The impossible has been achieved, said Ebrahim de Roos, administrator of the Strandfontein Mosque. He was referring to the money the Strandfontein Islamic Society raised in just under three months.
The mosque used the money to purchase a piece of land on its periphery in a tense auction on Thursday 26 February. The society had been using the piece of ground for its community projects and parking, as per “gentlemen’s agreement” with the City, for years. In December the City announced it would auction the 1 580 m² plot in Marlin Crescent, among 50 other properties, as part of its major land-disposal programme.
De Roos said the acquisition was a communal effort since the mosque had the support of the Strandfontein community and religious fraternity of the area.
“When it was announced we didn’t have a cent, but people came together irrespective of their religion,” he said. “We had the support of the community policing forum and Strandfontein Ratepayers’ Association.”
Support gains traction
Initially the announcement that the mosque would not be given first preference for the land and it would have to bid against other community organisations, churches and educare centres had been met with dismay, but De Roos said when the news had gained traction people far and near pledged their support. A Muslim radio station also gave them three hours to raise money in a pledge marathon and on the day big businesses, private individuals and even those who could not donate put their support behind the mosque’s bid.
“Alghmdhulilla, everyone responded to our call. Even when they didn’t have money to contribute their prayers was enough.”
Bidding war
Despite the properties being auctioned at 25% of their commercial value, the mosque aimed to raise R1,5 million but never met this target.
On the day of the online auction the Islamic society went in to bid with R900 000. Prior to this they had to register for the auction and provide proof that they were a non-profit (NPO).
“We had to register on the auction site and we had to provide documents showing that we were a community organisation,” he said, adding that only non-government or non-profit organisations were allowed to bid.
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Organisations also had to include the details of which property they were bidding for and were not allowed to bid for other erfs on the day.
On the day of the auction De Roos said the mosque waited for three hours after the auction opened at noon, before the bidding for erf 1955 began.
“Two other people bid against us,” he said.
When bidding closed at R825 000 the mosque was the victor.
“We were so excited,” De Roos said, adding that the announcement was met with joy in the community.
“Bittersweet”
CPF chair Sandy Schuter was vocal in her congratulations and called the acquisition “bittersweet”.
“What a shame it came at such a high cost,” Schuter said, lamenting that the mosque could have used the rest of the money for their good community work.
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“The Strandfontein Masjidul Bahr is a pillar of our community, serving everyone with selfless dedication, feeding the hungry and providing support.
I want to encourage our Strandfontein community. Let’s rally around them and support their fundraisers.”
Show of unity
The mosque leadership also issued a statement, thanking the community for its support.
“The successful acquisition of the land behind the masjid is indeed a moment filled with both relief and humility. While it came at a great financial cost, it also reminded us of something far more valuable, the strength, unity, and generosity of our community.
“From the very beginning of the land auction process, residents, families, businesses and well wishers stood alongside the masjid with unwavering support. Your du’as, (prayers) pledges, contributions and words of encouragement carried us through what was a challenging journey. This victory does not belong to the masjid alone; it belongs to the entire Strandfontein community.”
De Roos added that the fundraisers would still be ongoing because the mosque still has to cover the VAT, auctioneers and lawyers fees, and currently has a shortfall of about R120 000.
However, he had faith that it will be raised “before the end of Ramadan.”
“All the communities said we must stand together,” he said. “The next time it might be a church that needs support.”
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