Ref: PR/JMT/72/16
Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi will be completing his 2nd term on 29th April 2016 as the Chairman of the Africa Federation; his tenure spans from 2010 to 2016. He addressed the community members, both gents and ladies on Saturday, February 13, on the night of the Wiladat of the Holy Lady Sayyeda Zaynab (S.A.). In his address, Anwar bhai provided a brief report on various achievements and the developments which Africa Federation embarked upon in the last 6 years, and the future plan. He also took opportunity to bid farewell to the Community members in Dar-es-Salaam and thank them for their support and co-operation extended to him and his team during the past six years, this period has witnessed transformation and growth.
In his address Anwar bhai elaborated on the various sectors of the Africa Federation and its activities which are being undertaken by the Boards in advancing the aims and objectives of the Africa Federation. He also gave a brief outline on the various support been extended to the Jamaats during the six years, i.e. in education, tabligh, housing development, medical, relief assistance, etc.
The close working relationship with the Regional Members, Conseil Regional of Madagascar and Reunion was a huge step forward, following the decision of CROI to continue its membership with Africa Federation in June 2011 after a lapse of 7 years and the Reunion (UAKSIR) becoming a new member of Africa Federation in April 2013, these were great achievements of Africa Federation in building stronger unity and cooperation with the Regional Members and Members Jamaats.
He also provided information on the housing development project in Arusha – the Al Qa’eem Residency, the plan to develop the plot donated by Alhaj Gulam Dewji (GD) on Band/Libya Street in Dar es Salaam, and the Umoja Commercial Project on Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Road in Dar-es-Salaam. In his address, he invited members of Dar es Salaam Jamaat to attend the Ground-Breaking Ceremony at Umoja Complex for the 2nd Phase of the Commercial Project. He said the intention of Africa Federation is make the Institution financially self-sufficient in long term.
Anwar Bhai stated that Africa Federation jointly with the World Federation have offered financial assistance to Dar es Salaam Jamaat for the development of the Uhuru Street Housing Scheme. The proposed Scheme would provide some relief to the lower income and deserving families.
He stressed on the need to move with the times we are living in and keep abreast of the current situation around the globe.
He elaborated on the Resolutions that were adopted at the Supreme Council Session held in Mombasa in April 2015 which include a Resolution replacing the guarantors for obtaining an Education Loan, instead the Jamaats shall carry out due diligence and the parents/guardians shall be the guarantors for the Higher Education Loans for students.
Also, a Resolution was adopted for transfer of properties to AFED from those Jamaats where the membership is dwindling below 50. Similarly a Resolution was passed on restriction on the Term of office of a President or Chairman of a Constituent Jamaat to 2 or 3 terms of total of 6 years. The fourth Resolution was for Constituent Jamaats to give Women the right to elect their own Chairperson and Committee (LMC) and the Jamaat to work on seriously for extending membership rights to Women.
He stressed to the Community the importance of paying hukuk dues which is a wajibat upon all Shia Ithna-Asheris. He called upon the Community to make their payment to the Africa Federation whose Chairman is an Ijaza Holder of the Marja-e-Taqleed. He said the funds received go a long way in helping the deserving members of the community in several areas such as education, medical, essential household needs, emergency relief and also in religious activities, mosques, Imambargha, madressahs etc.
He appealed to the members to maintain unity within the Community and foster strong relationship with fellow Muslim brothers and other Communities.
He thanked the Dsm Jamaat Office Bearers, Managing Committee Members, Trustees and Members of the Community for the respect, support and co-operation accorded to him during the past six years and requested that the same be accorded to the incoming Chairman and his team.
Present at the function were the AFED Vice Chairman and Chairman Elect of Africa Federation, Alhaj Shabir Najafi, Hon Treasurer Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, Hon Secretary Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Dsm Jamaat President Alhaj Azim Dewji, Mombasa Jamaat President, Alhaj Mohamed Jaffer, Arusha Jamaat President Alhaj Gulamhussein Mukhtar and WF Secretary General Alhaj Kumail Manji. Also present amongst many others were AFED Nominated Councillor Alhaj Amir Merali from Mombasa, Alhaj Mohamed Nathoo from Dar-es-Salaam, Uganda Trustee, Murrabi Ebrahim Kassam and large number of community members of Dar es Salaam Jamaat.
Secretariat