Ambassadors of Muslim countries, academics from Africa’s leading universities and other dignitaries, were guests at an Iftar dinner, organized by the Turkish Maarif Foundation, which was warmly hosted by the Turkish Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Ambassador Ayoegül Kandao, on Tuesday, April 12.
Ambassadors from 12 countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Kazakhstan attended the splendid function at the residence of the Turkish Ambassador. Present at the iftar dinner as well, was Zane Dangor, the newly appointed DG of DIRCO.
Also in attendance were academics from Witwatersrand University, Pretoria University and Johannesburg University, representatives from non-governmental organization (NGOs), representatives from various Muslim organizations, including the Jamiatul Ulema and officials from the Gauteng Department of Education. The charming and amiable HE, Mrs. Ayoegül Kandas, who warmly welcomed each guest personally, addressed the gathering about the various activities of the Embassy, during the holy of month of Ramadan, such as distribution of food parcels which had reached 2000 families in various communities of South Africa. Mr Mahmut Özdil, member of the Board of Trustees of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, on a working visit to South Africa, attended the event and expressed that the idea behind organizing iftar dinner programs was to bring together Maarif Foundation teachers and administrators with diplomats and professionals from the education sector.
The coordinator of the Foundation in Johannesburg, Mr Deniz Doðan gave information about the activities of the Foundation, saying, that they are the only Turkish government institution with a license to open international schools abroad, as well as the newly opened Maarif school in Johannesburg. He added that the Foundation had established 427 schools in 49 countries so far, 26 of which are on the African continent.
Facilities were provided for the Muslim guests to conduct their early evening prayers, after which all guests were served with a scrumptious iftar meal, receiving a gift bag as they left.
