Dr Yahia Abdul Rahman:

• Founder of the LARIBA System and Resident Shari’aa Advisor.
• Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer LARIBA - Bank of Whittier, National Association.
• Extensive experience in Banks and Financial Institutions' and Stocks Portfolio Management.
• Has worked in the Oil and Gas industry in the US for the past 14 years.
• Egyptian by birth and based in the United States.

DR ZWELI MKHIZE:

• ANC stalwart and medical doctor with the MBCHB from Nelson Mandela School of Medicine.
• Has held various positions in the ANC and government.
• MEC of Finance and Economic Development in the last provincial government KZN.
• Currently Premier of KwaZulu-Natal.

MAYOR COUNCILLOR OBED THEMBINKOSE MLABA:

• MBA in Strategic Marketing Management from the UK based International Management Centre, Bachelor of So Bachelor of Social Science, Social Work obtained from University of Natal.
• Mr Mlaba has worked for such industry giants as the South African Breweries and South Africa’s largest electricity provider, Eskom.
• Has won numerous awards and accolades as eThekwini Mayor.
• Currently honourable eThekwini Mayor.

DEPUTY MAYOR COUNCILLOR LOGIE NAIDOO:

• He served as Executive Chair of North Local Council from 1996 to 2000.
• ANC Stalwart since 1979.
• Director of La Mercy Beach Hotel (Pty) Ltd, Chelmsford Hotel (Pty) Ltd, Fairbreeze Hotel (Pty) Ltd.
• Logie is presently an Executive Councillor and Deputy Mayor of eThekwini Municipality.

DR MIKE SUTCLIFFE:

• M. Sc. degree from the University of Natal and a PhD degree from Ohio State University.
• Special Expertise town planning and urbanization.
• Former member of the provincial legislature KZN and Associate Professor town and regional planning University of Natal.
• Currently City Manager eThekwini Municipality.
• Has published and presented papers on Town planning at conferences in various parts of the world.

MR MAHMOUD YOUSSEF BAKER:

• BSc Economics and Politics, Cairo University.
• Advanced program on project appraisal and implementation by Arthur D Little Management Institute of Boston in 1979.
• Intensive training on Promotion of Small & Medium Scale Industries organized by the German Foundation for International Development in West Germany.
• Economic advisor of the president office in Dallah Albaraka Group from 1989 to 2008.
• Currently Director of Albaraka Bank and Chairman of Iqraa Trust.

Mrs Zulekha Adam:

• Community worker with extensive experience in education and social development in poor disadvantaged semi-rural and informal settlements.
• Has implemented numerous programmes for women, the aged, youth, people with disabilities, HIV/AIDS for nearly two decades.
• Appointed Local Economic Development Manager.
• Instrumental in developing business and local government partnerships through out the Gauteng region.

Prof. Shaida Cassim:

• She gives service to a large number of community organizations with her expertise in strategy and marketing. The Community Chest, DCCI, Minara Chamber of Commerce, MFRC, Al Ansaar Foundation, the IMA.
• She sits on Board of the Orient Islamic School and serves as Special Advisor to the Board of Al Baraka Bank.
• Currently an Associate Professor in the School of Management at the University of KwaZulu Natal.
• She has written and contributed to three books and published a large number of academic papers in marketing.

Mr Zeinoul Abedien Cajee:

• CA (SA), also hold a M Ed degree from Wits in Accountancy and Business Science.
• Founder and CEO of National Awqaf (SA).
• Has written and presented several papers on the subject of Awqaf at conferences in South Africa, Singapore, Dubai and Iran.
• He has authored and published works on Zakat and Community Empowerment.

PROF DASRATH CHETTY:

• BA, BA (HONS), MA and D Phil (Sociology).
• Sociology lecturer at University of Durban-Westville.
• Extensive experience in community welfare organizations.
• Currently UKZN Pro-Vice-Chancellor with the executive responsibility for the Corporate Relations Division.

