About 3 500 pilgrims from South Africa who went for Hajj will be recompensed for poor service delivery.
The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) announced last week that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah together with the service provider, have agreed to pay R14.5 million.
At a press conference at the Suleiman Nana Memorial Hall, Johannesburg, SAHUC president Moaz Casoo raised concerns about the issues pilgrims faced.
“Some of the concern raised by SAHUC was insufficient security at our camps, and Hajjis from other countries roaming around our camps taking some of our drinks and food and security was an issue during the last season.
“The quality of food which was served on certain days to us was not acceptable.”
The pilgrims also faced space constraints in terms of beds at the camps, which made it hard during times of prayer.
“We had no water for over two hours as there was not enough water provision, air conditioners not working.
“The abolition facilities were below par, no provisions made for those in wheelchairs or with disabilities.”
The heat was a major issue, with having no air conditioners working or having access to drinking water, the weather became unbearable for some individuals.
He said the majority of them were left without food and drinks, when the refreshments were being served, those from other countries had consumed everything, leaving none for the South Africans.
Casoo said they raised concerns with the appropriate ministry in Saudi Arabia especially since last year was the first year that the number of pilgrims were back to pre-covid numbers.