Parliament adopts DA motion to protect Hajj pilgrims from rising travel costs

Soundbite by Haseena Ismail MP.

• Parliament unanimously adopted the DA's motion to protect Hajj pilgrims from rising travel costs.
• The motion demands DIRCO intervention, a CRL Rights Commission investigation into SAHUC, and transparency through the Nusuk Hajj system.
• A monopoly on Hajj travel would raise costs and undermine the rights of South African pilgrims.

The National Assembly unanimously passed the motion without notice to protect the rights of Hajj pilgrims, tabled by the DA yesterday. We have called for urgent intervention in the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) controversy, condemning SAHUC's attempts to monopolise hajj travel and highlighting serious allegations of misconduct.

The motion calls for:

• DIRCO to intervene to safeguard pilgrims' rights;
• That the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission investigate allegations of misconduct at SAHUC;
• Transparency in Hajj operations and the implementation of the Nusuk Hajj system; and
• Urgent action to prevent the establishment of a monopoly in hajj travel, which would raise costs for pilgrims.

All parties in the National Assembly supported our call for DIRCO to intervene and provide clarity on this matter, and for the CRL Rights Commission to use its constitutional powers to ensure that pilgrims' rights are not infringed upon.

A monopoly on Hajj travel is likely to push costs up for pilgrims. A decision that touches all South African Muslims cannot be made behind closed doors, with no transparency.

The DA will continue to fight for the rights of South African pilgrims as the new Hajj season approaches.