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Hundreds of people made their way to Callies Rugby Field in Athlone, on Thursday to witness the cooking of several pots of food, to be served to people in underprivileged communities across the Western Cape.
Non-profit organisation, Nakhlistan, has been feeding the poor on Eid-ul-Fitr for the past 34 years.
This year, the organisation embarked on one of its biggest projects to date – cooking 169 pots, each with a capacity of 130 litres, of aknie to feed over 85 000 people.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, was present to hand over 300 masks and 300 pairs of goggles towards the project, before the pots of food got steaming on the day. The equipment delivered was requested by the organisation to ensure volunteers would be better equipped to handle the demands of cooking more than 150 pots of food in the enclosed space.
“Nakhlistan pioneered the cooking of these huge pots of food on a wood fire and is so pleased to see how other organisations are following suit. Nakhlistan, even though it is Muslim based, caters for all the needy in the Western Cape, no matter which religious background,” explains Fatima Allie, spokesperson for the group.
“Muslims are obliged to pay alms to the needy and during the month of Ramadan, when they (Muslims) fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nakhlistan is that vehicle to distribute these alms via food parcels and cooking big pots of aknie – an aromatic meat, potatoes and rice dish.”
The organisation’s Eid-ul-Fitr feeding scheme was first established in 1984 by Shukoor Mowzer and two close friends, after realising the need for food during the religious celebrations. The project started with only two pots of food in that year.
“The public came to witness this cooking phenomenon, the night before Eid-ul-Fitr, and this year to experience how four tons of meat, 3.7 tons of rice, three tons of potatoes and two tons of onions were once again put together with spices to be cooked on a wood fire. The smell of the burning wood, and the steam and aroma from the huge pots, are a sight to behold. This year, Ramadan was during the harsh Cape winter months and over and above the cooking of the big pots of food for Eid-ul-Fitr distribution, Nakhlistan also handed out soup, sandwiches and blankets to areas affected by the winter weather,” adds Allie.
Locals looked on in amazement as volunteers from the organisation stirred the pots of food on the day. “It is amazing to witness this occasion, and to see all these young and old volunteers come out in the cold every year. I bring my children to this event annually, to see the work done here, with the hopes that they too will do the same one day,” said Amina Barnes.
This year’s areas of distribution included Atlantis, Kalbaskraal, Dunoon Mosque, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Newfields, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, Valhalla Park, Kensington, Factreton, Garden Village, Kriefgat, Sherwood Park, Macassar, Ocean View, Vrygrond, St Montague Village Cafda, Masiphumelele, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Hillview, Blackheath, Sarepta, Blue Downs, Belhar, Delft, Blikkiesdorp, Hout Bay, Clarkes Estate, Elsies Rivier, Victor Verster Prison, Ruyterwacht, Kewtown, Athlone, Mowbray, Uitsig, Chattsworth in Malmesbury, Bishop Lavis West, Phillipi, Heideveld, Capricorn, Crossroads, Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga, and old aged homes across the province.
Hundreds of people made their way to Callies Rugby Field in Noll Avenue, Rylands Estate, on Thursday afternoon to witness the cooking of several pots of food, set to be served to people in underprivileged communities across the Western Cape.
Non-profit organisation, Nakhlistan, has been feeding the poor on Eid-ul-Fitr for the past 34 years.
This year, the organisation embarked on one of their biggest projects to date – cooking 169 pots, each with a capacity of 130 litres, of aknie to feed over 85 000 people.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, was present to hand over 300 masks and 300 pairs of goggles towards the project, before the pots of food got steaming on the day. The equipment delivered was requested by the organisation to ensure volunteers would be better equipped to handle the demands of cooking more than 150 pots of food in the enclosed space.
“Nakhlistan pioneered the cooking of these huge pots of food on a wood fire and is so pleased to see how other organisations are following suit. Nakhlistan, even though it is Muslim based, caters for all the needy in the Western Cape, no matter which religious background,” explains Fatima Allie, spokesperson for the group.
