Masjidul Muslimeen in Benoni has hosted its inaugural Contemporary Conference 1. At the gathering were international relations specialists, scholars, and community members. The event was organised to address international affairs affecting communities locally and abroad through a series of focused lectures and panel discussions.
According to the organiser and Head of Affairs at Masjid ul Muslimeen, Mufti Masood Ebrahim, the initiative stemmed from a desire to foster deeper awareness following strong public engagement during previous educational presentations at the centre.
“We are living in a global village and whatever happens anywhere in the world affects us, whether it’s directly or indirectly, and we felt since our platform is very often visited by speakers from different backgrounds, we try our best to create an awareness from those attending our topics on our Juma Salah on Friday and other events,” stated Mufti Ebrahim.
He noted that the standard Friday platform had limitations in time and scope, prompting the mosque leadership to provide an extended platform to present alternative political voices to the wider public.
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Panel of experts examines global conflict and media narratives
The scheduled programme commenced with an official welcome, followed by presentations from diverse specialist speakers. Professor Ahmed Jazbhay, an executive member of the Media Review Network (MRN), opened the thematic sessions by examining West Asia, Iran, and the future outlook of regional conflicts.
International geopolitical analyst Dr Oscar Van Heerden subsequently delivered an address evaluating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, mainstream media coverage, and factual reporting. Following a brief morning intermission, international relations expert and columnist Donovan Williams discussed the historical and modern struggles against colonialism across Central America, South America, Venezuela, and Cuba.
The final presentation was delivered by author, broadcaster, and Kung Fu champion Shifu Muhammad Junaid Chafeker (M.J.Li), who analysed the geopolitical intersections of China, Russia, Iran, Africa, and their collective future. Each address was followed by a dedicated question-and-answer period, culminating in a joint panel discussion and a formal vote of thanks.
Addressing the educational purpose of the conference, Mufti Ebrahim emphasised the necessity of critical thinking in an era of saturated information.
“We want to give them a fair chance, an opportunity to be conscientised and to be well equipped when they go out from the institute. They’re going to serve in various areas. We don’t know in which parts of the world they serve, but they must be sensitive and acclimatised to what is happening around them so that they can relate to them and help the Ummah with the ability and knowledge they have to understand the situation,” he stated.
He further underscored the importance of hearing nuanced perspectives firsthand rather than relying solely on social media algorithms and mainstream channels: “We look how much we are influenced by social media, by mainstream news. These are voices that most of the time we don’t even know the background… and if we’ve got the wrong end of things, or we remain ignorant.”
The organisers confirmed that providing direct access to alternative political voices will remain central to assisting the community in re-evaluating changing global dynamics.
Image via Benoni City Times.
