Registrar of Societies Pays Visit to the AFED Headquarters in Dar es Salaam

Our Ref:  AFED/PR/024/2026                                                  Date: July 9, 2026  

On 17^th June 2026, the Africa Federation (AFED) was honored to host at its Headquarters in Dar es Salaam the Registrar of Societies, Ministry of Home Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania head office in Dodoma, Hon. Mr. Emmanuel Kihampa. Hon. Mr. Kihampa was accompanied by Mrs. Hafsa Kiwanga, Secretary in the Office of the Registrar of Societies. 

The distinguished guests were warmly received in the office by the AFED leadership which included Alhaj Alihassan Kassam, Hon. Secretary; Alhaj Murtaza Kara, Hon. Asst. Secretary; Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, AFED Ambassador; and Br. Mohammed Kazim Sheriff, Chief Operating Officer (COO). Also present in the meeting were the Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT) leadership, Alhaj Hussein Karim, Chairman - BMMT, and Alhaj Hafidh Mansour, COO - BMMT.

The Office of the Registrar of Societies operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is responsible for the registration, regulation, and legal compliance of associations, NGOs, and religious organizations under the Societies Act. 

Africa Federation and Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania are registered under the Registrar of Societies, same applies to all other constituent Jamaats in Tanzania under Africa Federation. The registrations are renewed annually.

During the discussion, AFED officials provided brief historical background of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community since arrival from India by dhows in the early nineteenth century, and settled down initially in East African coastal towns, gradually spreading to other regions of Africa.  

The visit was a follow-up to the engagement between the AFED delegation and the Minister of Home Affairs of the Government of Tanzania, Hon. Patrobas Katambi, on 10^th April 2026. The meeting provided an excellent platform for constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.

AFED and BMMT leadership had the opportunity to present the scope of activities, governance framework, community development initiatives, and its operations across the African continent, which also extends towards Madagascar, Reunion, and recently Mauritius Islands. 

The discussions were fruitful, allowing the Hon. Registrar to gain deeper insight into the role and impact of the Africa Federation in serving its member institutions and communities. Both parties exchanged views on matters relating to regulatory compliance, institutional development, and the contribution of faith-based organizations towards social development and community welfare. 

During the meeting, the AFED leadership expressed its sincere appreciation to the Hon. Registrar for taking the time to visit the Secretariat. The visit holds particular significance as it marks the first-ever visit by a Registrar of Societies to the Federation since its inception in 1946 and registration in 1960, underscoring the positive relationship between AFED and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Africa Federation looks forward to continued engagement and collaboration with the Office of the Registrar of Societies and the Ministry of Home Affaris in advancing good governance, compliance, and sustainable community development initiatives across the region.

SECRETARIAT

Tribute To His Eminence Ayatullah Ali Housseini Khamenei

Ref: AFED/PR/023/2026                                                     Date: July 08, 2026 

TRIBUTE TO HIS EMINENCE AYATULLAH

ALI HOSSEINI KHAMENEI

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajeeun

“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”

(Holy Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:156)

The seven-day state Funeral of his Eminence Ayatullah Ali Hosseini Khamenei and his family began on Friday 3^rd July 2026 in Tehran and then proceeded to Qum and is in Iraq (Najaf and Kerbala) today.  He will be buried in his birthplace the Holy City of Mashhad alongside the 8^th Holy Imam Hazrat Ali Ar Ridha (‘A) on Thursday 9^th  July 2026. 

Over 100 countries were represented by their delegation and officials at the ceremony on Friday 3^rd July 2026 and news reporters from various places are covering the event being attended by millions of Iranians.

His Eminence Ayatullah Khamenei attained martyrdom on Saturday, 28^th February 2026 (10^th Mahe Ramadhan 1447 AH) in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran together with a number of his close family members. The funeral was delayed due to the war that ensued across that part of the world.  

Marhum was a guiding figure for the Shia Ummah and his death is a great loss to the Community and has left a big vacuum within the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Shia World. 

He was married to Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh and were blessed with six children (four sons which includes the new Supreme Leader Ayatullah Mujtaba Khamenei).  He is known to have grown in an ascetic lifestyle and continued to lead a simple lifestyle until his death. 

