Deputy President Mashatile to witness the breaking of the fast in Ramadhaan (IFTAAR)

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday, 01 April 2023, at the invitation of the Masjidul-Quds Institute, witness the breaking of the fast in Ramadhaan, or the IFTAAR, at the Gatesville Mosque in Cape Town.

This is in line with the Deputy President’s delegated function of promoting social cohesion initiatives and nation-building across all sectors of South African society.

Muslims in South Africa and across the world are currently observing a month-long period of fasting which occurs in their Holy Month of Ramadhaan (according to the Islamic calendar). They fast from dawn till dusk, and this involves abstaining from food, drink, and marital intimacies during the day. At the end of the day (dusk), they break their fast also known as Ifar, an occasion that usually brings families and members of the Muslim community together. 

The breaking of the fast during Ramadhaan is an important occasion in the Muslim calendar and signifies the end of an intense period of worship and devotion during Ramadhaan that produces the necessary warmth in humankind and expressions of human solidarity.

The historical Masjidul-Quds Mosque in Gatesville is one of the largest in South Africa, which hosts a special Inter-Faith IFTAAR every year to spread the message of unity in diversity among leading South Africans. Among the many world-renowned dignitaries who have graced this much revered event, was the beloved late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Details of the IFTAAR are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 01 April 2023
Time: 16h00 (Media to arrive at 15h00)
Venue: Masjidul-Quds Mosque, Gatesville in Cape Town

Media enquiries: Bongani Majola (The Presidency) on 082 339 1993 or Faizal E Royker (Masjidul-Quds Institute) on 083 661 1664.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria