The South African National Zakaaf Fund (SANZAF) distributed close to 6 000 Eid food parcels across Mitchell’s Plain, including Mandalay, Tafelsig and Strandfontein over the weekend.
Eid ul Fitr, celebrated this week, marks the end of the month of Ramadaan.
All Muslims are obliged to pay fitra, an annual tax the equivalent of feeding one person for a day at the end of Ramadaan, which purifies their deeds for the month and ensures the needs of the poor and destitute are fulfilled on the day of Eid.
This year the payment was R40 a person.
Sanzaf spokesperson Sakeenah Bock said “Operation Fitra” was one of their vital annual relief projects.
“The campaign has shown significant growth in both magnitude and effectiveness since inception, more than 45 years ago,” she said.
The food hampers, which included fresh produce and canned goods, helped more than 26 000 families across South Africa enjoy a hearty meal on the day of Eid–ul-Fitr.
The campaign was conducted over three-months, including the individual assessment of families and home visits to verify the eligibility of recipients.