He played a pivotal role in the stability and development of the Iranian state, through a steady centralization of power over four decades beginning as a trusted confidant of Ayatullah Khomeini and member of the Revolutionary Council, followed by a two-term presidency from 1981 to 1989, and culminating in his elevation to Supreme Leader in 1989. 

Ayatullah Khamenei had a passion for reading and writing commentaries since his school days and has authored and translated a number of books.  Below are some of the books he wrote:

1. On the Four Principal Books of “Ilm ul-Rijal”

2. Islamic Thought in the Quran

3. Imam Al-Sadiq (a.s.)

4. The Profundity of Prayer

5. A Discourse on Patience

6. The Spirit of Tawhid and the Denial of Worshipping Other than God

7. A Report on the History and Current State of Qom Islamic Seminary

Ayatullah Ali Khamenei’s teachings emphasized self-discipline, lifelong learning, and deep spiritual connection, lessons we can take from his life include the following:

• Self-Edification and Piety

• Knowledge and Hard Work

• Learning from History

• Spiritual Supplication

• Resilience and Sacrifice

Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei is portrayed by many as a leader who personified dignity, resilience and long-term strategic planning, coupled with foresight and courage.

In the face of soft pressures and hard diplomacy through the imposition of international sanctions, he elected to set up policies aimed at reducing dependence on external sources by encouraging the efficient use of the nation's domestic resources.

This approach focused around self-reliance, maximizing available capabilities, and promoting sustainable national development.  He quickly recognized that Iran had a vast & varied landscape with diverse climatic conditions and substantial reserves of oil and natural gas products. Geographically, the Strait of Hurmuz provided a welcome opportunity to influence global trade and geopolitical importance. 

Following the transition of Ayatullah Khomeini in 1989, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was selected by the Assembly of experts to become the Supreme Leader of Iran.  Expressing early reservations about accepting the coveted position, he submitted to the will of Allah (SWT) and the wisdom of the experts.

Upon assuming office, he embarked purposefully on reinforcing his vision through regular public engagement and direct contact with the people, encouraging them to embrace the ideals of resilience, discipline, and collective responsibility. His message resonated with multitude of Iranians, who responded positively to his calls for national unity and progress.

Balancing Higher secular education with religious doctrines, he gently steered his nation towards scientific and nuclear research, modern infrastructure and holistic healthcare. Literacy rates rose significantly, universities expanded, industry flourished and the belief of achieving self-sufficiency soared. Endorsing equal opportunities for women in education and professional life and strengthening Iran's defence capabilities, he helped cultivate a highly educated and skilled population capable of contributing to the nation's long-term resilience and prosperity. He will be remembered for transforming the challenges of crippling sanctions and economic hardship into catalysts for greater self-reliance, technological progress, and the expansion of Iran's domestic capabilities.

Simultaneously, as Iran's capabilities grew, its expanding regional influence attracted close attention from neighbouring states and the wider international community, leading to both admiration and concern. Throughout his leadership, faith remained central to his worldview. His belief in Allah SWT informed his decisions and reinforced his conviction that perseverance, sacrifice, and self-reliance were essential to preserving the nation's independence and dignity.

Regarded as a leader whose life was defined by unwavering commitment to his faith and country, and whose steadfastness in the face of adversity inspired millions, he remains an enduring fountain of inspiration for future generations.

His absence leaves behind a profound void, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide those who follow him. The entire Nation stands behind a resolute leader whose vision emphasized national resilience, self-reliance, and the courage to stand alone in the face of adversity and disdain. He will be remembered as a visionary and a wise statesman who devoted his life to the service of Allah SWT, his country and his ideals. May his soul rest in eternal peace in the proximity of the chosen ones – Aameen.

We pray to Almighty Allah (SWT), through His infinite mercy, to grant Ayatullah Khamenei, his deceased family members and all those who lost their lives during the assassination  maghferat, elevate their ranks, and grant them eternal proximity to the Chaharda Ma’sumeen (AS).

