Celebrating 50 Years of Mitchell’s Plain: ICOMP's Inclusive Community Events

With the start of the new year, preparations are officially underway for the landmark 50th anniversary of Mitchell’s Plain.

In the lead-up to this significant milestone, a series of events will be held across the metro, organised by various organisations and individuals who take pride in the area’s rich history, cultural diversity, and shared heritage.

On Monday, January 26, the Imāmat Council of Mitchell’s Plain (ICOMP) held a meeting at the Muslim Judicial Council in Athlone to plan special events for the Muslim community as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Titled “Five Decades of Growth Beyond the Minaret Project,” the meeting also served as a platform for participating organisations to engage with and learn from one another.

ICOMP President Maulānā Sabrie Davids described the upcoming anniversary as a significant milestone aimed at uniting all residents of Mitchell’s Plain, regardless of their faith. “Mitchell’s Plain turning 50 comes with celebrations, and this is the important step we are embarking on,” said Mr Davids.

“The purpose of the meeting was to assess our planning progress and ensure that all partners are included. We are encouraged by the advice and support received from those in attendance.”

Project Coordinator Maulānā Tawfeeq Ely welcomed the enthusiasm shown by stakeholders, describing the anniversary as one of the greatest celebrations in the township’s history.

He said that the process would be inclusive, with no one left behind, and expressed the Muslim community's eagerness to involve all sectors, including the media.

Mr Ely said a key aspect of the anniversary is that the history of the Muslim community will be narrated by Muslims themselves, rather than through third-party perspectives.

He said it was important to document, display, and celebrate the community’s rich history.

“One of our objectives is to highlight the full spectrum of Muslim contributions in Mitchell’s Plain beyond religious institutions,” he said. “We seek acknowledgement and want to shine a light on the profound dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of the early Muslims who laid the foundations of the community here.”

Planned activities include keynote lectures, panel discussions, and heritage-focused programmes, with a strong emphasis on unity among the people of Mitchell’s Plain.

Mr Ely said that the celebrations would be community-centred, promoting diversity and inclusion. “We will engage the entire community through a rich and diverse series of activities,” he said.

President of the United Ulamā Council of South Africa, Maulānā Abdul Khaliq Allie, commended ICOMP for the initiative and encouraged collaboration with other Muslim organisations.

He cautioned that preparations would be demanding, highlighting the need for funding, academic involvement, and possible partnerships with universities to research and document the history of the Muslim community.

“In life, we learn that collaboration is strength. Any project must be connected,” he said. “There must be unity, cohesion, and collective effort in taking this forward.”

The group agreed to reconvene soon to continue planning and coordination.

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