The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it remains dedicated to providing consular support to South African nationals fulfilling their religious obligations, including Hajj and Umrah, while also striving to maintain South Africa’s positive reputation in Saudi Arabia.
This is after the National Assembly unanimously passed the motion without notice to protect the rights of Hajj pilgrims, tabled by the opposition party last week.
ALSO READ | Five South African pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia during Hajj
The party called for urgent intervention in the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) controversy, condemning SAHUC’s alleged attempts to monopolise Hajj travel and highlighting serious allegations of misconduct.
Safeguard pilgrims’ rights
The motion called for DIRCO to intervene to safeguard pilgrims’ rights; the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission (CRL Rights Commission) to investigate allegations of misconduct at SAHUC; transparency in Hajj operations and the implementation of the Nusuk Hajj system, and urgent action to prevent the establishment of a monopoly in Hajj travel, which would raise costs for pilgrims.
DIRCO has acknowledged the National Assembly’s adoption of a motion without notice regarding the “Resolution on the SAHUC controversy”. However, the department reaffirmed the information provided in its previous statement dated 15 August 2025.
The department said that on 30 June 2025, the Ministerial Committee on Efficient Management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages 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 to ensure alignment with constitutional and community-based principles.”
New operational framework
Meanwhile, according to the department, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia have announced a new operational framework for the facilitation of Hajj from South Africa, effective from 2026.
Under this new model, DIRCO explained that 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.”
In a statement issued last month, the department said 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.
Hajj will next take place on the evening of Sunday, 24 May 2026 to Friday, 29 May 2026.
