Bo-Kaap’s iconic Wale and Rose Streets were transformed into an open-air iftar venue as hundreds of people gathered for a communal fast-breaking meal, fostering a spirit of unity and tradition.
As has become customary in recent years, the Bo-Kaap community hosted the mass street iftar, “Boeka innie Bo-Kaap,” inviting people from all backgrounds, religions and creeds to sit side-by-side for iftar in the historic and picturesque neighbourhood.
The initiative, which began as a form of protest against gentrification, continues to be used as a platform to raise community issues and concerns, while also demonstrating unwavering support for Palestinian liberation.
Bo-Kaap Collective member Shafwaan Laubscher explained that the event was organised by the collective alongside various local organisations.
“The first boeka (iftar) started in 2018. At the time there were heightened protests against a certain developer, effects of gentrification, lack of basic fundamentals in the area, e.g. lack of certain service delivery, lack of housing and even the lack of recreational spaces for our sporting codes. During the month of Ramadan, we decided to have a different form of protest, a mass boeka in the streets of Bo-Kaap.”
This year, particular emphasis was placed on the Auwal Mosque, South Africa’s oldest mosque, and the need for its protection against a proposed multi-story hotel development.
“The oldest mosque in SA is also under threat and feeling the effects of gentrification with a multi-story hotel being erected in very close proximity,” Laubscher said.
The programme included a number of speakers and live dhikr recitations.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Muslims lined the cordoned-off streets to perform the Maghrib prayer in congregation.
Wishal Adams, from Mitchells Plain, attended with her family and has been a regular attendee.
“I love it, and I look forward to this every year and especially when we sight moon as well. The community coming together- it’s so beautiful,” she said.
“It’s (Ramadan) very emotional, very fulfilling, and uplifting. I do feel that it’s the best month of the year and I think the community coming together is absolutely beautiful.”
For Deon and Charlotte Gouws from Bellville, it was their first time experiencing the mass street boeka. The couple found out about the event from their family who had insisted they attend.
Deon said: “This has been very interesting. When the prayer happened, it was touching. That prayer was almost like me as a Christian going into a cathedral- same feelings. It was a good experience.”
Charlotte described the evening as unforgettable.
“As a Christian, this touched my heart. I am overjoyed to be here this evening and to share such love that these people have for each other. It’s just so beautiful, I can’t explain it.”
Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association chairperson Osman Shabodien emphasised the urgency for the community and others to unite in protecting the area from encroaching developments, such as the proposed development near the Auwal Mosque.
“And it’s not us (alone) that needs to protect the Auwal, it’s all of us. Islam started here, we came from here,” Shabodien said.
“We need to protect the heritage, we need to protect our faith and we need to protect it against gentrification.”
This year, Boeka innie Bo-Kaap was organised with financial services group, 27four.
27four CEO Fatima Vawda reflected on the deeper significance of Ramadan and its message of social justice.
“Ramadan is a time for healing.It is a time when we pray for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. It is a time when we think about how we can contribute to eradicating poverty, hunger, unemployment, and conflict, and creating a local and global environment where all people feel safe and free to achieve their hopes and aspirations… As we gather here in unity, our hearts and prayers extend to those who face oppression and injustice, who continue to endure hardship and struggle for their freedom and dignity. Let us remember them in our prayers, hoping for peace, justice, and a world where all people can live freely and securely.”