We also pray for tranquility and peace to prevail in the region and for the safety of our Marja and the Holy Shrines.

Secretariat

20th Leadership Development Program held in Dar es Salaam in May 2026

“He who knows himself knows his Lord.” (Imam Ali a.s.).

Leadership is often associated with guiding others, yet its foundation lies in understanding oneself. Before a person can positively influence those around them, they must first develop self-awareness, clarity of purpose and the ability to reflect on their own actions and choices. It is this principle that forms the basis of the Leadership Development Program (LDP), a flagship initiative of the Africa Federation Capacity Building Board (CBG). 

The 20^th Leadership Development Program was organized by CBG in collaboration with KSI Dar es Salaam Jamaat from 21^st to 24^th May 2026 at Mehfil-e-Abbas, Dar es Salaam. The four-day program brought together 24 participants for an engaging and thought-provoking learning experience designed to nurture personal growth and strengthen leadership capacity.

The program was facilitated by Br.Shabbirhussein Khalfan (Lead Facilitator), Sr. Shama Dewji, Sr. Maryam Khalfan, Sr. Sofi Bharwani and Sr. Sajida Master, whose collective experience and insights helped create a dynamic environment for learning, reflection and discussion. 

Each day commenced with reflections from the Holy Qur'an providing a spiritual foundation and encouraging participants to connect personal development with faith and purpose. Through a combination of reflection, discussion and practical exercises, participants explored key areas which included:  

• Understanding self and others;

• Effective communication and feedback;

• Values-based decision-making;

• Appreciating diversity and relationships;

• Translating faith and knowledge into action;

• Developing vision, influence and presence.

More than a training program, LDP is a journey of discovery. It encourages individuals to examine their perspectives, recognize opportunities for growth and develop the confidence to contribute more effectively within their families, workplaces and communities. By combining knowledge with reflection and practical application, the program equips participants with tools that continue to benefit them long after the sessions conclude.

The programme concluded with a certification ceremony attended by the Hon. Treasurer of Africa Federation Alhaj Muntazir Walji, the Vice Chairman of KSI Dar es Salaam Jamaat Alhaj Sajjad Jusab and the Hon. Treasurer of KSI Dar es Salaam Jamaat Alhaj Mohamed Rawji. Their presence emphasized the importance of nurturing individuals who lead through service, integrity and positive influence.

CBG extends its sincere appreciation to the Africa Federation Office Bearers and the AFED Secretariat for their continued support and encouragement in making initiatives such as this possible. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to KSI Dar es Salaam Jamaat for hosting the programme and for their generous support throughout which contributed significantly to its successful delivery.

A special word of appreciation is also extended to the participants for their commitment and active participation. May the insights gained during the program continue to inspire positive action, meaningful service and lasting personal growth.

PARTICIPANTS’ FEEDBACK – Leadership Development Program 

• The facilitators were exceptional. Their dedication, warmth and genuine effort to connect with every participant created a welcoming and engaging learning environment throughout the program. 

• What stood out most was the facilitators' commitment to ensuring every concept was truly understood. Through thoughtfully designed activities, they made complex topics easier to grasp, helping me develop deeper self-awareness, better understand others and leave the program feeling transformed. 

• My biggest 'Aha!' moment came during the Fish Bowl activity. It is a lesson I will carry with me and continue to work on. The experience deeply humbled me and it is a realization I simply cannot unsee. 

• Programs like this deserve greater awareness so that more people can benefit from them. I hope even more participants will have the opportunity to attend in the future. 

• The collaboration between the LDP team and the back-office staff was evident throughout the program and the results spoke for themselves. It was truly an eye-opening experience. 

• The program was an amazing and enriching experience. It helped me discover more about myself, and I look forward to participating in future courses."

Click on the links below to view the testimonials from 2 participants:

Br. Aleem Jagani –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19wfsMirDQ11896gc9r0_t5U48glgqTqa/view?usp=sharing

Sr. Zaynab Habib -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18-2Ej3uPDJcpOT8HL2b4foPiyGEKeICe/view?usp=sharing

Secretariat

Africa Federation Capacity Building Board (CBG)

Date: 2^nd July 2026