Is SAHUC monopolising Hajj operations? What South African pilgrims need to know
South African Muslims preparing for the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj in 2026 (1447 AH) face several changes, including new directives from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) in Saudi Arabia.
These updates have sparked debate and concern, with the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) facing scrutiny over its role and the potential impact on pilgrims and the Hajj travel industry.
What are the new Hajj rules?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a set of new rules for the upcoming Hajj season, which SAHUC, as the Hajj Affairs Office, is tasked with implementing. These directives include:
Hajj quota and announcement: SAHUC will announce Hajj details immediately after receiving the necessary document from MOHU. The country’s quota for 1447 AH (Hijri calendar) / 2026, which is 2,500 pilgrims, will be announced on 15 Muharram 1447 AH via the Nusuk Masar platform.
Mandatory payments via Nusuk Masar: All payments for service contracts, including down payments, reservation deposits, or partial payments, must be made exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform. Payments outside this platform are strictly forbidden. SAHUC is also required to transfer the bank guarantee and the full value of pilgrim service contracts directly to its designated wallet on the Nusuk Masar platform prior to the contracting phase.
Service provider limits: SAHUC is authorised to contract with a maximum of two service providers. The Saudi service provider company (previously known as the Muassasah) is the sole entity authorised to execute all contracts related to pilgrim accommodations and catering in Makkah and Madinah through the Nusuk Masar platform.
Camps and transportation: Countries may retain and use camps in the Holy Sites (Mina and Arafat) that were reserved, paid for, and used during the 1446 AH Hajj, provided that the purchase of basic service packages is completed by the deadline.
All contracts for pilgrim transportation must be executed through the Saudi service provider company, limited to bus transport companies accredited by the General Syndicate of Cars or the Saudi Arabia Railways Company (SAR). SAHUC staff are required to have contracts for camps, basic service packages, and transportation to ensure their presence with pilgrims in the holy sites.
Qurbani (Sacrificial animals): The purchase of Hady and sacrificial animals for all pilgrims must be done exclusively through the official “Adahi” Project, available via the Nusuk Masar platform. SAHUC confirmed that for 1446 AH, the Adahi price was 720 SAR (approximately R3,400), with 600 SAR (around R2,800) paid by pilgrims and 90 SAR (R420) covered by a commission discount or sponsor. SAHUC stated it did not sign an agreement or receive commissions from Adahi.
Flights and schedules: Contracts with air carriers are mandatory, with the pilgrim’s quota equally distributed between carriers of both countries. Flight schedules must be finalised prior to contracting accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.
Is SAHUC becoming the sole Hajj operator?
One of the most contentious issues surrounding the new Hajj arrangements is the accusation that SAHUC is attempting to monopolise Hajj operations in South Africa.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a PAIA application to SAHUC, expressing concern that SAHUC is giving itself “full control over Hajj tour operations”.
According to the DA, the new system would force tour operators to conduct all business under SAHUC’s instruction, potentially pushing up pilgrimage costs and threatening jobs in the Hajj travel industry.
The DA argues that no clear justification has been given for this move, and there has been no meaningful consultation with affected operators or the broader Muslim community.
The Sunni Jamiatul Ulama (SJU), a founding member of SAHUC, staged protests and submitted a memorandum asserting that SAHUC aims to become the “sole and exclusive hajj operator for South Africa,” performing all functions of hajj and umrah operators and travel agents.
The SJU views this as a violation of constitutional and competition law, leading to irreparable prejudice for many travel agents who may go out of business. Mohamed Tariq, SJU spokesperson, claimed SAHUC wants to change from a regulator to a business, questioning who would then regulate them.
However, SAHUC denied claims of monopolisation.
Its President, Moaaz Casoo, stated that SAHUC is a facilitator for Hajj in South Africa and is “merely following the new Hajj rules and guidelines from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah”.
SAHUC also stated it does not aim to make profits or hike Hajj pricing.
SAHUC recently made constitutional amendments, which it says do not exclude travel operators from helping pilgrims. Under the MOHU guidelines, the role of “dependent Hajj companies” (travel operators) is to support pilgrims by registering data, enabling package payments via the digital platform, and providing orientation and guidance.