MR SHABIR CHOHAN:

• CA (SA).
• Formerly Chief Executive of Ithala Development Finance Corporation Limited.
• Currently Chief Executive of Albaraka Bank Limited – South Africa.

Prof Suleman Dangor:

• BA Honours MA and D.Phil. at UKZN and a Higher Diploma in Arabic from the Arabic Language Institute in Riyadh.
• Has attended numerous national and international conferences and seminars over the past 25 years.
• Has over 70 publications to his credit.
• Currently professor of Islamic Studies at UKZN.

MR HOOSEN ESOFF:

• Actively involved in community work for a number of years.
• Senior administrator in SANZAF KZN for 8 years.
• Head of the FARD (Family Assessment and Resource Development Centre) and Head of Skills Development.
• Currently Senior Administrator in SANZAF Gauteng.

MR SALIEM FAKIR:

• B.Sc Honours molecular biology (WITS), Masters’ in Environmental Science, Wye College London.
• Senior executive management course at Harvard University in 2000.
• Head of the Living Planet Unit at the World Wildlife Fund South Africa.

ADVOCATE MOGAMAD FAAIK GAMIELDIEN:

• Graduate in Social Sciences University of the Western Cape.
• Graduate Al-Azhar University, Arabic and Islamic Law.
• LLB degree in Shariah and Law from the International Islamic University, Islamabada.
• Masters degree in Comparative Law from the International Islamic University, Malaysia.
• Presently lecturer in Islamic Law and Jurisprudence at the University of the Western Cape.
• Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.

MS GITA HARIE:

• BA Social Work and Honours Degree in Psychology.
• Social worker in the Mental Health Field since 1979.
• Currently Executive Director of Mental Health Society one of the largest NGOs in the country.
• In charge of the service delivery of the organizations 29 projects .

DR SUHAIMA HOOSEN:

• Social Work degree, a Masters degree in Medical Science and a PhD in Social Policy Development.
• Has developed training modules for women used nationally in South Africa.
• National Programme manager of Muslim AIDS programme.
• Currently director of the Kenilworth Respite Centre in Durban, South Africa.

MR YUSUF ISMAIL:

• Bcomm Law (LLB), Attorney by profession in private practice.
• IPCI – involved in discussion and lectures on political and religious issues.
• Community Leader, involved in various community projects and organisations.

MR EBRAHIM JADWAT:

• Diploma in Business dealership ML Sultan Technikon.
• Director of the Jadwat Group of Companies.
• Member of several community organizations.
• Founder and Past President of the Muslim Youth Movement (MYM), Trustee Islamic Propagation Centre (IPCI).
• Founder and Former Editor of Alqalam newspaper.

NA’EEM JEENAH:

• Academic, author, journalist, community leader.
• Has completed several courses at Universities in Islamabad and Malaysia.
• PhD candidate in Political Studies on the topic “Political Islam in South Africa and its contribution to a fiqh of minorities.
• Currently executive director of the Afro-Middle East Centre, a research institute.

MR IMTIAZ JETHAM:

• Community worker.
• Volunteer: SANZAF, Africa Muslim Agency, South African Da’wah network, Inchanga Islamic Centre, Media Review Network.
• Has conducted numerous seminars and workshops on empowerment and training.

Mr Paddy Kearney:

• Community activist and worker.
• Honorary doctorate in theology by the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Member of the Gandhi Development Trust and board member of the International Centre of Non-Violence (ICON).
• Currently Coordinator of the Denis Hurley Centre Project at Emmanuel Cathedral in Durban as well as a consultant to the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council).

MR EDRIS KHAMISSA:

• BA (UNISA), HDE (UNISA), BED (Natal).
• INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT IN EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT.
• Executive Director-Al-Falaah College-Durban.
• Marriage and Parenting Counsellor.

Mr Cassiem Khan:

• Advanced Diploma in Adult Education.
• Qualified Social Worker with studies at East Anglia and Cranfield Universities and studies in Primary Healthcare from the University of the Western Cape.
• Deputy Director of Creative Associated International Inc managing USAID grants.
• Currently Executive Officer of Islamic Relief International in South Africa.

