Al Jama-ah party leader Ganief Hendricks said NGOs should align their work with the government’s priorities. Image: Al Jana-ah/Facebook
Al Jama-ah party leader Ganief Hendricks, who also serves as the deputy minister of Social Development, issued a strong call for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to align their efforts with government priorities. He emphasised that initiatives not in sync with these established national objectives risk being unproductive, even if well-intentioned.
Hendricks was addressing attendees at an event celebrating the party’s 18th anniversary in Lenasia on Sunday. The social development ministry is responsible for registering and monitoring 300 000 non-profit organisations (NPOs), including religious institutions like mosques and madressas.
He explained that government funding is directed towards NPOs whose work complements state aims. He stated, “If you are an NGO and you’re not aligned with the government’s priorities, then you need to relook at it because these priorities have been identified after research by the best minds in the country.”
Hendricks advised organisations to consult with municipal, provincial, or national departments to “align ourselves with government projects so that the nation can benefit.” While expressing gratitude for the work NGOs do, such as providing food, he cautioned that without such alignment, “most of the time while they feed us and we’re grateful for that, they are wasting their time.”
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Hendricks launched the party’s drive to garner one million supporters ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. During his address, he claimed the Western Cape risked becoming a “mini Israel” if voters did not support Al Jama-ah in these elections.
Looking forward, Hendricks announced an ambitious plan: “We’re going to establish the first baytul maal of any government outside the Muslim world,” adding that “South Africa needs a baytul maal.”
He also shared an anecdote about a meeting with a Zulu king, who, according to Hendricks, expressed pleasure at a Muslim being appointed to his governmental position, believing it would lead to better assistance for his people.
Hendricks relayed the king’s sentiment that “the Muslim community is already doing the work of government,” having historically aided the nation’s most vulnerable. He thanked Muslim organisations and foundations for their contributions to eradicating poverty, a key aspect of national priorities.
The anniversary event itself saw Al Jama-ah making efforts to highlight its “struggle credentials.” This included the singing of “umshini wami,” chants of “one Al Jama-ah, one Hendricks” – a phrase echoing historical political slogans – and audible ululation from the audience. Before lunch, a fundraiser auction was held, where a framed items were sold for as much as R20,000.