“Muslims are obliged to pay alms to the needy and during the month of Ramadan, when they (Muslims) fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nakhlistan is that vehicle to distribute these alms via food parcels and cooking big pots of aknie – an aromatic meat, potatoes and rice dish.”
But the organisation’s Eid-ul-Fitr feeding scheme was first established in 1984 by Shukoor Mowzer and two close friends, after realising the need for food during the religious celebrations in the Athlone area.
The project started with only two pots of food in that year.
“The public came to witness this cooking phenomenon, the night before Eid-ul-Fitr, and this year to experience how four tons of meat, 3.7 tons of rice, three tons of potatoes and two tons of onions were once again put together with spices to be cooked on a wood fire. The smell of the burning wood, and the steam and aroma from the huge pots, are a sight to behold.
“This year, Ramadan was during the harsh Cape winter months and over and above the cooking of the big pots of food for Eid-ul-Fitr distribution, Nakhlistan also handed out soup, sandwiches and blankets to areas affected by the winter weather.
“Nakhlistan is not state funded and relies solely on the support from our generous community. We thank all our donors, sponsors, businesses, community and volunteers for their loyal support over the past 34 years,” adds Allie.
Locals looked on in amazement as volunteers from the organisation stirred the pots of food on the day. “It is amazing to witness this occasion, and to see all these young and old volunteers come out in the cold every year. I bring my children to this event annually, to see the work done here, with the hopes that they too will do the same one day. The intention of this project to feed the poor is great and many tummies will be filled there off,” said Amina Barnes from Athlone.
Another local and a sponsor of the project, who does not wish to be named, said the event is one of many close to his heart.
“The organisation is doing a really great job by going the extra mile to feed those in need across the province on the day of Eid. My support will always be rendered where there is love and good intentions brought to task. May Allah reward them (Nakhlistan) for their efforts,” he said.
The areas of distribution for this year’s feeding scheme included Atlantis, Kalbaskraal, Dunoon Mosque, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Newfields, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, Valhalla Park, Kensington, Factreton, Garden Village, Kriefgat, Sherwood Park, Macassar, Ocean View, Vrygrond, St Montague Village Cafda, Masiphumelele, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Hillview, Blackheath, Sarepta, Blue Downs, Belhar, Delft, Blikkiesdorp, Hout Bay, Clarkes Estate, Elsies Rivier, Victor Verster Prison, Ruyterwacht, Kewtown, Athlone, Mowbray, Uitsig, Chattsworth in Malmesbury, Bishop Lavis West, Phillipi, Heideveld, Capricorn, Crossroads, Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga, as well as various old aged homes in the Western Cape.
Hundreds of people made their way to Callies Rugby Field in Noll Avenue, Rylands Estate, on Thursday afternoon to witness the cooking of several pots of food, set to be served to people in underprivileged communities across the Western Cape.
Non-profit organisation, Nakhlistan, has been feeding the poor on Eid-ul-Fitr for the past 34 years.
This year, the organisation embarked on one of their biggest projects to date – cooking 169 pots, each with a capacity of 130 litres, of aknie to feed over 85 000 people.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, was present to hand over 300 masks and 300 pairs of goggles towards the project, before the pots of food got steaming on the day. The equipment delivered was requested by the organisation to ensure volunteers would be better equipped to handle the demands of cooking more than 150 pots of food in the enclosed space.
“Nakhlistan pioneered the cooking of these huge pots of food on a wood fire and is so pleased to see how other organisations are following suit. Nakhlistan, even though it is Muslim based, caters for all the needy in the Western Cape, no matter which religious background,” explains Fatima Allie, spokesperson for the group.
“Muslims are obliged to pay alms to the needy and during the month of Ramadan, when they (Muslims) fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nakhlistan is that vehicle to distribute these alms via food parcels and cooking big pots of aknie – an aromatic meat, potatoes and rice dish.”
