Wale and Rose streets in Bo-Kaap were transformed into a massive dinner table on Friday 31 March as hundreds of people sat down for the annual “Boeka innie Bo-Kaap”, a mass street iftar.
Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast after sunset daily during the month of Ramadaan.
The event saw both Muslim and non-Muslim Capetonians sitting down and sharing a meal.
Silence filled the street at about 18:42 during the Athaan (call to prayer).
Shafwaan Laubscher, the organiser of the event, says the initial iftar was in 2018, to protest against gentrification in the area.
“That was the first reason we started to have this mass iftar to create a sense of unity among this community. With it being Ramadaan the climax of every day of Ramadaan is sunset where you are able to break your fast and which better way to have a form of silent protest in the month of Ramadaan.”
He says the purpose is to bring people together.
“It’s about creating that sense of inclusivity where people come together and share among each other. That’s the spirit of Ramadaan, share with those less fortunate.”
Laubscher says he is happy that so many residents pitched up.
“It is phenomenal to see to see the turnout and people just coming together for that one common goal of unity and sharing.”
Amiena Waggied lived in the area for 40 years before she moved. She says she joins the mass iftar annually.
Athlone resident Iman Alexander (20) attended for the first time.
“I always hear about this from my family because they come here every year. Being here to me means a sense of community. It’s comforting to know that we can do this as Muslims here. Because in other countries around the world, Muslims can’t be. Everyone here is so welcoming.”
Ghanaan Omar (18) from Grassy Park attended with a group of friends and says she always wanted to attend.
“It means a lot to see everyone coming together, the sense of camaraderie and everyone sharing their things. The blessings that fill the air, the excitement, it is just a wonderful experience.
Taliah Nolan says she feels privileged to attend the iftar with her peers.
“I feel good being here. Seeing so many Muslims come from all over Cape Town and just coming to boeka everyone together, it makes me feel happy.”
78-year-old Mogamat Saait Manuel from Vredehoek says: “I was one of the first people to do the call to prayer here. It is a lovely atmosphere here. I pray for good health so that I can be here again next year.”
