Motion without notice on the “Resolution on SAHUC controversy” adopted by the National Assembly

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has noted the National Assembly's adoption of a motion without notice on the "Resolution on SAHUC controversy."

The Department wishes to reiterate the information shared in its previous statement of 15 August 2025. On 30 June 2025, the Ministerial Committee on the Efficient Management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages (MCHU) submitted its final report to DIRCO. The Department is currently engaging with the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) to ensure alignment with constitutional and community-based principles. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a new operational framework for the facilitation of Hajj from South Africa, effective from 2026. Under this new model, the traditional use of licensed tour operators will be discontinued.

Instead, all service contracts will be signed directly with Saudi service providers, who will assume full responsibility for service delivery within the Kingdom.

Coordination will be managed through the Nusuk Masar electronic platform, under the oversight of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

DIRCO remains committed to providing consular support to South African nationals undertaking their religious obligations, including Hajj and Umrah, and to maintaining the positive reputation of the Republic of South Africa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Enquiries: Mr Chrispin Phiri, Spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084

Annex:

Media Statement

15 August 2025

Submission of Final Report by the Ministerial Committee on the Efficient Management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages to DIRCO

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) refers to its previous media statement dated 10 February 2023, titled "Establishment of the Ministerial Committee on the Efficient Management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages" (attached for reference).

On 30 June 2025, the Ministerial Committee on the Efficient Management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages (MCHU) submitted its final report to DIRCO. The Department is currently reviewing the recommendations contained in the report and is engaging with the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) to ensure alignment with constitutional and community-based principles.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a new operational framework for the facilitation of Hajj from South Africa, effective from 2026. Under this new model, the traditional use of licensed tour operators will be discontinued. Instead, all service contracts will be signed directly with Saudi service providers, who will assume full responsibility for service delivery within the Kingdom.

Coordination will be managed through the Nusuk Masar electronic platform, under the oversight of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The CRL Rights Commission continues to play a vital role in guiding cultural, religious, and linguistic communities on how to organise and coordinate their affairs. The Commission provides support to ensure that these communities operate independently of State interference, while safeguarding their religious rights and freedoms.

DIRCO remains committed to providing consular support to South African nationals undertaking their religious obligations, including Hajj and Umrah, and to maintaining the positive reputation of the Republic of South Africa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Enquiries: Mr Chrispin Phiri, Spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084

https://dirco.gov.za/submission-of-final-report-by-the-ministerial-committee-on-the-efficient-management-of-the-annual-hajj-and-umrah-pilgrimages-to-dirco/

Annex:

Media Statement

10 February 2023

Establishment of the Ministerial Committee on the Efficient Management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, hosted the inaugural meeting of the Ministerial Committee on the Efficient Management of the annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages, on 10 February 2023, in Cape Town.

The mandate and role of the Ministerial Committee is to provide strategic direction to support the efficient management of the annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages and to ensure that the South African pilgrims may enjoy a well-organised pilgrimage by an appropriate system under the auspices of the relevant Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Ministerial Committee will be chaired by Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, and members include Ms Fatima Chohan, Professor Mathole Motshekga, Professor Anil Sooklal, Ambassador Ashraf Suliman and Ms Zeenat Adam.

The Ministerial Committee will conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders in South Africa and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to prepare for the next Hajj season in 2024 in order to ensure that it enjoys broad-based support from the relevant community. The work of the Committee will not impact on the current Hajj season.

Dr Pandor also informed the Ministerial Committee that HE President Ramaphosa addressed the issue of the annual quota during the State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which took place on 15-16 October 2022 with HRH, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman al Saud. The Minister is also following up with her counterpart, HRH Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, regarding this matter.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084

https://dirco.gov.za/establishment-of-the-ministerial-committee-on-the-efficient-management-of-the-annual-hajj-and-umrah-pilgrimages/