aged South African Haj pilgrims in the 35-to-45-year-old age group is increasing, according to South African Consul General Mahdi Basadien. “Presently, between 25 to 35 percent of South African Hajis belong to this age group, which is 15 to 20 percent more than five or six years ago,” Basadien told Saudi Gazette recently. He explained that in the New Africa where everybody enjoys freedom of religion and speech and also equal opportunity in the job market, middle-aged people are more affluent than in the past. “So, instead of waiting for a much later stage in their lives to come for Haj, which used to be the case, people can now afford to perform Haj at a younger age,” he said. He added that there was a very robust and active Muslim community in South Africa, and that parents often bring their children for Umrah. Instead of going to Europe, America, or other countries for vacation, South African Muslims prefer to come to the Kingdom to engage in spiritual activities. The Consul General said that about 2,500 South African pilgrims will come for Haj this year as per the quota approved by Saudi authorities “But we have 7,800 pilgrims registered in South Africa who are prepared to come for Haj. So an additional 4,500 has been requested, and feedback is awaited from Saudi authorities,” he said, adding that “out of that number over 7,000, or 85 to 90 percent, are first-time pilgrims, who are given preference”. The South African Haj and Umrah Council (SAHUC), a civil body which oversees the organization of Haj for South Africans, has an accreditation system based on points. Those who have never performed Haj are given a large number of points, and those who have performed Haj, but not in the past five years, are also given points, but not as many. Asked if South African pilgrims are provided with training before departure, the Consul General said that there was no specific training program, such as the one in Malaysia, where the Haj ritual is covered thoroughly. In South Africa, training is less formal. SAHUC informs the public through the media about arrangements and preparations for Haj. Then there are Haj classes that are hosted by various mosques in different areas. Some people attend these classes even one or two years before they intend to leave for Haj. A series of lectures are held in the evening for three months out of the year. These include Haj dos and don'ts and preparations for Haj from the spiritual and logistical points of view. There are 31 tour operators accredited to work for SAHUC. The council has already identified the 2,500 people authorized to perform Haj this year. These people can go to the agent of their choice, unlike in the past when SAHUC distributed the quota among all tour operators. Basadien said that Haj expenses have increased, which is of major concern to pilgrims. He said that while there are some affordable packages available, “in terms of what is being asked, it is, I think, beyond the expectation of many pilgrims, especially those who have saved for a lifetime to come for Haj”. The average cost of the cheaper packages is around SR16,000 including air ticket, but excluding meals. Other packages are as much as SR30,000 per person, whereas not so many years ago, one could find a Haj package for around SR12,000. The Consul General said he was very impressed by the development that has taken place in the Kingdom, especially in Makkah. “It is quick and progressive growth. In view of the number of people who want to come for Haj, there seems to be an accommodation shortage, but the Aziziya District makes up for the shortfall in Makkah,” he said. He added that with the new transport system that is going to be implemented in Makkah and the areas allocated to the various countries and regions, “one can only commend King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the Saudi government for the efforts to make the pilgrimage comfortable”. He said that as one involved in Haj for more than 10 years, he has found that facilities have been enhanced and improved every year for the benefit of pilgrims. “That is truly amazing. The kind of support and concern expressed by the Tawafa establishments for the non-Arab African countries is exemplary. I am pleased to say that there is always improvement. They are always open to suggestions and looking for ways to improve which is something we appreciate,” he stressed.