But the organisation’s Eid-ul-Fitr feeding scheme was first established in 1984 by Shukoor Mowzer and two close friends, after realising the need for food during religious celebrations in Athlone area.
The project started with only two pots of food in that year.
“The public came to witness this cooking phenomenon, the night before Eid-ul-Fitr, and this year to experience how four tons of meat, 3.7 tons of rice, three tons of potatoes and two tons of onions were once again put together with spices to be cooked on a wood fire. The smell of the burning wood, and the steam and aroma from the huge pots, are a sight to behold.
“This year, Ramadan was during the harsh Cape winter months and over and above the cooking of the big pots of food for Eid-ul-Fitr distribution, Nakhlistan also handed out soup, sandwiches and blankets to areas affected by the winter weather.
“Nakhlistan is not state funded and relies solely on the support from our generous community. We thank all our donors, sponsors, businesses, community and volunteers for their loyal support over the past 34 years,” adds Allie.
Locals looked on in amazement as volunteers stirred the pots.
“It is amazing to witness this occasion, and to see all these young and old volunteers come out in the cold every year. I bring my children to this event annually, to see the work done here, with the hopes that they too will do the same one day. The intention of this project to feed the poor is great and many tummies will be filled there off,” said Amina Barnes from Athlone.
Another local and a sponsor of the project, who does not wish to be named, said the event is one of many close to his heart.
“The organisation is doing a really great job by going the extra mile to feed those in need across the province on the day of Eid. My support will always be rendered where there is love and good intentions brought to task. May Allah reward them (Nakhlistan) for their efforts,” he said.
The areas of distribution for this year included Atlantis, Kalbaskraal, Dunoon Mosque, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Newfields, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, Valhalla Park, Kensington, Factreton, Garden Village, Kriefgat, Sherwood Park, Macassar, Ocean View, Vrygrond, St Montague Village Cafda, Masiphumelele, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Hillview, Belhar, Delft, Blikkiesdorp, Hout Bay,Phillipi, Heideveld, Capricorn, Crossroads, Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga, as well as various old age homes in the Western Cape.
Hundreds of people made their way to Callies Rugby Field in Noll Avenue, Rylands Estate, on Thursday afternoon to witness the cooking of several pots of food, set to be served to people in underprivileged communities across the Western Cape.
Non-profit organisation, Nakhlistan, has been feeding the poor on Eid-ul-Fitr for the past 34 years. This year, the organisation embarked on one of their biggest projects to date – cooking 169 pots, each with a capacity of 130 litres, of aknie to feed over 85 000 people.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, was present to hand over 300 masks and 300 pairs of goggles towards the project, before the pots of food got steaming on the day.
The equipment delivered was requested by the organisation to ensure volunteers would be better equipped to handle the demands of cooking more than 150 pots of food in the enclosed space.
“Nakhlistan pioneered the cooking of these huge pots of food on a wood fire and is so pleased to see how other organisations are following suit. Nakhlistan, even though it is Muslim based, caters for all the needy in the Western Cape, no matter which religious background,” explains Fatima Allie, spokesperson for the group.
“Muslims are obliged to pay alms to the needy and during the month of Ramadan, when they (Muslims) fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nakhlistan is that vehicle to distribute these alms via food parcels and cooking big pots of aknie – an aromatic meat, potatoes and rice dish.”
But the organisation’s Eid-ul-Fitr feeding scheme was first established in 1984 by Shukoor Mowzer and two close friends, after realising the need for food during the religious celebrations in the Athlone area. The project started with only two pots of food in that year.
“The public came to witness this cooking phenomenon, the night before Eid-ul-Fitr, and this year to experience how four tons of meat, 3.7 tons of rice, three tons of potatoes and two tons of onions were once again put together with spices to be cooked on a wood fire. The smell of the burning wood, and the steam and aroma from the huge pots, are a sight to behold.
