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| colorcode = {{South Africa politics/party colours|AJ}}
| name = Al Jama-ah
| native_name = {{lang|ar|الجماعة}}
| logo = Al Jama-ah logo.svg
| logo_size =
| caption =
| leader = [[Ganief Hendricks]]
| spokesperson = [[Shameemah Salie]]
| foundation = 23 April 2007
| headquarters = Howard Centre,<br />[[Pinelands, Cape Town]]
| position = {{ubl|class=nowrap|
|'''Fiscal:''' [[Left-wing politics|Left-wing]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ebrahim |first1=Shaazia |title=Al Jama-ah Party: We'll Tackle Inequality With Islam And Ubuntu |url=https://www.thedailyvox.co.za/al-jama-ah-party-tackle-inequality-islam-ubuntu-shaazia-ebrahim/ |website=thedailyvox |date=31 January 2019 |access-date=7 September 2023}}</ref>
|'''Social:''' [[
}}
| ideology = {{Plainlist}}
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| international =
| colours = {{color box|#098843}} Green {{color box|#000000}} Black {{color box|#FD0304}} Red
| seats1_title = [[National Assembly (South Africa)|National Assembly]]
| seats1 = {{Infobox political party/seats|
| seats2_title = [[National Council of Provinces]]
| seats2 = {{Composition bar|0|90|{{South Africa politics/party colours|AJ}}}}
| seats3_title = [[
| seats3 = {{Composition bar|
| youth_wing =
| wing1_title =
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| footnotes =
| flag = Al Jama-ah party flag.svg
| seats4 = {{Composition bar|3|231|hex={{party colour|Al Jama-ah}}}}
| seats4_title = [[City of Cape Town|Cape Town City Council]]
}}
'''Al Jama-ah''' ({{
|title=Final List of Parties to contest the 2009 Elections
|url=http://www.polity.org.za/print-version/final-list-of-parties-to-contest-the-2009-elections-11032009-2009-03-11
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|access-date=2009-04-13}}</ref>
The party aims to support [[Islam in South Africa|Muslim]] rights and interests, though the party states that it supports working for the shared interest of all South Africans from different religious and cultural backgrounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Jama-
==History==
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In October 2019, its member of [[Western Cape Provincial Parliament|parliament for the Western Cape]], [[Izgak De Jager]], was replaced by [[Galil Brinkhuis]] after De Jager was accused of not complying with an agreement to pay 50% of his gross salary to the party. De Jager in turn stated that the agreement was to pay 50% of the net, not gross salary, and accused the party of failing to disclose its debt to its members.<ref>{{Cite web |last=newsroom |date=2019-12-06 |title=Al Jama-ah rocked by internal politics – Voice of the Cape |url=https://www.vocfm.co.za/al-jama-ah-rocked-by-internal-politics/ |access-date=2021-10-11 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In January 2023, Al Jama-ah's [[Thapelo Amad]] was chosen as [[Mayor of Johannesburg]] with the support of the [[African National Congress]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Ramushwana |first=Alpha |title=Al Jama-ah's Thapelo Amad is Johannesburg's new mayor |url=https://ewn.co.za/2023/01/27/al-jama-ah-s-thapelo-amad-is-johannesburg-s-new-mayor |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=ewn.co.za |language=en}}</ref> He resigned in April and was replaced by fellow party member [[Kabelo Gwamanda]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda – New Mayor of Johannesburg {{!}} Aljama-ah Muslim Political Party |url=https://www.aljama.co.za/candidate-profile/cllr-kabelo-gwamanda/ |website=www.aljama.co.za}}</ref>
In 2024, the party retained its single seat in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and gained an additional seat in the National Assembly, but claims that it turned down an offer from the African National Congress to participate in a Government of National Unity as it did not wish to be part of any coalition with the [[Democratic Alliance (South Africa)|Democratic Alliance]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramushwana |first=Alpha |title=GNU Talks: Al Jama-ah turns down ANC, cites DA as hindrance |url=https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/06/10/gnu-talks-al-jama-ah-turns-down-anc-cites-da-as-hindrance |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=EWN |language=en}}</ref> However, Al Jama-ah finally decided to join the government of national unity (GNU).<ref>{{cite web |title=GNU: It’s about weakening the DA and its allies {{!}} Aljama-ah Muslim Political Party |url=https://www.aljama.co.za/gnu-its-about-weakening-the-da-and-its-allies/ |website=www.aljama.co.za}}</ref> The leader of Al Jama-ah, Mogamad Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks, became Deputy Minister of Social Development in the coalition.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mr Mogamad Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks |url=https://www.parliament.gov.za/person-details/5744 |website=parliament.gov.za}}</ref>
== Ideology and principles ==
Al Jama-ah is a [[Social democracy|social democratic]] party<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Haffajee |first=Ferial |date=2024-05-16 |title=Al Jama-ah manifesto: food baskets, NHI and digital divide |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-05-16-al-jama-ah-manifesto-food-baskets-nhi-and-digital-divide/ |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}</ref> with a focus on food and water security, education, and economic equality.
