The Islamic Medical Association of South Africa [IMASA] Johannesburg Branch hosted their Annual Graduation Fundraising Dinner on the 7th of December at the spectacular and stunning venue; Image Lifestyle Conference Centre in Gauteng. The modern black-and-white décor gave the event a sophisticated ambience and all the guests were dressed for the occasion. Our male graduates looking very dapper in their suits and the females making an entrance with modest and elegant dresses and abayas. To create even more hype and fuss as our proud Graduates and their guests entered, the hosts received them with welcome drinks and a professional photographer on standby.
Each Graduate signed in on arrival and received complimentary promo gifts at the registration table. They were welcomed by our Johannesburg Branch Committee Members and given a brief overview of what the evening will entail and encouraging them to sign up as Members, standing a chance to win great prizes during the evening. This tactic proved to be very successful as we had over 30 Graduates signing up as new members of IMASA. We hope that they will not only become active members of the organization but the recruitment of new blood into this long existing organization will help us to improve our services and goals to uplift the medical needs of those less fortunate Inshaa Allah.
The programme commenced with the traditional and beautiful rendition of the Holy Quraan, by Qari Hussein Kazi, followed by a warm welcome by our MC & Vice President of IMASA; Dr Shoyab Wadee. His endless and witty jokes kept the guests well entertained throughout the evening and on a more serious note, his long-standing membership with IMASA allowed him to elaborate on the reason Graduates had to seriously consider their involvement with the organization.
The guests partook in a decadent spread of starters, mains and desserts followed by talks from our very own and inspiring Member of IMASA; Prof Anwar Hoosen, highly accomplished Postgraduate; Dr Nasreen Mahomed, our young and dynamic Intern; Azeem Hoosain and founding member of Amaarah Bursary Fund; Mr Shokat Ali Khan. Sponsors such as Director of 27four Investment Managers, Fatima Vawda and Iqbal Omar were also presented with an opportunity to address the guests.
In addition to this we would like to thank our other sponsors such as; OASIS Group Holdings. Albaraka Bank, SANZAF, AMKA Products, Mr Anver Essa and Nativa who generously donated and make their presence and support known at all IMASA events Alhumdulillah.
The President of IMASA; Dr Yakub Moosa Essack & Treasurer, Dr Zaheer Essop elaborated on the background of IMASA, its aims and objectives and the spiritual fulfilment and academic expertise it had to offer to our Graduates
This year’s Lifetime Achievement award was humbly accepted by Prof Anwar Hoosen with his loved ones in attendance. It was an honour for us to present this well-deserved award to a man who has and continues to not only play a vital role in the success of the organization but who selflessly offers his time and expertise to friends, colleagues and needy communities.
The Student award went to Ms Humairah Ismail who has been actively involved with IMASA and spearheading all Podiatry screening with her dedicated team of Podiatry students.
Thereafter the senior members of IMASA were given the honour to handover the Hippocratic Oath of a Muslim Health Professional and each Graduate was called onto the stage and honoured for his/her achievements as a dedicated student now stepping into society as a qualified Health Professionals Alhumdulillah. We were proud to welcome each one of them into the Medical Fraternity of IMASA and family and friends beamed with pride and joy.
The evening ended with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr Nazreen Motara; Vice Chair of the IMASA Johannesburg Branch followed by our guests hanging around and chatting away over cake and tea.
We would like to wish all the Graduates further success in their careers and endeavours and may all their good actions as qualified Muslim Health Professionals reap the benefits of the this World and the Hereafter and ultimately the Pleasure of our beloved Creator AAMEEN.