“This year, Ramadan was during the harsh Cape winter months and over and above the cooking of the big pots of food for Eid-ul-Fitr distribution, Nakhlistan also handed out soup, sandwiches and blankets to areas affected by the winter weather.
“Nakhlistan is not state funded and relies solely on the support from our generous community. We thank all our donors, sponsors, businesses, community and volunteers for their loyal support over the past 34 years,” adds Allie.
Locals looked on in amazement as volunteers from the organisation stirred the pots of food on the day.
“It is amazing to witness this occasion, and to see all these young and old volunteers come out in the cold every year. I bring my children to this event annually, to see the work done here, with the hopes that they too will do the same one day. The intention of this project to feed the poor is great and many tummies will be filled there off,” said Amina Barnes from Athlone.
Another local and a sponsor of the project, who does not wish to be named, said the event is one of many close to his heart.
“The organisation is doing a really great job by going the extra mile to feed those in need across the province on the day of Eid. My support will always be rendered where there is love and good intentions brought to task. May Allah reward them (Nakhlistan) for their efforts,” he said.
The areas of distribution for this year’s feeding scheme included Atlantis, Kalbaskraal, Dunoon Mosque, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Newfields, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, Valhalla Park, Kensington, Factreton, Garden Village, Kriefgat, Sherwood Park, Macassar, Ocean View, Vrygrond, St Montague Village Cafda, Masiphumelele, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Hillview, Blackheath, Sarepta, Blue Downs, Belhar, Delft, Blikkiesdorp, Hout Bay, Clarkes Estate, Elsies Rivier, Victor Verster Prison, Ruyterwacht, Kewtown, Athlone, Mowbray, Uitsig, Chattsworth in Malmesbury, Bishop Lavis West, Phillipi, Heideveld, Capricorn, Crossroads, Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga, as well as various old aged homes in the Western Cape.
Hundreds of people made their way to Callies Rugby Field in Noll Avenue, Rylands Estate, on Thursday afternoon to witness the cooking of several pots of food, set to be served to people in underprivileged communities across the Western Cape.
Non-profit organisation, Nakhlistan, has been feeding the poor on Eid-ul-Fitr for the past 34 years.
This year, the organisation embarked on one of their biggest projects to date – cooking 169 pots, each with a capacity of 130 litres, of aknie to feed over 85 000 people.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, was present to hand over 300 masks and 300 pairs of goggles towards the project, before the pots of food got steaming on the day. The equipment delivered was requested by the organisation to ensure volunteers would be better equipped to handle the demands of cooking more than 150 pots of food in the enclosed space.
“Nakhlistan pioneered the cooking of these huge pots of food on a wood fire and is so pleased to see how other organisations are following suit. Nakhlistan, even though it is Muslim based, caters for all the needy in the Western Cape, no matter which religious background,” explains Fatima Allie, the spokesperson.
“Muslims are obliged to pay alms to the needy and during the month of Ramadan, when they (Muslims) fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nakhlistan is that vehicle to distribute these alms via food parcels and cooking big pots of aknie – an aromatic meat, potatoes and rice dish.”
But the organisation’s Eid-ul-Fitr feeding scheme was first established in 1984 by Shukoor Mowzer and two close friends, after realising the need for food during the religious celebrations in Athlone.
The project started with only two pots of food in that year.
“The public came to witness this cooking phenomenon, the night before Eid-ul-Fitr, and this year to experience how four tons of meat, 3.7 tons of rice, three tons of potatoes and two tons of onions were once again put together with spices to be cooked on a wood fire. The smell of the burning wood, and the steam and aroma from the huge pots, are a sight to behold.
“This year, Ramadan was during the harsh Cape winter months and over and above the cooking of the big pots of food for Eid-ul-Fitr distribution, Nakhlistan also handed out soup, sandwiches and blankets to areas affected by winter weather.
