across Natal, the Transval, which is now Khen and the interior.
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Lastly, the 20th century to present anti-apartate struggle and African reclaim. Throughout the 20th century, South African Muslims played a prominent
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role in the anti-apartate movement, aligning with broader liberation organizations to fight institutionalized
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racism. In the post-apartate era, Islam has grown rapidly with indigenous African communities in townships across
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Khoeng, Quazulunatal and the Eastern Cape.
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So, let's look at the key pioneers and historical figures. So I mentioned Sheh Ysef of Macasa between 1626 and 1699.
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He was recognized as a spiritual founder of Islam in South Africa. A noble prince, scholar and Sufi master who
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fought Dutch rule in Java. Banishment to Zanfled Marasa owned the Western Cape in 1694 brought a retinue of 49 followers.
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His home became a sanctuary for escape slaves and political exiles, establishing the country's first organized Muslim community.
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His Kromat or shrine remains an important landmark.
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Tuan Guru Imam Abdullah Iben Adi Ab al Salam 1712 to 1807. the master builder
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of Islamic institutions in Cape Town. A prince and scholar from Tedor, Indonesia, imprisoned on Robin Island
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for 12 years. While incarcerated, he wrote a complete copy of the Quran from memory and authored a textbook on
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Islamic Jewish prudence. Upon release, he established South Africa's first Madrasa Madrasa 17 in 1793 and the first
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official mashid, the OAL mosque in Buakup 1797.
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Then Abu Bakr Ephendi in uh 1835 to 1880. The Ottoman scholars sent to
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clarify legal and theological matters sent by the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Aziz in 1862 at the request of the British
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authorities to resolve community disputes. He established an Islamic school and authored the Bayan al
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explanation of religion a seinal text written in Arabic Africans Africans written using the Arabic script.
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Sufi Sai Hazat Sufi Saiib 1850 to 1911 pioneer of Islam in Nutal and the
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eastern provinces arrived from India in 1895 and established 11 mids multiple
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madrasas cemeteries orphanages and welfare centers across Durban and surrounding regions within just 15 years.
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And lastly, Imam Abdullah Harun 1923 to 1969. An anti-aparate martr and
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28 minutes, 32 seconds
community leader. An influential Cape Town imam who bridged religious leadership with social activ social
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28 minutes, 40 seconds
social justice activism. He used his platform to speak against aparate policies and built close ties with
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28 minutes, 46 seconds
liberation movements. He was detained by the security police in 1969 and died in police custody becoming a symbol of resistance.
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28 minutes, 56 seconds
May Allah subhanana wa ta'ala grant them all Jonathan.
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29 minutes, 3 seconds
Today, the South African Muslim identity is uniquely diverse, woven into the social, economic, and legal fabric of
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29 minutes, 10 seconds
the country. From pioneer relief work and poverty alleviation to ethical Islamic finance and human rights
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29 minutes, 17 seconds
advocacy, Muslims continue to embody the principle of Ubuntu through an Islamic lens, caring for the poor and standing up for the oppressed.
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29 minutes, 27 seconds
In the Holy Quran, Allah subhanana wa ta'ala reminds us in surah alat, we created you from male and female and
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29 minutes, 35 seconds
made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Our diversity
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29 minutes, 41 seconds
is an intentional sign from our creator designed for us to bridge gaps, build understanding and ser and serve humanity.
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29 minutes, 52 seconds
So, as we spend Heritage Day with family this week, let us teach our children where we came from, honor the pioneers
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29 minutes, 59 seconds
who paved the way, and reflect on how we can contribute to a safer, more equitable South Africa for all.
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30 minutes, 7 seconds
Inshallah.
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30 minutes, 9 seconds
Amen. Yes. Uh before I carry on with this Heritage Day thing, I wanted to say it feels like I was on mute for the
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30 minutes, 16 seconds
entire show. Um, but maybe that was deliberate, you know, like I'm taking a stand. You know, this is what it's like
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30 minutes, 24 seconds
when you don't look after women. You won't hear our voices. There's a lot of actually there's a lot of other things that would happen if you don't look
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30 minutes, 32 seconds
after women. You know, you won't have the future. But, uh, yeah, I especially like the part where Issa mentioned what
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30 minutes, 39 seconds
boys can do to learn and, um, you know, going forward. And uh I think that that
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30 minutes, 47 seconds
definitely needs to come from us as parents and as elders. We need to teach them from young how to respect women and
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30 minutes, 54 seconds
how to treat and and not just teach our daughters, you know, what to do. Um you know, like safety tips and and like you
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31 minutes, 2 seconds
mentioned, it's it's not just, you know, women. uh everyone also needs to learn safety tips and stuff but teach um our
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31 minutes, 11 seconds
boys and men to be respectful. So inshallah and definitely you know we do need to learn how to have these safety
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31 minutes, 20 seconds
tips and we must try and like you mentioned try and communicate you know if we're going in a um e-haling service
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31 minutes, 28 seconds
let people know and let them know you know that you are on speaker with someone so someone's listening at the
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31 minutes, 35 seconds
end of the call so that you know they don't try anything you must be alert be alert at all times so yes definitely
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31 minutes, 42 seconds
good tips alhamdulillah And I like the the heritage the um information that you mentioned regarding South Africa.
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31 minutes, 52 seconds
as we celebrate or observe um heritage day on the 24th of September this coming
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31 minutes, 58 seconds
week inshallah I think it's Thursday um we can rest assured knowing that our
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32 minutes, 6 seconds
Islamic heritage here in South Africa was rooted from a long time ago and and
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32 minutes, 13 seconds
and and alhamdulillah for those who managed to you know keep on practicing from then you know to teach us and so that we have that grounding.
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32 minutes, 23 seconds
Alhamdulillah. It was it was really nice to hear. Yes. So, alhamdulillah enjoy
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32 minutes, 30 seconds
this week ahead inshallah. May maybe some of you took more than uh took a few days off so that you you know you could
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32 minutes, 39 seconds
have or maybe you took Friday off so then you have a whole long weekend coming up inshallah mean. So enjoy the week and once again if you would like to
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32 minutes, 48 seconds
join the conversation during the week you can do so on our social media pages at iilovs.com.
32:55
32 minutes, 55 seconds
We are on Instagram, Facebook X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Tik Tok threads upcrolled and we have a WhatsApp channel
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33 minutes, 3 seconds
that's @ iiloves.com i o v e z a c o m.
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33 minutes, 10 seconds
You're also welcome to read the articles on our website as well as listen, watch, and read the past episodes on our website, ilza.com.
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33 minutes, 20 seconds
And if you've missed any of the other Level Up episodes, or you'd like to just go back and listen to it, you are welcome to do so on the Radio Islam
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33 minutes, 27 seconds
International Soundcloud. Jaz to our dear listeners for joining us on this lovely Sunday afternoon. Please join us
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33 minutes, 37 seconds
every Sunday right here on Radio Islam International from 2 to 300 p.m.
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33 minutes, 42 seconds
Inshallah. Amen. From myself, Nabiha from Isa and from Siad. Enjoy your Sunday and we wish you a wonderful week ahead inshallah.
