About
About

About SANHA

The South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA) is an international, non-profit organisation, representing the Muslim Ummah on all matters pertaining to the general application of the term Halaal with specific reference to Islamic dietary laws. SANHA's membership comprises of leading Theological Bodies and leading Professional Organisations of global repute.


Mission Statement
'To establish a representative, professional, internationally recognized Halaal authority which promotes professionalism and excellence in the process of certifying, monitoring and promoting Halaal products in accordance with the Divine dictates of the Shari'ah (Islamic Law). Further, to place the Halaal-conscious consumer at the heart of the Halaal industry by creating awareness of the processes of the industry and creating a partnership between the consumer and SANHA in the monitoring of the same.'

SANHA has been established as a representative authority, which promotes professionalism and excellence in the certification of Halaal food and other related products. This serves to confirm that our organisation is among the founder members of the World Halaal Council and enjoys international recognition from both Muslim countries and the broader global community.

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Our

Historical Background

Keeping in mind the importance of a pure and Halaal diet in the life of a Muslim, community organisations had established certain activity to guide Muslims in terms of their diet and monitor various areas of the Halaal industry as a service to the Halaal-conscious consumer.

In the past, due to the isolated placement of Muslim communities, purchases were made mainly from Muslim traders. With the removal of apartheid, the consequent proliferation of Muslims throughout South Africa, the deregulation of the meat industry, the drastic changes in shopping habits & eating trends, the importation of meat and related products arising as a result of the repeal of sanctions and the indiscriminate issuing of Halaal certificates by unscrupulous organisations for monetary gain, the Halaal industry was showing signs of rapid degeneration. It had therefore become incumbent to establish a nationally represented Halaal body.

Previously a number of small and largely regional organisations purported to certify products as Halaal. Many of these organisations had neither the resources nor the management capacity to adequately address the issue. They were, however, established with the sole object of generating income from the so-called Halaal certification process.

Many products that bear Halaal certification marks have been discovered by the Muslim community to be deceptive in that the prescribed supervision and certification procedures have not been adhered to. This led to widespread confusion, suspicion and dissatisfaction at both industry and consumer level.

Prior to the formation of SANHA, Halaal certification was a fragmented approach in which differences of policy between the certifying bodies were exploited, This led to the word "Halaal" being abused at the expense of the Halaal-conscious consumer.

As a result of the problems set out above, the only solution was to bring about an amalgamation of all role players in the monitoring and certification of Halaal. This arduous and momentous task reached fruition after almost two years of vigorous consultation and negotiation. 95% of stake holders embraced this noble national initiative and against all odds SANHA was finally launched on 20th October 1996.

Some Core Objectives

    SANHA's objectives inter alia are to:

  • Develop a uniform Halaal standard approved by mainstream Ulama (Muslim Theologians);
  • Protect the rights of the Halaal-conscious consumer to maintain a Halaal lifestyle;
  • Empower and educate both the consumer and the industry with regard to Halaal dietary law and manufacturing procedures;
  • Eliminate temptation by unscrupulous organisations and enterprises to exploit the Halaal end-user.
  • Increase the variety and accessibility to Halaal products;
  • Certify products which comply with Halaal requirements and provide on-going monitoring and logistical support to Halaal certified companies;

Commitment

  • To develop and implement effective control and monitoring systems thereby guaranteeing to the highest possible standards that products labelled "Halaal" are truly Halaal compliant.
  • To promote and implement effective quality systems which encourages the participation of all Muslim consumers in the policing of the Halaal industry.
  • To build relationships across the mainstream Ulama thereby generating the highest possible uniform standards for the certification of Halaal products.
  • To develop National and International collaborative relationships in order to enhance and promote the Halaal industry.
  • To Maintain a quality service to the industry which embraces the Halaal certification programme.
  • To protect and nurture the right of the Halaal-conscious consumer.
  • To act against transgressors in a vigorous and transparent manner.
  • To develop, train and support its staff in the delivery of quality products and service to the industry.
Speciality

Contact Number

0861 786 111

Our

Services

  • Halaal certification and monitoring;
  • Review of your existing Halaal program;
  • Use of the SANHA logo and merchandising marks;
  • Answering Halaal enquiries;
  • Specialised supervision of specific function catering;
  • Educational programs for schools;
  • Conducting briefings and workshops on Halaal certification procedures;
  • Dissemination of information to consumers via newsletters, leaflet, electronic mail, trade fairs, exhibitions, radio, print and electronic media;
  • Educating the public on Islamic dietary laws and practices;
  • Monitoring and acting on abuse of Halaal marks
  • Investigating Halaal complaints from both the consumer and industry;
  • Keeping the consumer and industry fully informed at the national level with respect to fraudulent or deceptive practices;
  • Assistance with export markets
  • Issuing of Halaal export certificates.

Other Services

Halaal Helpline � 0861 786 111
Due to public demand, a centralised national helpline call centre has been established to deal with consumer queries. Approximately 60-80 telephonic queries are received on a daily basis.

E-queries
An average of 30 queries are received by electronic mail on a daily basis as well.

Specialised supervision of specific function catering
Assistance is given to companies desirous of having a Halaal catered function or to hotels, etc. who have requests for specific Halaal function catering

Educational Programs for Schools
SANHA facilitates programs at both primary and teriary institutions to educate learners regarding the precepts of Halaal dietary law.

Halaal Verification of Imported Products
Companies wishing to import Halaal products contact SANHA to verify and endorse Halaal status of such products. Where required, verification audits are conducted by SANHA members.

Welcome
Contact Us

To Talk To Our Executives

  • Cape Town Office:

    Tel: +27 [0]21 633 4145
    Fax: +27 [0]21 633 4148
    e-mail: sanha-cpt@sanha.org.za

  • Durban Office:

    Tel: +27 [0]31 207 5768
    Fax: +27 [0]31 207 5793
    e-mail: sanha-kzn@sanha.org.za

  • Johannesburg Office:

    Tel: +27 [0]11 870 8000
    Fax: +27 [0]11 870 8020
    e-mail: sanha-gp@sanha.org.za

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