Muslim prayer facilities open

THE South African National Parks (SANParks) has opened its first Muslim prayer facility for men and women, at the Skukuza camp in the Kruger National Park, yesterday.

The proposal to open Wudhu and Salaah facilities in the Kruger National Park was received in 2009.

Managing executive of the Kruger National Park Glenn Phillips said funds to the tune of R850 000 were raised by the Muslim community to construct the facilities.

Construction was already under way at Lower Sabi and will continue to Satara Rest Camps, Afsaal and Tshokwane Picnic Sites.

There are also plans to build these facilities in other national parks.

“This project was facilitated by the SANParks Honorary Rangers Johannesburg South, who, within a very short space of time, raised the funds required for the development,” Phillips said.

The facility includes a wash-up area which is known as a Wudhu facility for both males and females.

Muslim guests will have to provide their own prayer mats, known as Musallas.

Yusuf Dockrat, chairperson of the SANParks Honorary Rangers Johannesburg South Branch cautioned Muslim members to take care of the facilities.

“Please utilise these facilities for the purpose that they have been built, which is to perform Salaah only.

“This is a place of worship and should be treated as such,” he said.

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