MR SALEEM KHARWA:

• BCom (Honours), MTech, MCom CFA (SA), AGA (SA), PNA (AUS), Professional Accountant (SA).
• Assist various NGOs with accounting and drawings of budget.
• Member of Educational Institute and Orient Old Boys.
• Financial Management – Al-Ansaar Foundation.
• Chairman and Head of SA Institute of Professional Accountants.
• Currently Academic Head of Finance Department Durban Institute of Technology (DUT).

SHEIKH ADAM MACHESO:

• Diploma in Education obtained in Khartoum Sudan, 1989 – 1991 studied at the Medinah Islamic University.
• Has presented a number of papers at various conferences, schools and Masajid.

PROF BRIJ MAHARAJ:

• Professor of Geography UKZN.
• Chairperson of SANPAD (South African Netherlands Research Programme on Alternatives in Development).
• A member of the International Human Dimensions Programme Advisory Group on Human Health.
• member of the Religious Broadcasting Panel of the SABC.
• Executive member of several Hindu organisations.

MR CHARLES MAISEL:

• Graduate of Rhodes University in Economics.
• Social entrepreneur at CWD (Catholic Welfare and Development).
• Designer of several social entrepreneur projects.

MR EBRAHIM MAJAM:

• BA Bed and Diploma in Industrial Arts.
• Teacher, Lecturer, Subject advisor and Superintendent of Education.
• Over four decades of working experience in education and training.
• Currently principal of As-Salaam and Campus manager for the coastal FET College at As-Salaam.

MRS PADDY MESKIN:

• Educator by profession, the focus on remedial education, human rights, HIV training programmes for children and adults.
• Several projects in promoting peace and conflict resolution.
• Has published many articles and booklets including “When Racism Becomes Law” and “Celebration of the Right To Be”.
• Awarded Ambassador of Peace for the Universal Ambassadors Peace Circle, Honorary Life Vice – President for her Sisterhood and also Honorary life Vice – president for her Congregation.

ADV AB MOHAMED:

• BA LLB and Advocate of the High Court since 1973 and has served as acting Judge from time to time.
• Islamic Scholar and Hafez al Quran.
• Founder of the Muslim Youth Movement in 1970 and First President of the Islamic Council of South Africa.
• Has attended and presented papers at several national and international conferences on law and islam.
• Senior Counsel in the Dubai International Court.
• Currently founding director of Al Baraka Bank SA Ltd.

DR DORIE MOODLEY:

• Graduated with a BA and BA (Hons), Masters degree, Doctoral degree - University of Zululand.
• Former Executive member of the Southern African Faith Communities Environmental Institute.
• Member of several religious organizations.
• Has presented numerous papers on religion and culture at various conferences.

MR AHMED SAAED MOOLA:

• BCompt Honours – University of Durban Westville, MBA Buckinghamshire Business School.
• National Chairman SANZAF.
• Trustee of various community organizations like IPCI, SADN.
• Currently Financial Director Coventry Group of Companies.

MRS SHIREEN MOOSA:

• Bachelor of Arts ( Honours – Psychology ).
• Community Welfare worker.
• Counselor and skills trainer in project management.
• Currently in charge of projects at SANZAF.
• Involved in community health, media trust, HIV/AIDS Outreach Project.

MS SHIRIN MOTALA:

• Masters Degree in Development at UKZN.
• Provincial Coordinator for the Civil Society Advocacy Programme.
• Has worked extensively as a Development Practitioner, extensively in the field of child rights, human rights (including gender rights), social welfare and poverty eradication, informal economy and in the rural development sector focusing on water and land rights.
• Has authored and co-authored several articles and journals.
• Currently Senior Research Director in the Centre for Poverty, Growth and Employment at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).

DR LUBNA NADVI:

• Political Science Lecturer and Community Activist.
• Focus on plight of low income families, living in council flats and informal settlements.
• Member of the Palestine Support Committee (Durban) and international Anti-war Coalition.
• Member of the South African Association of Political Studies.
• Recipient of Human Rights Award, from the Durban branch of Amnesty International for contributions to Women's Rights).
• As an academic, she researches and publishes in the area of Middle East and African Politics, Political Islam, HIV Aids, Gender / Feminist Studies and Civil Society.

