By Humairaa Mayet
Businesses have a responsibility to support social initiatives that make the lives of people [in our communities] better. – Fazel Asmal
This morning’s #TributeToMuslimBroadcastersSA segment featured Fazel Asmal.
Best known for hosting his popular Suhoor Show on Channel Islam International (CII) and as the founder of Sirius FM, Asmal has been an asset to Muslim media over the years.
Asmal began his wonderful journey in the media industry in 2001 after closing down his business and beginning to work for CII, a satellite broadcaster at the time. “We had lots of fun,” said Asmal, as he recalled his early days at the station. Events of the early 2000s – the bombing of the World Trade Centre and the subsequent invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq by the United States – left the world fraught with insecurity. CII was one of the few radio stations which reported these happenings from a Muslim perspective.
About 6-7 years ago, Sirius FM, a commercial radio station in Springs, was established by Asmal. Propelled forth by good presenters and a good listenership, as well as assistance from other Muslim media houses, Sirius FM has made significant strides in the industry. Programs on Sirius FM focus on “social ills” and draw attention to pressing issues in the community such as domestic violence, drug abuse, crime, poverty, and the importance of mental health. The station also plays nasheeds and hosts spiritual programs in an attempt to spread Islam.
Recalling his mentors, Asmal said that he could not have accomplished all that he has without the assistance of Ashraf Seedat, Umar Farouk Hussein, and Shamsheer Khan, all of whom have shaped him into the man he is today.
Asmal remembered the late Ebrahim Gangat as a dedicated, passionate, “inspirational person”.
The #TributeToMuslimBroadcastersSA segment on Salaamedia is an exclusive Ramadan broadcast on our platform, inspired by the late Ebrahim Gangat who was well known for his broadcasting talent.
Watch the full interview here:
