By: Shakiera Tayob
On 11 September 2024, a momentous handover ceremony took place at the Roshnee Zakaat Office, Roshnee, Vereeniging marking a pivotal chapter in the Roshnee Team’s remarkable water relief efforts. This special occasion celebrated the official transfer of a 16,000-liter water tanker, a generous donation from the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) that has been instrumental in the team’s mission since January 2024. The tanker, officially in the hands of the Roshnee Team, represents a lifeline for countless communities facing ongoing water shortages.
The ceremony was graced by notable figures, including Roshnee Team founder Advocate As’ad Sather, alongside board members Ridwaan Malim and Yusuf Sather. Although fellow board member Riaz Dhorat was absent due to his Umrah pilgrimage, his presence was felt in spirit. Representing SAMCT were Mr. Gaff Osman and Rashida Motala, while notable dignitaries such as Ahmed Kaka (Sponsor), Mohamed “Spike” Dasoo (RNW/Roshnee Feeding Scheme), and Mr. Cassim (former Principal of Roshnee Primary School and Roshnee Islamic School) also graced the occasion. The media was well-represented by Shakiera Tayob, Owner & Chief Editor of the Independent Newspaper Group, alongside Mohamed Ebrahim (CEO of The Fordsburg Independent) and Ebrahim Essay of Salaamedia.
The Roshnee Team isn’t just a group of philanthropist’s; they are the lifeline for thousands of communities across the Greater Vaal Triangle, Johannesburg and surrounding suburbs, including Sasolburg, Krugersdorp and as far as Bethal in Mpumulanga struggling with severe water shortages and low pressure. Roshnee Team has not only served communities, but has assisted clinics, hospitals, old age homes, creches, religious institutions, etc. Since 2017, this dedicated group has worked tirelessly to bring hope to communities battling severe water shortages. Amid prolonged failing infrastructure challenges, they’ve shown what can happen when ordinary people come together to do extraordinary things.
It all started with Advocate As’ad Sather, who simply wanted to help his community during a difficult time. With two 1000-liter flow bins donated by Mr. Ahmed Kaka, As’ad and his team began going door-to-door, delivering water to their Roshnee community. What began as a small, grassroots effort quickly grew into something much bigger. The team’s determination to serve those in need soon reached communities in the greater Gauteng, including Sasolburg, Krugersdorp, and as far as Bethal.
When the water crisis hit Johannesburg in mid-2023, the Roshnee Team faced an overwhelming challenge. Armed with just their trailer and a desire to help, they began delivering water. But it wasn’t enough. The need was too great. Refusing to give up, the team raised R2 million to purchase bottled water, delivering supplies to the hardest-hit areas, door-by-door, family-by-family. Still, the crisis continued, and they knew they needed more.
Then, a breakthrough came. Through a connection with Ahmed Dai from Phoenix Cash and Carry, who leads water relief efforts in KZN, the Roshnee Team secured a game-changing donation—a 16,000-liter water tanker from the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT). What used to take days now only takes hours. Suddenly, they had the capacity to deliver water on a scale they’d never imagined.
Since January 2024, that tanker has allowed them to deliver over 3.5 million litres of water to the above mentioned areas. Communities that once felt forgotten now have a source of hope, thanks to the Roshnee Team and their incredible partners. They’ve also worked with local borehole owners, local municipalities (Emfuleni and City of Johannesburg), and even fire stations to ensure they can refill and distribute water faster than ever. Notably, the Roshnee Team’s water tanker was also called to assist firefighters and fire trucks during the fire at the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve on 29 July 2024.
The SAMCT, whose donation changed the course of the team’s efforts, is no stranger to helping those in need. Established in 2008, SAMCT has been a beacon of support for communities across South Africa, providing aid in healthcare, education, and social development. But water—water is life, and their commitment to helping the Roshnee Team has given life to thousands.
“Society depends on water for life. It is a basic human right and is indispensable if we are to live healthy, dignified, and prosperous lives. Simply put, water is hugely important in sustaining the life of every person and community, and recurrent and lengthy outages of this life-giving commodity put that at serious risk,” said SAMCT representative Mr. Gaff Osman. “The Roshnee Team has done sterling work in its ongoing and extended efforts to assist South Johannesburg communities which frequently run dry, in spite of having at its disposal only make-shift infrastructure to manage the huge logistics problem of serving those in need. The SAMCT, in collaboration with the Caring Sisters Network and Phoenix Cash and Carry, were therefore pleased to accede to the Roshnee Team’s plea for assistance.”
For As’ad Sather, the tanker was nothing short of a blessing. “With the water challenges Gauteng is facing, especially the possibility of Day Zero, we are prepared to help, Alhamdulillah. The donation of the water tanker has been a game-changer, and we are grateful to SAMCT and all our supporters for making this possible,” he said.
Local heroes like Rashaad Bayat, Hoosein Saloojee and Mohamed Dasoo from RNW have joined the cause, modifying their boreholes and installing high pressure pumps to fill the tanker faster, ensuring that no one has to wait for help. Together, they’ve built a network of care that spans cities, bringing water—and hope—to those who need it most.
What makes the Roshnee Team stand out isn’t just their ability to deliver water—it’s their unwavering commitment to their community. They don’t seek recognition or reward; they just want to help. And in doing so, they’ve become a symbol of resilience, compassion, and hope.
This recent donation has marked a turning point in the Roshnee Team’s mission. With the 16,000-liter tanker, they are no longer just a small community initiative—they are a force to be reckoned with, prepared to tackle the growing water challenges across the region. And in every drop they deliver, they bring not just water, but life, dignity, and a sense of belonging to the people they serve.
For more information, please contact:
Roshnee Team Communications
Adv. As’ad Sather: +27 82 788 7286
Mr Yusuf Sather: +27 82 450 4729
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