“Nakhlistan is not state funded and relies solely on the support from our generous community. We thank all our donors, sponsors, businesses, community and volunteers for their loyal support over the past 34 years,” adds Allie.
Locals looked on in amazement as volunteers from the organisation stirred the pots of food on the day.
“It is amazing to witness this occasion, and to see all these young and old volunteers come out in the cold every year. I bring my children to this event annually, to see the work done here, with the hopes that they too will do the same one day. The intention of this project to feed the poor is great and many tummies will be filled there off,” said Amina Barnes from Athlone.
Another local and a sponsor of the project, who does not wish to be named, said the event is one of many close to his heart.
“The organisation is doing a really great job by going the extra mile to feed those in need across the province on the day of Eid. My support will always be rendered where there is love and good intentions brought to task. May Allah reward them (Nakhlistan) for their efforts,” he said.
The areas of distribution for this year’s feeding scheme included Atlantis, Kalbaskraal, Dunoon Mosque, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Newfields, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, Valhalla Park, Kensington, Factreton, Garden Village, Kriefgat, Sherwood Park, Macassar, Ocean View, Vrygrond, St Montague Village Cafda, Masiphumelele, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Hillview, Blackheath, Sarepta, Blue Downs, Belhar, Delft, Blikkiesdorp, Hout Bay, Clarkes Estate, Elsies Rivier, Victor Verster Prison, Ruyterwacht, Kewtown, Athlone, Mowbray, Uitsig, Chattsworth in Malmesbury, Bishop Lavis West, Phillipi, Heideveld, Capricorn, Crossroads, Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga, as well as various old aged homes in the Western Cape.
Hundreds of people made their way to Callies Rugby Field in Noll Avenue, Rylands Estate, on Thursday afternoon to witness the cooking of several pots of food, set to be served to people in underprivileged communities across the Western Cape.
Non-profit organisation, Nakhlistan, has been feeding the poor on Eid-ul-Fitr for the past 34 years.
This year, the organisation embarked on one of their biggest projects to date – cooking 169 pots, each with a capacity of 130 litres, of aknie to feed over 85 000 people.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, was present to hand over 300 masks and 300 pairs of goggles towards the project, before the pots of food got steaming on the day. The equipment delivered was requested by the organisation to ensure volunteers would be better equipped to handle the demands of cooking more than 150 pots of food in the enclosed space.
“Nakhlistan pioneered the cooking of these huge pots of food on a wood fire and is so pleased to see how other organisations are following suit. Nakhlistan, even though it is Muslim based, caters for all the needy in the Western Cape, no matter which religious background,” explains Fatima Allie, spokesperson for the group.
“Muslims are obliged to pay alms to the needy and during the month of Ramadan, when they (Muslims) fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nakhlistan is that vehicle to distribute these alms via food parcels and cooking big pots of aknie – an aromatic meat, potatoes and rice dish.”
But the organisation’s Eid-ul-Fitr feeding scheme was first established in 1984 by Shukoor Mowzer and two close friends, after realising the need for food during the religious celebrations in Athlone.
The project started with only two pots of food in that year.
“The public came to witness this cooking phenomenon, the night before Eid-ul-Fitr, and this year to experience how four tons of meat, 3.7 tons of rice, three tons of potatoes and two tons of onions were once again put together with spices to be cooked on a wood fire. The smell of the burning wood, and the steam and aroma from the huge pots, are a sight to behold.
“This year, Ramadan was during the harsh Cape winter months and over and above the cooking of the big pots of food for Eid-ul-Fitr distribution, Nakhlistan also handed out soup, sandwiches and blankets to areas affected by winter.
“Nakhlistan is not state funded and relies solely on the support from our generous community. We thank all our donors, sponsors, businesses, community and volunteers for their loyal support over the past 34 years,” adds Allie.
Locals looked on in amazement as volunteers stirred the pots.
