For those who are wondering why the #Halaal topic is such a big deal not only regarding the food you eat, but also on job creation here is a summary of The Khayelitsha District Hospital catering tender in the Western Cape and why it matters: The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness advertised a three-year catering contract, with a closing date of 13 February 2026. The tender required the successful contractor to apply for Halaal certification within two weeks of occupying the hospital premises. It also specified Halaal requirements for meals prepared for Muslim patients. This prompted a public dispute as the Khayelitsha Caterers Forum argued that compulsory certification could exclude local businesses and raised concerns about religious freedom and fairness. More so, when more than 90% of the community served was non-Muslim. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness said its responsibility was to provide safe, dignified and appropriate care, including meals meeting diverse dietary, medical and religious requirements. But, how is only offering one dietary requirement diverse? It doesn't make sense. The Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust argued that Halaal certification is a food-preparation and handling standard that enables Muslim patients to eat hospital meals; it does not require non-Muslims to adopt Islam. But, no one said that it does make anyone Muslim who isn't. The argument is that it violates our religious rights and is being shoved down our throats because no one is offered alternatives. We are asked if we want vegan or non vegan meals. No one asks if we want Halaal or non halaal. The constitutional concern with this whole #Halaal certification is that non Muslims are not being given alternatives because of their sincerely held beliefs. It's Halaal or nothing else. No one asks the patients at Khayelitsha hospital if they want it or would prefer non halaal. The decision is made for them ...for us. The other issue is on businesses, especially small businesses. They lose these life changing opportunities because of a certificate and a practice that for the majority goes against their own religious beliefs. In our country with such high unemployment why is that being allowed? Why not have a separate caterer for the small Muslim population and then allow the small businesses to handle the rest? Everyone wins in that case. People need the jobs and business opportunities and this practice is contributing to the high unemployment in our country.