=== Economic policy ===
The party aims to eliminate [[value-added tax]] on essential food items such as bread, milk, and eggs. Further, it believes in legislation promoting land reform and the equitable distribution of the [[means of production]].<ref name=":1" /> It also aims to implement "non-discriminatory socioeconomic policies" and encourage [[entrepreneurship]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=manifesto – Aljama-ah Muslim Political Party |url=https://www.aljama.co.za/manifesto/ |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=www.aljama.co.za}}</ref>
=== Education ===
The main educational aims of the party are to provide free textbooks and stationery at all education levels. It also wants to improve the quality of public schooling to dismantle the legacy of unequal access to education left by [[Apartheid]]. Further, it believes in an adult basic education program to improve national literacy.<ref name=":2" />
=== Health care ===
Al Jama-ah supports a high quality public health care system. It wants to implement [[national health insurance]] and improve the management of hospitals and health centers. Further, it aims to set up mobile clinics in areas with poor health care access.<ref name=":2" />
=== Muslim marriages ===
Al Jama-ah introduced two [[Private member's bill|private member's bills]] regarding Muslim marriages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Marriage Bill Explained – Aljama-ah Muslim Political Party |url=https://www.aljama.co.za/muslim-marriage-bill/the-marriage-bill-explained/ |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=www.aljama.co.za}}</ref> The Registration of Muslim Marriages bill,<ref>{{Cite book |title=Registration of Muslim Marriages Bill |url=https://www.parliament.gov.za/bill/2306910 |access-date=1 June 2024 |isbn=978-1-4850-0837-8}}</ref> and the second bill aimed to reform the Divorce Act of 1997 to comply with the proposed marriage legislation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Muslim Religious Marriage Bills 2022 – Aljama-ah Muslim Political Party |url=https://www.aljama.co.za/muslim-marriage-bill/muslim-religious-marriage-bills-2022/ |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=www.aljama.co.za}}</ref>
==Controversies==
===City of Johannesburg corruption===
[[Thapelo Amad]], an Al Jama-ah councillor in the [[City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality|City of Johannesburg]], served as the city's Mayor for less than three months in 2023, and was forced to resign ahead of a motion of no confidence in his fitness for office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joburg mayor Thapelo Amad resigns ahead of no-confidence vote |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2023-04-24-joburg-mayor-thapelo-amad-resigns-ahead-of-no-confidence-vote/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=BusinessLIVE |language=en-ZA}}</ref> Amad came under fire for referring to a R9.5 billion loan offer to the City from a private company. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahlati |first=Zintle |title=Joburg Mayor Thapelo Amad faces axing after R9.5bn loan claim, PA admits it backed 'wrong horse' |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/joburg-mayor-thapelo-amad-faces-axing-after-r95bn-loan-claim-pa-admits-it-backed-wrong-horse-20230411 |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref> Amad was replaced as Mayor by one of only three Al Jama-ah councillors in the City of Johannesburg, [[Kabelo Gwamanda]], who was elected with the support of the ANC and the [[Economic Freedom Fighters|EFF]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haffajee |first=Ferial |date=2023-04-24 |title=Joburg to get another no-name brand mayor as Thapelo Amad walks the plank |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-04-24-joburg-to-get-another-no-name-brand-mayor-as-thapelo-amad-walks-the-plank/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}</ref> Gwamanda also survived a motion of no confidence after he was accused of running an illegal funeral scheme.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahlati |first=Zintle |title='He can't run a R70bn city': ActionSA files motion to remove Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/government/he-cant-run-a-r70bn-city-actionsa-files-motion-to-remove-joburg-mayor-kabelo-gwamanda-20230607 |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref> He is alleged to have deserted investors in his funeral insurance scheme after they claimed funeral benefits.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-20 |title=FSCA investigation into Joburg Mayor long overdue: Analyst - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader. |url=https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/fsca-investigation-into-joburg-mayor-long-overdue-analyst/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |language=en-US}}</ref> Gwamanda is under investigation by the [[Financial Sector Conduct Authority (South Africa)|Financial Sector Conduct Authority]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=https://www.timeslive.co.za/authors/sisanda-mbolekwa |title=Joburg mayor Gwamanda ran illegal funeral scheme: FSCA |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/news/politics/2023-06-18-joburg-mayor-gwamanda-ran-illegal-funeral-scheme-fsca/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=TimesLIVE |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
===Fugitive prophet===
Party leader Hendricks admitted to having travelled to [[Malawi]] to meet fugitive prophet [[Shepherd Bushiri]], a wanted man who fled South Africa following charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to over R100 million as well as charges of rape and sexual assault.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramushwana |first=Alpha |title=Al Jama-ah leader reveals party received a prophecy from Bushiri on its poll performance |url=https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/06/03/al-jama-ah-leader-reveals-party-received-a-prophecy-from-bushiri-on-its-poll-performance |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=EWN |language=en}}</ref> Hendricks returned from Malawi with a prophetic prediction from Bushiri, indicating the party's electoral support would increase. Hendricks told Newzroom Afrika that the party expected one million votes after Bushiri advised his three million congregants to vote for Al Jama-ah.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zszpFPrCDD4 |title=Al Jama-ah gunning for a million votes |date=2024-05-27 |last=Newzroom Afrika |access-date=2024-06-15 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The party went on to only receive about [[Results of the 2024 South African general election|39,000 votes]] on the national ballot.
