As South Africans celebrate Eid al-Adha through the noble act of Qurbani, the slaughtering of animals to provide meat for the poor, a deeper story of unity, sacrifice, and cross-cultural solidarity has dramatically unfolded.

What began as a faith-based food relief programme by local NGO Awqaf SA in partnership with Diyanet Türkiye (the Turkish Religious Authority) has blossomed into a powerful symbol of social cohesion that puts the lie to Trumpian stereotypes of this country.

The Qurbani ritual commemorates Prophet Abraham’s unwavering faith, the perseverance of Hagar his wife, an African woman whose struggle is universally reenacted by millions during the Hajj and the obedience of their young son Ismail to the will of the Creator.

This year’s Qurbani in South Africa has transcended barriers of race, religion, and class, becoming a powerful expression of unity, compassion, and shared humanity.

In a deeply moving gesture of commitment, Oom Berto du Toit, a white farmer from Wellington, continued to procure and transport cattle for the Awqaf SA Qurbani project, even while grieving the tragic passing of his son, “Klein Berto”, in a car accident during the Qurbani procurement week.

Despite the heavy burden and grief of loss, he honoured his promise to ensure that the animals were delivered on time, recognising the profound religious and social significance of the day for South Africa’s Muslim community.

“My son knew how important this project was. We’d talked about it many times. I had to carry on because we believe in standing by our neighbours, regardless of faith or colour. That’s what real humanity is,” said Oom Berto.

The Qurbani programme, facilitated by Awqaf SA and Diyanet Türkiye, will see the sacrifice of over 200 head of cattle, resulting in over 120 tonnes of meat distributed to nearly 150,000 underprivileged people across the Western Cape and Johannesburg.

In another blow to the Afrikaner “genocide” stereotype, a world-class abattoir operated by white farmers has generously accommodated Awqaf SA and Diyanet’s logistical needs to ensure all the animals are mercifully processed in the shortest time possible showing not only efficiency but also a deep respect for Islamic rituals.

“The Qurbani this year has been more than just a religious obligation; it has become a profound expression of ubuntu,” said Mickaeel Collier, CEO of Awqaf SA.

“It has united a white Afrikaans farmer, a Turkish humanitarian agency, and a South African Muslim development agency along with its volunteers in a chain of care that benefits black, coloured, Indian, and white communities alike.

“It completely debunks the myth of a so-called ‘white genocide’ in South Africa. Instead, it shows how cooperation can truly follow in the footsteps of Prophet Abraham, where sacrifice leads to a building of, and not the breaking, of society,” he said.

Collier stated that the collaboration was a poignant example of what is possible in a democratic South Africa when communities work together.

“This is the South Africa we believe in,” said Collier, “a society where the strength of one becomes the hope of many.”

Turkish Consul General, Her Excellency Ms. Yonca Sunel, expressed heartfelt praise for the initiative and extended her condolences to the bereaved family. “Once again, it is a deep honour for Türkiye to contribute meaningfully to South Africa,” she stated. Emphasising the longstanding bonds of solidarity between the two nations, she reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to continued support in any way possible. Reflecting on the historical ties between the countries, she remarked, “Our efforts are a continuation of the relationship initiated by the first Turkish emissary, Shaykh Abu Bakr Effendi, who arrived in 1863 and established multi-racial and pioneering school for girls.”

Former Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Ebrahim Patel, also addressed the gathered community of CAFDA during the distribution, highlighting that the Islamic principle of sharing food plays a vital role in addressing the food security needs of the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. Patel said, “In a world divided by distance and difference, this partnership between Türkiye and South Africa reminds us that true solidarity is not in speeches, but in shared sacrifice—when strangers thousands of kilometres away ensure that no child goes hungry, and that faith is lived through action.”

Awqaf SA expresses its heartfelt appreciation to all its partners, donors, volunteers, and the people of Türkiye for standing with South Africa’s vulnerable, and for breathing life into the values of mercy, justice, and solidarity that lie at the heart of Eid al-Adha.