DA Calls for Urgent Financial Probe into SAHUC Amidst Monopoly Allegations

DA Demands Investigation into SAHUC's Financial Dealings

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for an urgent and comprehensive financial probe into the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC). This demand follows serious allegations of financial misdealing, self-enrichment, and attempts by SAHUC to monopolise Hajj travel services, potentially leading to inflated costs for pilgrims. The controversy has intensified in the wake of the Saudi Embassy's decision to transition South Africa to the Nusuk Hajj Direct Platform, a move that effectively removes SAHUC's traditional role as an intermediary.

Allegations of Monopoly and Self-Enrichment

The core of the allegations against SAHUC revolves around its purported efforts to centralise all Hajj travel services, thereby removing independent tour operators from the process. Critics, including the DA, fear this could create a monopoly, resulting in significantly higher prices and reduced service quality for South African Muslim pilgrims. The DA has highlighted concerns that SAHUC's new model, which includes a planned 10% commission on top of existing fees, could make pilgrimage packages substantially more expensive. Furthermore, the party has accused SAHUC of 'self-enrichment' and operating outside its legal mandate, particularly in light of the new Saudi direct booking system.

DA's Actions and Demands for Intervention

In response to these concerns, the DA has undertaken several actions. On September 28, 2025, the party wrote to the Department of Social Development, requesting a probe into SAHUC's finances as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO). Concurrently, the DA has formally written to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ronald Lamola, seeking clarity on SAHUC's legal standing and demanding immediate intervention. The party has also urged the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) to investigate allegations of misconduct and formally withdraw any mandates or recognition granted to SAHUC.

The DA's efforts culminated in a motion, tabled by the opposition and passed unanimously by the National Assembly, calling for the protection of Hajj pilgrims' rights. Key demands from the DA include:

• DIRCO and the CRL Rights Commission to formally withdraw all mandates or recognition granted to SAHUC.
• SAHUC to return all monies collected from pilgrims, as its intermediary role is deemed obsolete under the new Nusuk Hajj Direct platform.
• Ensuring transparency in Hajj operations and the full implementation of the Nusuk Hajj system.
• Preventing monopolistic practices that could increase costs for pilgrims.

Haseena Ismail, the DA's spokesperson on Tourism, has been a prominent voice in advocating for these measures, citing numerous queries from the Muslim community.

Responses from SAHUC and DIRCO

In response to the mounting pressure, SAHUC President Moaaz Casoo has stated that the council is open to any investigation and maintains it has 'nothing to hide'. Casoo has also denied attempts to monopolise the industry, asserting that SAHUC does not sell Hajj packages. Meanwhile, DIRCO has acknowledged the National Assembly's resolution and reaffirmed its commitment to providing consular support to South African pilgrims, while engaging with the CRL Rights Commission to ensure alignment with constitutional principles. The department noted that a Ministerial Committee on the Efficient Management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages submitted its final report on June 30, 2025.

Other stakeholders have also voiced concerns, with the Sunni Jamiat Ulema (SJU) initiating legal action against SAHUC, accusing it of acting outside its legal mandate. Mufti Ebrahim Smith has questioned SAHUC's authority, describing it as a 'self-appointed' body and calling for an independent ombudsman to protect pilgrims' interests. The ongoing developments underscore a critical period for the administration of Hajj and Umrah in South Africa, with calls for greater transparency and accountability to safeguard the rights and financial interests of pilgrims.