===Prayer for the ANC===
[[Galil Brinkhuis]], a religious leader who represents Al Jama-ah in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament made a prayer for the African National Congress during a sitting of the legislature on the eve of the 2024 elections, adding that he hoped the party would take the lead in province.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ludidi |first=Velani |date=2024-05-22 |title=Al Jama-ah member of Western Cape legislature rebuked and forced to apologise after praying for ANC election win |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-05-22-al-jama-ah-member-of-western-cape-legislature-forced-to-apologise-after-praying-for-anc-election-win/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}</ref> Al Jama-ah distanced itself from Brinkhuis's prayer, saying that it was out of line with party interests. Brinkhuis later apologised and said that it was a mistake to pray for another party's success.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Charles |first=Marvin |title='It was a mistake': Al Jama-ah MPL faces heat for praying for ANC victory |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/elections-2024-it-was-a-mistake-al-jama-ah-mpl-faces-heat-for-praying-for-anc-victory-20240523 |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Electricity surcharge fee===
Under Al Jamaah's Gwamanda administration, the City of Johannesburg introduced a R200 surcharge fee for prepaid electricity meters in July 2024 in addition to a 12.7 electricity tariff fee. Residents criticised the City of Johannesburg for implementing the surcharge fee without public participation, however, Gwamanda denied this and instead defended the fee and said that it was there to stay.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 2024 |title=Gwamanda denies lack of consultation on R200 prepaid surcharge |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/energy/joburg-mayor-says-r200-prepaid-electricity-surcharge-here-to-stay-6809eafe-706f-4069-b967-352e43d25d1b |access-date=10 July 2024 |work=SABC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Buda |first=Christopher |date=5 July 2024 |title=Joburg mayor says R200 prepaid electricity surcharge here to stay |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/energy/joburg-mayor-says-r200-prepaid-electricity-surcharge-here-to-stay-6809eafe-706f-4069-b967-352e43d25d1b |access-date=10 July 2024 |work=IOL}}</ref> The R200 fee targeted poor households and was criticised for the consequences it would have.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Njilo |first=Nonkululeko |date=2024-07-07 |title=Poorer Joburgers buckle under new R200 prepaid meter electricity surcharge |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-07-08-impoverished-joburgers-buckle-under-new-monthly-r200-prepaid-meter-fixed-electricity-surcharge/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}</ref>
==Election results==
===National Assembly elections===
{{election table}}
|-
! Election
! Party leader
! Total votes
! Share of vote
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|-
! [[2009 South African general election|2009]]
| rowspan=4 |[[Ganief Hendricks]]
| 25,947
| 0.15
| {{Composition bar|0|400|hex=Blue}}
|
| {{no|
|-
! [[2014 South African general election|2014]]
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| 0.14
| {{Composition bar|0|400|hex=Blue}}
| {{steady}} 0
| {{no|
|-
! [[2019 South African general election|2019]]
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| 0.18
| {{Composition bar|1|400|hex=Green}}
| {{increase}} 1
| {{no2|
|-
![[2024 South African general election|2024]]
| 39,067
| 0.24{{efn|From 2024, seats in the National Assembly are determined by a combination of the national ballot, and the nine regional ballots. Only the national ballot figures are shown here.}}
|{{Composition bar|2|400|hex=Green}}
|{{increase}} 1
|{{yes2|[[Third Cabinet of Cyril Ramaphosa]]}}
|}
{{Notelist}}
===Provincial elections===
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[[Category:Political parties established in 2007]]
[[Category:Anti-Americanism]]
[[Category:Political parties of minorities in South Africa]]
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