MRS VENESSA NAIDOO:

• Chartered Accountant with Extensive Business and Financial Experience formerly Group Finance Director of CAN Gallo now Johnnic Entertainment.

MR MAHOMED SHOAIB OMAR:

• Is an attorney and conveyancer in private practice since 1983.He is a recognized specialist in Islamic Law and Commercial Law.
• Mr Omar is a referenced author of numerous Islamic Law monographs and articles.He was a primary member of the task team responsible for drafting the SA Muslim Personal Law Bill.He has High Court, Labour Court, Supreme Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court experience.
• Mr Omar is an expert in Shariah Banking and Investment and serves as a consultant and advisor to many corporates and humanitarian organisations.

MR YUNUS OMAR:

• MPhil in Education Policy and Social Planning from the University of Cape Town.
• Has held various editorial and management functions in South Africa’s leading Muslim monthly newspaper.
• Part-time lecturer education history and the sociology of education.
• Currently is the Managing Editor of Muslim Views.

MR MAHOMED SADECK PARUK:

• Chartered Accountant by profession.
• Involved in the establishment of a wide range of institutions in business and the humanitarian sphere.
• Actively involved in many institutions such as Albaraka Bank (Director) and Iqraa Trust (Trustee).
• Currently a senior partner at Desai Jadwat Incorporated.

DR AUWAIS RAFUDEEN:

• Phd from University of Cape Town in Religious Studies, BA Honours in Arabic from University of the Western Cape.
• Has published a number of articles and two books, namely, The Aqidah of Tuan Guru and A Guide to Islamic Beliefs.
• Currently Director of the Institute for the Study of Current Islam – this institute s the research wing of IPSA (International Peace Institute South Africa).

MS REANA ROSSOUW:

• Graduate of University of Stellenbosch Business School.
• Vast experience of practical business management at senior executive level.
• Particular areas of expertise are in creating, developing and implementing strategies and brands for innovation, growth and sustainability.
• 2008 Business Women of the Year (Small Business Category).

ADVOCATE ROBIN SEWLAL:

• Graduate of University of Durban Westville.
• Currently Associate Director: Journalism at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
• Extensive Experience in print journalism and radio.
• Chaired the International Radiocracy Conference.
• Commissioner on the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).
• Convener and a Judge of the prestigious annual Vodacom Journalist of the Year competition.

PROF RESHMA SOOKRAJH:

• Associate Professor of Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of KwaZulu Natal.
• Has worked on several projects national and international universities that cover a wide range of areas, including social giving and poverty alleviation.
• has supervised several Masters and Doctoral students in the field of migration research, HIV/AIDS and language policy.

MR SOLLY SULEMAN:

• Pharmacist graduated from University of Durban Westville.
• Lecturer of Pharmacy University of Durban Westville 1978 - 1983.
• Member of the Islamic Medical Association.
• Member of several community organizations.
• Assistant General Secretary World Memon Organisation African Chapter.
• Director of the Sparkport Pharmacy Group.

MR FAISAL SULIMAN:

• Medical Doctor.
• Particular interest – Media.
• Member of the Religious Broadcasting Panel of the SABC, representing the Muslim community.
• Host and participant on radio talk programmes.
• Currently Chairman of SAMNET.

FATHER STEPHEN TULLY:

• Greatly involved in the local community as a member of the Durban Inner City Network and Isinkwa Sethuku (committee seeking to run a shelter on good moral grounds).
• He administrates the Cathedral on behalf of the Head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Durban, Wilfrid Cardinal Napier. This entails the spiritual, financial and administrative areas of the parish.
• He is a Christian Spiritual Leader responsible for the sacramental life of all of his parishioners.

PROF PAULUS ZULU:

• Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Head of Maurice Webb Resolutions Unit which is a research unit at the University.