RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - For the first time since the abolition of the controversial Group Areas Act in South Africa on 30 June 1991, a historic and cultural highlight was celebrated by the Rustenburg Islamic community when the Islamic Centre was officially opened in Cuckoo Avenue, Cashan 19 on Friday, 24 October.
In the understanding of the average Rustenburg reader and resident, it would perhaps be dishonest and an understatement to say that events preceding the planning, rezoning and development of the new Islamic Centre went without controversy, though as most of these would undoubtedly prove later on, were little more than fears sparked by uncertainty, media hype and speculation not much different than most South Africans’ understanding of the term xenophobia.
Speaking during the introduction and guided tour throughout the new Islamic Centre on Monday this week, spokesperson and Masjid Committee member Fahim Saidoo told a small group of male and female visitors that the opening of the new mosque as it is often referred to although it is in fact an Islamic Centre - is essentially based on humanity and respect, two terms that when fully grasped and entertained, would make a much better place of the world we live in.
Without dwelling any further towards not only the differences but also the similarities between different faiths - for the sake of this article - notably Christianity and Islam - suffice to quote a phrase that has proved to be true for generations among different countries, languages, cultures, religions, customs and all else what distinguishes one group of people from another: It is not the things we do not know that create danger - it is what we imagine we know...
An Islamic Centre in an area not bound or limited to outdated policies or laws has been the brainchild of a well-known and respected businessman from around town for many years. As pointed out earlier, the abolition of the Group Areas Act finally gave way to the realisation of such a dream. It didn’t take our businessman long to gather the support of the Rustenburg Islamic Community with the first meetings on the Asharah Mubasharah project taking place of April 2021. It is interesting if not utterly commendable that the project was 100% funded by Rustenburg’s Muslim donors.
After meeting the requirements of due process which included public participation and rezoning applications, the ground works of the construction of the centre began in April 2024 with the completion just over a year later, in October 2025 - without a doubt raising the bar in standards of the construction industry across the country, let alone Rustenburg.
Cllrs Pieter Malan - Chairperson of the DA Caucus and Tanya Rothman representing Ward 17, told Rustenburg Herald that all steps and processes concerning the new mosque were followed without the slightest delay or hesitation. It is furthermore very important to note than 80% of all work was sourced locally to Rustenburg contractors and professionals.
The professional team of the project was Jackie Smith Architects, the main contractors Albers & Almeida and the electrical contractors - Skillful Electrical. All Out Solar took care of the plumbing, the town planner was Nolte Ekkerd Town Planners and Safiyya Saidoo Attorneys were responsible for all legal requirements. The official opening of the Islamic Centre and mosque last Friday was attended by more than one thousands visitors from all over South Africa and abroad. Comments already pouring in include that the Platinum City has rarely, if ever seen a project at this scale completed in such a short space of time, not to mention its unmatched beauty and splendor of what is nothing but a marvel in the local construction industry. There is no doubt that once again history was made in the Platinum City.