“It is amazing to witness this occasion, and to see all these young and old volunteers come out in the cold every year. I bring my children to this event annually, to see the work done here, with the hopes that they too will do the same one day. The intention of this project to feed the poor is great and many tummies will be filled there off,” said Amina Barnes from Athlone.
Another local and a sponsor of the project, who does not wish to be named, said the event is one of many close to his heart.
“The organisation is doing a really great job by going the extra mile to feed those in need across the province on the day of Eid. My support will always be rendered where there is love and good intentions brought to task. May Allah reward them (Nakhlistan) for their efforts,” he said.
The areas of distribution for this year’s feeding scheme included Atlantis, Kalbaskraal, Dunoon Mosque, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Newfields, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, Valhalla Park, Kensington, Factreton, Garden Village, Kriefgat, Sherwood Park, Macassar, Ocean View, Vrygrond, St Montague Village Cafda, Masiphumelele, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Hillview, Blackheath, Sarepta, Blue Downs, Belhar, Delft, Blikkiesdorp, Bishop Lavis West, Phillipi, Heideveld, Capricorn, Crossroads, Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga, as well as various old aged homes in the Western Cape.
Hundreds of people made their way to Callies Rugby Field in Noll Avenue, Rylands Estate, on Thursday afternoon to witness the cooking of several pots of food, set to be served to people in underprivileged communities across the Western Cape.
Non-profit organisation, Nakhlistan, has been feeding the poor on Eid-ul-Fitr for the past 34 years.
This year, the organisation embarked on one of their biggest projects to date – cooking 169 pots, each with a capacity of 130 litres, of aknie to feed over 85 000 people.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, was present to hand over 300 masks and 300 pairs of goggles towards the project, before the pots of food got steaming on the day. The equipment delivered was requested by the organisation to ensure volunteers would be better equipped to handle the demands of cooking more than 150 pots of food in the enclosed space.
“Nakhlistan pioneered the cooking of these huge pots of food on a wood fire and is so pleased to see how other organisations are following suit. Nakhlistan, even though it is Muslim based, caters for all the needy in the Western Cape, no matter which religious background,” explains Fatima Allie, spokesperson for the group.
“Muslims are obliged to pay alms to the needy and during the month of Ramadan, when they (Muslims) fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nakhlistan is that vehicle to distribute these alms via food parcels and cooking big pots of aknie – an aromatic meat, potatoes and rice dish.”
But the organisation’s Eid-ul-Fitr feeding scheme was first established in 1984 by Shukoor Mowzer and two close friends, after realising the need for food during the religious celebrations in the Athlone area.
The project started with only two pots of food in that year.
“The public came to witness this cooking phenomenon, the night before Eid-ul-Fitr, and this year to experience how four tons of meat, 3.7 tons of rice, three tons of potatoes and two tons of onions were once again put together with spices to be cooked on a wood fire. The smell of the burning wood, and the steam and aroma from the huge pots, are a sight to behold.
“This year, Ramadan was during the harsh Cape winter months and over and above the cooking of the big pots of food for Eid-ul-Fitr distribution, Nakhlistan also handed out soup, sandwiches and blankets to areas affected by the winter weather.
“Nakhlistan is not state funded and relies solely on the support from our generous community. We thank all our donors, sponsors, businesses, community and volunteers for their loyal support over the past 34 years,” adds Allie.
Locals looked on in amazement as volunteers from the organisation stirred the pots of food on the day.
“It is amazing to witness this occasion, and to see all these young and old volunteers come out in the cold every year. I bring my children to this event annually, to see the work done here, with the hopes that they too will do the same one day. The intention of this project to feed the poor is great and many tummies will be filled there off,” said Amina Barnes from Athlone.
Another local and a sponsor of the project, who does not wish to be named, said the event is one of many close to his heart.
“The organisation is doing a really great job by going the extra mile to feed those in need across the province on the day of Eid. My support will always be rendered where there is love and good intentions brought to task. May Allah reward them (Nakhlistan) for their efforts,” he said.
