NEW ORPHANAGE FOR ENNERDALE SOON
A new multi-million rand orphanage is to be constructed in Ennerdale, south of Johannesburg.
The project is being undertaken by the local Muslim community and it will be open to all sections of the community.
Speaking at the soil-turning ceremony today, Councillor Mohamed Christians, City of Joburg’s Chair of Chairs, praised civil society for taking the lead.
“I take up the challenge from social activist Yusuf Abramjee and will speak to Mayor Herman Mashaba to see if the city can contribute towards the project.”
Abramjee said the orphanage was “urgently needed in Ennerdale and it will assist some 100 children.”
He said: “If we wait for government, we going to wait for a long time. I salute the local community to taking up the challenge and building this facility.”
Abramjee opened pledges and R25 000 was donated within 3 minutes from the community. A further R300 000 was pledged from a nearby Muslim community.
The Baitul Haleema Orphanage is expected to be completed next year.
Former President of the Muslim Judicial Council, Shaik Irfaan Hendricks, said: “The orphanage will accept children from across society. Children are our future and it is our religious obligation to assist them.”
Hendricks said he was proud of the Ennerdale community and its religious leaders.
Ennerdale Councillor Danny Netnow said the Muslim community always assited. “We salute you.”
Netnow said Abramjee promised to support a local project when he visited Ennerdale last year to donate R1m to a local charity for Syrian refugees and orphans.
Operation SA led the drive.
“Abramjee kept to his word and we are seeing local now benefetting,” said Netnow.
Moulana Bilal Vaid from the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (Council of Muslim Theologians) said the project needed all the support.