The Strand Muslim Council (SMC) successfully hosted its Bicentennial Market Day at Ben Friedman Square in Strand at the end of October.
Organisers described the day as an unforgettable event and one that brought back memories of the ou mark held back in the day. It aimed to celebrate the Muslim community’s 200th anniversary in Strand, as well as build new bridges between the locals and restore old, broken bridges between people.
There was plenty of activities for young and old to choose from, including stalls selling delicious foods, live entertainment and jumping castles for the young ones. Historic characters from Strand like Iman, Boepa, Oemie, Boeta en Tietie were also mentioned and some of the market goers walked through the streets looking for the houses where these Strand legends once lived.
“This was one of the first rallies of the Muslim community in the town centre of Strand and it was something to remember. On this day we also celebrated the 200 years of the Muslim community in Strand,” said Mogamat Sadik, one of the organisers. “It was also a day where we paid homage to our forefathers from the community. It took place at Ben Friedman Square, which is located close to the first three mosques and places of worship in the town centre.”
For some of the older folks the day was special as it presented them with the opportunity to relive their youth and the history of the area. They listened to two of the speakers, Firgrove historian Ebrahim Rhoda and Strand resident Sedick Crombie, who both gave context about the history of the town’s Islamic community.
“The SMC youth organised the entire event. The market day was held under the banner of SMC, in co-operation with Nurul Islam Jama-at, Strand Muslim Primary School, Madrasatur Rajaa High School, Masjiedul Ummah Daycare Centre and Darut Tahfiz Strand Madrassa,” Sadik added.
Market goers travelled from as far as Paarl to be part of the day’s festivities and it was so busy that some food stallholders indicated they had stock up three times thanks to the support of those attending.
The crowd stayed until 22:00, despite a chilly wind that did not deter those present from enjoying the sounds of the Young Brother Choir. “After all of the positive feedback, we are planning another market day for 2023,” Sadik concluded.