The areas of distribution for this year’s feeding scheme included Atlantis, Kalbaskraal, Dunoon Mosque, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Newfields, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, Valhalla Park, Kensington, Factreton, Garden Village, Kriefgat, Sherwood Park, Macassar, Ocean View, Vrygrond, St Montague Village Cafda, Masiphumelele, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Hillview, Blackheath, Sarepta, Blue Downs, Belhar, Delft, Blikkiesdorp, Hout Bay, Clarkes Estate, Elsies Rivier, Victor Verster Prison, Ruyterwacht, Kewtown, Athlone, Mowbray, Uitsig, Chattsworth in Malmesbury, Bishop Lavis West, Phillipi, Heideveld, Capricorn, Crossroads, Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga, as well as various old aged homes in the Western Cape.
Hundreds of people made their way to Callies Rugby Field in Noll Avenue, Rylands Estate, on Thursday afternoon to witness the cooking of several pots of food, set to be served to people in underprivileged communities across the Western Cape.
Non-profit organisation, Nakhlistan, has been feeding the poor on Eid-ul-Fitr for the past 34 years.
This year, the organisation embarked on one of their biggest projects to date – cooking 169 pots, each with a capacity of 130 litres, of aknie to feed over 85 000 people.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, was present to hand over 300 masks and 300 pairs of goggles towards the project, before the pots of food got steaming on the day. The equipment delivered was requested by the organisation to ensure volunteers would be better equipped to handle the demands of cooking more than 150 pots of food in the enclosed space.
“Nakhlistan pioneered the cooking of these huge pots of food on a wood fire and is so pleased to see how other organisations are following suit. Nakhlistan, even though it is Muslim based, caters for all the needy in the Western Cape, no matter which religious background,” explains Fatima Allie, spokesperson for the group.
“Muslims are obliged to pay alms to the needy and during the month of Ramadan, when they (Muslims) fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nakhlistan is that vehicle to distribute these alms via food parcels and cooking big pots of aknie – an aromatic meat, potatoes and rice dish.”
But the organisation’s Eid-ul-Fitr feeding scheme was first established in 1984 by Shukoor Mowzer and two close friends, after realising the need for food during the religious celebrations in the Athlone area.
The project started with only two pots of food in that year.
“The public came to witness this cooking phenomenon, the night before Eid-ul-Fitr, and this year to experience how four tons of meat, 3.7 tons of rice, three tons of potatoes and two tons of onions were once again put together with spices to be cooked on a wood fire. The smell of the burning wood, and the steam and aroma from the huge pots, are a sight to behold.
“This year, Ramadan was during the harsh Cape winter months and over and above the cooking of the big pots of food for Eid-ul-Fitr distribution, Nakhlistan also handed out soup, sandwiches and blankets to areas affected by the winter weather.
“Nakhlistan is not state funded and relies solely on the support from our generous community. We thank all our donors, sponsors, businesses, community and volunteers for their loyal support over the past 34 years,” adds Allie.
Locals looked on in amazement as volunteers from the organisation stirred the pots of food on the day.
“It is amazing to witness this occasion, and to see all these young and old volunteers come out in the cold every year. I bring my children to this event annually, to see the work done here, with the hopes that they too will do the same one day. The intention of this project to feed the poor is great and many tummies will be filled there off,” said Amina Barnes from Athlone.
Another local and a sponsor of the project, who does not wish to be named, said the event is one of many close to his heart.
“The organisation is doing a really great job by going the extra mile to feed those in need across the province on the day of Eid. My support will always be rendered where there is love and good intentions brought to task. May Allah reward them (Nakhlistan) for their efforts,” he said.
