About Us

In January of 1982, a group of people with common interest formed what was then called "The Robben Island Mazaar (Kramat) Committee". Having established their goals, viz. to maintain the numerous shrines located in the Western Cape and to propagate the teachings of these Saints, the name was changed to "The Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society".

The southern most tip of Africa was rich in Islamic culture and history and this heritage had to be preserved for posterity. The memories of Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar, Sayed Abduraghman Motura of Robben Island, Sheikh Abdurahman Matebe Shah of Klein Constantia, Sayed Mahmud of Islam Hill, Sayed Abdul Malik of Vredehoek, Tuan Guru of Bo Kaap, Sheikh Mohamed Hassen Ghaibie Shah of Signal Hill, Sheikh Noorul Mubeen of Oudekraal and Sayed Jaffer to name but a few, were to be kept alive. We owe these heroes and torch bearers of Islam and could never repay them for their sacrifices. Subjected to most harsh forms of cruelty and torture they never wavered from the true path.

With true commitment and firmly entrenched allegiance, the Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society grew from strength to strength. From humble beginnings of cleaning and repainting the Kramats, major refurbishment and rebuilding projects were undertaken and successfully completed. During these times the support of the public was overwhelming and encouraged the Society even further.

The Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society is a constituted body registered as a Non Profitable Organisation(NPO) with the Department of Social Development and as a Public Benefit Organisation(PBO) with the South African Revenue Services.

The Cape Mazaar (Kramat) Society is recognised by the Muslim Judicial Council, City of Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism and the South African Heritage Resources Agency amongst others. Their proven track record has put them on a firm standing with the aforementioned organisations. The Society’s accounts are audited annually by an independent auditor.

The Saints taught unity and peace amongst the different faiths. In keeping with this teachings many non- Muslims also visit the Kramats regularly. The publication of this book, which is the society's latest venture, will serve as a much needed guide for tourists wanting to visit the various Kramats in the Western Cape. This need has been acknowledged by Cape Town Tourism who has over the years been receiving many enquiries regarding the kramats from tourists to the Western Cape. This informative guide is distributed locally, nationally and internationally.