The Garden Social Services brought together Ulama serving at its masaajid and makaatib for an Ulama Workshop held at the TGSS Shaft 17 Centre on 5 September 2026.
The workshop was organised to provide an open platform for the Ulama to share feedback from their respective centres, discuss challenges being experienced within their masaajid and maktabs, and collectively work towards practical solutions together with TGSS management.
More importantly, the gathering sought to reinforce a simple message: although each Aalim may serve in a different community, they are not working alone. They form part of one team with a shared responsibility of serving Deen and uplifting their communities.
The programme commenced with an introduction and words of advice from Ml Abubakir Chouglay, who reminded those present about the importance of having the correct intention in their work. He spoke about the great responsibility that accompanies possessing Islamic knowledge, the position of the Ulama as the heirs of the Ambiyaa (AS), and the need to maintain unity amongst themselves and with the communities they serve.
The floor was thereafter opened for discussion, giving each participant an opportunity to raise issues and challenges experienced at their respective centres. Rather than focusing only on the problems, the Ulama and management were encouraged to contribute ideas and possible solutions, allowing everyone to benefit from one another's experiences.
Following a tea break, the programme resumed with targheeb by Ml Umar Chouglay.
Ml Uthman Chouglay then provided feedback from visits conducted to some of the madaaris, including observations made while assessing students and their progress. This provided an opportunity to discuss areas requiring attention and ways in which the standard of Islamic education across the centres could continue to be strengthened.
Brother Ahmed thereafter addressed the gathering and shared words of advice with the Ulama.
The formal programme concluded with closing remarks from Ml Abubakir Chouglay, followed by a du'a rendered by Ml Mustapha of Block GG, one of the teachers serving at the TGSS madaaris.
The gathering was also honoured by the presence of religious guests from Durban, who joined the programme and were given a tour of the Shaft 17 Centre.
Following the workshop, lunch was served, giving the Ulama an opportunity to spend time together in a more informal setting, strengthen relationships and continue exchanging ideas. They also had an opportunity to spend time with residents of the TGSS Frail Care Centre and Home for the Visually Impaired situated at Shaft 17.
The workshop ultimately reinforced the importance of unity and collective responsibility. While the Ulama may serve at different masaajid, makaatib and communities, each forms part of a wider team that can draw on the knowledge, experience and support of the others.
Through continued communication, cooperation and mutual support, TGSS hopes to strengthen its masaajid and madaaris and work collectively towards bringing Deen alive within the communities it serves.
The Garden Social Services marked the relaunch of Bait-Ur-Rahmah – Home for Children with Cerebral Palsy on 16 August 2026, following an extensive expansion and upgrade of the facility aimed at providing a safer, more comfortable and supportive environment for children living with cerebral palsy.
Bait-Ur-Rahmah was already operating as a dedicated home for children with cerebral palsy. However, growing demand for specialised care highlighted the need to expand the facility and improve its ability to accommodate and care for more children.
As part of the renovations, a custom bathroom was constructed specifically around the needs of the children, making bathing and daily care safer and more practical for both residents and caregivers.
The home also received improved lighting, air conditioning, a larger television and an expanded activity area, creating a more comfortable environment in which the children can receive care, interact and participate in daily activities.
With the expansion complete, Bait-Ur-Rahmah can now accommodate up to 12 children with cerebral palsy.
The relaunch brought together representatives from Hilaal TV, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development, Laudium Disaster Management and Qurtuba, as well as Ward Councillor Naeem Patel, religious leaders, donors, local businesspeople and other members of the community.
A central purpose of the programme was not simply to showcase the renovated facility, but to create greater awareness and understanding of cerebral palsy and the challenges experienced by children living with the condition and those who care for them.
During the programme, guests were introduced to cerebral palsy and some of the challenges associated with the condition. The Garden Social Services also outlined the care approach at Bait-Ur-Rahmah and the role the organisation intends to continue playing in improving the quality of life of the children entrusted to its care.
The relaunch gave community members, donors, organisations and other stakeholders an opportunity to see the facility firsthand and gain a better understanding of the purpose behind the project.
Refreshments were served following the programme, allowing guests an opportunity to interact further with representatives of the organisation and one another.
The event ultimately served a broader purpose: bringing the realities of living with cerebral palsy closer to the community and demonstrating how practical, compassionate support can make everyday life easier for affected children and their families.
Through Bait-Ur-Rahmah, The Garden Social Services hopes not only to provide specialised residential care, but also to encourage greater awareness, understanding and support for people living with cerebral palsy.
The Garden Social Services was privileged to participate in a high-level community engagement with Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia during his visit to Laudium on 31 July 2026.
The engagement was hosted by Easy Build, part of The Garden Social Services, following an invitation facilitated by Ward Councillor Naeem Patel.
Prior to the main programme, a private meeting was held with the Acting Minister, providing an opportunity for representatives of The Garden Social Services to introduce the organisation and present some of the work being undertaken to serve vulnerable individuals and communities.
The meeting was followed by a breakfast and community engagement attended by approximately 180 guests representing 71 organisations, with representation from the business and industry sector, community organisations, academia and other sectors of society.
Among those in attendance were Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, ANC Regional Chair Eugene Modise and social activist Yusuf Abramjee, together with businesspeople, religious leaders, community activists and other stakeholders.
The formal programme commenced with a du'a by Mufti Akbar Hazarvi, followed by an address from the Acting Minister.
A question-and-answer session thereafter provided attendees with an opportunity to engage directly with the Acting Minister and Provincial Commissioner on a wide range of policing, crime and community-safety concerns.
Issues raised included police visibility and presence, kidnappings, motor vehicle theft and hijackings, gender-based violence, drug abuse, protest action and xenophobia.
Concerns were also raised regarding interactions between law-enforcement officials, businesses and foreign nationals. These included allegations of business owners being confronted over the employment of suspected undocumented foreign nationals without sufficient opportunity to produce documentation, as well as concerns surrounding enforcement activities near places of worship during prayer times.
The Acting Minister and Provincial Commissioner responded to questions and concerns raised by those in attendance, allowing for direct dialogue between policing leadership and representatives of the broader community.
The engagement provided an important platform for community stakeholders to voice their concerns, engage with national and provincial policing leadership and discuss challenges affecting both residents and businesses.
For The Garden Social Services, the occasion also provided an opportunity to share some of the organisation's work and strengthen engagement between civil society, community leadership, business and government in pursuit of safer and stronger communities.
