01 SAFAR 1428

19 FEBRUARY 2007

CAPE TOWN

HAJJ WATCH SUSPENDS LEGAL ACTION

At its National Conference held over the past weekend in Durban, Hajj Watch - the hajj advocacy group, considered reports from Senior Counsel and other stake holders. The delegates concluded that sufficient progress was achieved on a number of issues and it was resolved that Hajj Watch keep the legal action on the table but hold back subject to a review of progress made by 20 March 2007.

The conference also examined the role Hajj Watch has played over the past year. The lack of a response from the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) was examined and Hajj Watch has no objection to an apology for alleged wrong doing and calls on the regulator to either specify the alleged injury or present a draft apology for consideration.

The mechanism on how to create a new credible regulator from within the Muslim community that is directly accountable to the community was considered and in addition a model of how such a regulator would function was discussed. Hajj Watch looked at a draft framework for interim arrangements to ensure that Hajj for 2007 was not compromised. Hajj Watch is confident that a fixed multi year quota for South African pilgrims will be achieved shortly.

Hajj Watch commends the government and other role players for creating a sufficiently positive climate allowing Hajj Watch to suspend Court action subject to a review of progress by 20 March 2007.

For an interview, kindly contact:

Western Cape          -           Yakoob Rawat       @         083 6300 557