Faith, Tradition and Humanitarian Action Come Together to Transform Thandokwethu Primary School in Rural KwaZulu-Natal

DUDUDU, KWAZULU-NATAL – Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA) recently hosted a stakeholder visit at Thandokwethu Primary School, bringing together representatives from the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA), the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), the South African National Women’s Forum, the Department of Education and local community leaders to witness the results of a significant education and community development initiative.

The gathering united faith leaders, traditional leadership and humanitarian stakeholders to witness the school’s rehabilitation and explore how cross-sector partnerships can advance sustainable development, education and social cohesion.

Built by the Dududu community to provide local children with access to education, the school had, by 2022, fallen into severe disrepair. Learners and educators faced hazardous asbestos roofing, flooding classrooms, broken fixtures, inadequate sanitation and no reliable access to clean water.

Following a teacher’s request for help, Islamic Relief launched a comprehensive rehabilitation project to restore the school and create a safe, dignified environment for learners and educators.

During the visit, stakeholders toured the upgraded facilities and engaged with learners, educators and community members to assess the intervention’s impact and discuss the role of strategic investment in education.

The project delivered extensive infrastructure upgrades: replacement of hazardous roofing, renovation of classrooms and administration facilities, and improved water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. A new library gives learners access to books and educational resources, while a sustainable borehole now supplies clean water to the school and over 2,000 residents in the surrounding community.

“We were honoured to witness the rehabilitation of this school alongside the Chairperson of the NHTKL and representatives from the Department of Education. This investment will help ensure these children receive a quality education with a meaningful and lasting impact on their lives.” — Moulana Abdul Khaaliq Allie, UUCSA President.

IRSA also introduced the Goal Getters Project, a learner empowerment programme designed to build confidence, resilience and academic performance. Thandokwethu is one of eight schools selected to participate, reflecting IRSA’s commitment to holistic child development. UUCSA and the South African National Women’s Forum distributed blankets and winter essentials to learners during the event.

The partnership between faith leaders, traditional leadership and the humanitarian sector sends a clear message of unity and shared responsibility. It demonstrates how diverse institutions can collaborate to address social challenges, strengthen communities and advance education — regardless of race or religion.

The NHTKL Chairman, Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo had this to say: " [We are] acknowledging the important role the traditional leaders played to have established a community school whilst the refurbishing of schools symbolises social cohesion on behalf of the Muslim community."

In seeking the improvement of broader socioeconomic conditions, Kgosi TM Seatlholo expressed his wish to see how the collaboration with UUCSA would facilitate the accessing of overseas markets, especially in the Muslim world, for commodities produced by rural communities.

The rehabilitation of Thandokwethu Primary School reflects the South African Muslim community’s positive contribution to sustainable development, showing how faith-inspired action can create lasting change in underserved communities.

“To the learners of Thandokwethu Primary: this school is yours. Dream big, work hard, and know that your community, your leaders and your country believe in you. You are the heartbeat of this nation. Take this powerful weapon of education and change the world. Thank you, Ngiyabonga kakhulu, and may this project bring continuous blessings to Dududu for generations to come. Ameen,” says Yusuf Mohamed, CEO of Islamic Relief South Africa.

— Ends—

Editor’s notes:

• For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact:Munawwarah Ebrahim on 071 977 7305, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• For images of this initiative, click here

Islamic Relief
Founded in the UK in 1984, Islamic Relief is a non-governmental organisation with a South African office registered in 2004. It works with communities to build resilience, delivers emergency aid, improves access to education, water, sanitation and healthcare, and creates sustainable pathways out of poverty. Its integrated approach tackles root causes of vulnerability and ensures affected communities have genuine influence over its programmes and advocacy.

United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA)
UUCSA is an umbrella body of Muslim theologian formations in South Africa, comprising the ten (bottom-listed) affiliate members. It represents approximately 1500 Muslim Scholars. It has a national foot print across the nine provinces of South Africa.

National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL)
The NHTKL is a statutory body in South Africa established to represent traditional leadership at the national level. Constituted by delegates from the Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders, it serves as a critical advisory body to the government and advocates for traditional and indigenous communities.

25 June 2026