The areas of distribution for this year’s feeding scheme included Atlantis, Kalbaskraal, Dunoon Mosque, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Newfields, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, Valhalla Park, Kensington, Factreton, Garden Village, Kriefgat, Sherwood Park, Macassar, Ocean View, Vrygrond, St Montague Village Cafda, Masiphumelele, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Hillview, Blackheath, Sarepta, Blue Downs, Belhar, Delft, Blikkiesdorp, Hout Bay, Clarkes Estate, Elsies Rivier, Victor Verster Prison, Ruyterwacht, Kewtown, Athlone, Mowbray, Uitsig, Chattsworth in Malmesbury, Bishop Lavis West, Phillipi, Heideveld, Capricorn, Crossroads, Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga, as well as various old aged homes in the Western Cape.
Hundreds of people made their way to Callies Rugby Field in Noll Avenue, Rylands Estate, on Thursday afternoon to witness the cooking of several pots of food, set to be served to people in underprivileged communities across the Western Cape.
Non-profit organisation, Nakhlistan, has been feeding the poor on Eid-ul-Fitr for the past 34 years.
This year, the organisation embarked on one of their biggest projects to date – cooking 169 pots, each with a capacity of 130 litres, of aknie to feed over 85 000 people.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety, security and social services, JP Smith, was present to hand over 300 masks and 300 pairs of goggles towards the project, before the pots of food got steaming on the day. The equipment delivered was requested by the organisation to ensure volunteers would be better equipped to handle the demands of cooking more than 150 pots of food in the enclosed space.
“Nakhlistan pioneered the cooking of these huge pots of food on a wood fire and is so pleased to see how other organisations are following suit. Nakhlistan, even though it is Muslim based, caters for all the needy in the Western Cape, no matter which religious background,” explains Fatima Allie, spokesperson for the group.
“Muslims are obliged to pay alms to the needy and during the month of Ramadan, when they (Muslims) fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nakhlistan is that vehicle to distribute these alms via food parcels and cooking big pots of aknie – an aromatic meat, potatoes and rice dish.”
But the organisation’s Eid-ul-Fitr feeding scheme was first established in 1984 by Shukoor Mowzer and two close friends, after realising the need for food during the religious celebrations in the Athlone area.
The project started with only two pots of food in that year.
“The public came to witness this cooking phenomenon, the night before Eid-ul-Fitr, and this year to experience how four tons of meat, 3.7 tons of rice, three tons of potatoes and two tons of onions were once again put together with spices to be cooked on a wood fire. The smell of the burning wood, and the steam and aroma from the huge pots, are a sight to behold.
“This year, Ramadan was during the harsh Cape winter months and over and above the cooking of the big pots of food for Eid-ul-Fitr distribution, Nakhlistan also handed out soup, sandwiches and blankets to areas affected by the winter weather.
“Nakhlistan is not state funded and relies solely on the support from our generous community. We thank all our donors, sponsors, businesses, community and volunteers for their loyal support over the past 34 years,” adds Allie.
Locals looked on in amazement as volunteers stirred the pots.
“It is amazing to witness this occasion, and to see all these young and old volunteers come out in the cold every year. I bring my children to this event annually, to see the work done here, with the hopes that they too will do the same one day. The intention of this project to feed the poor is great and many tummies will be filled there off,” said Amina Barnes from Athlone.
Another local and a sponsor of the project, who does not wish to be named, said the event is one of many close to his heart.
“The organisation is doing a really great job by going the extra mile to feed those in need across the province on the day of Eid. My support will always be rendered where there is love and good intentions brought to task. May Allah reward them (Nakhlistan) for their efforts,” he said.
The areas of distribution for this year’s feeding scheme included Atlantis, Kalbaskraal, Dunoon Mosque, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Newfields, Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, Valhalla Park, Kensington, , Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Hillview, Blackheath, Sarepta, Blue Downs, Belhar, Delft, Blikkiesdorp, Hout Bay, Clarkes Estate, Elsies Rivier, Victor Verster Prison, Ruyterwacht, Kewtown, Athlone, Heideveld, Capricorn, Crossroads, Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga, as well as various old aged homes in the Western Cape.