SAHUC confirmed it invited local travel operators to submit proposals for Hajj 2026, and only three well-established operators responded. SAHUC maintains that it has not stopped any operator from submitting a proposal. Casoo noted that some operators opted not to submit proposals. SAHUC states that if travel operators refuse to participate or no agreements are reached, it will step in directly to facilitate Hajj.
How will the Nusuk Masar platform affect South African Hajj pilgrims?
At the centre of this issue is the Nusuk Masar platform. While MOHU recommends it, SAHUC has highlighted potential impacts on South African pilgrims if a full transition to this model occurs:
SAHUC’s Concerns about Nusuk Masar:
The 50,000 South Africans currently in the Hajj queue (waiting up to 10 years) would lose their place and have to reapply, effectively restarting the waiting process. SAHUC’s current accreditation system prioritises first-time pilgrims based on registration date and time.
Pilgrims would be required to pay the full cost of Hajj upfront into a digital wallet when applying, and make full payment within a short window once accredited.
There would be no South African body to negotiate better prices for hotels, transport, or services, potentially making Hajj more expensive.
Pilgrims could lose direct support from SAHUC and accredited travel operators for guidance, advice, or package queries, impacting spiritual guidance, medical care, and logistical support in the Holy Land.
The Nusuk Masar platform may also mean repeat pilgrims every five years could be given preference, making it harder for first-time pilgrims.
Preliminary comparisons indicate that packages available on Nusuk Hajj platform are more expensive than those historically provided by SAHUC and local travel operators.
In light of these concersns, SAHUC provided a preferred model.
SAHUC advocates for its mission-based Hajj model, which it describes as the most suitable approach for South African pilgrims. This model offers continuous support, assistance from local officials, group traveller benefits, and financial flexibility.
What is the role of Hajj travel operators in South Africa going forward?
The shift in Hajj operations has brought the future of Hajj travel operators in South Africa into focus.
The DA and SJU have both voiced concerns that SAHUC’s centralisation of control threatens the jobs of hundreds in the Hajj travel industry and risks operators going out of business.
SAHUC stated its constitutional amendments do not exclude travel operators. It views their role as supporting pilgrims by registering data, enabling package payments via the digital platform, and providing orientation and guidance.
SAHUC said it invited local travel operators to submit business proposals for Hajj 2026, with three well-established operators responding, whose proposals are under review. SAHUC noted that some operators chose not to submit proposals while simultaneously lobbying for the Nusuk Hajj model and negotiating with SAHUC.
If travel operators refuse to participate or if no agreements are reached, SAHUC has stated it will step in directly to facilitate Hajj.
Who regulates SAHUC?
Questions about SAHUC’s mandate, authority, and accountability have been raised by various stakeholders.
The DA has submitted a PAIA application demanding full disclosure on SAHUC’s legal status and the decision-making process behind its operational changes, calling for the decision to be overturned if imposed without proper cause. They question the “lack of transparency over the Council’s mandate and authority”.
The SJU has questioned “Who regulates SAHUC?” and demanded accountability and transparency.
They argue that SAHUC has no mandate to enter into agreements with foreign states, as only organs of state are empowered to do so. They assert that any purported agreements by SAHUC with the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia are therefore “ultra vires, unlawful, and void ab initio”. The SJU has reached out to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission for intervention.
In response to this, SAHUC’s stated that DIRCO does not hold a mandate concerning the organisation of Hajj pilgrimage affairs. SAHUC’s establishment in 1995 involved a national gathering with government representatives and various Islamic and travel bodies.
Regarding the SJU’s legal challenge, SAHUC confirmed a follow-up meeting was held on 24 July 2025 to reverse the barring of SJU’s delegates and reinstate its two representatives, affirming that SJU’s membership has not been terminated. SAHUC will engage SJU to find a resolution. SAHUC stated SJU representatives have actively participated in General Council meetings and key decision-making committees.
Given the differing narratives and concerns circulating, SAHUC strongly advises pilgrims to seek information from official sources.
For correct and verified information, SAHUC urges pilgrims to only trust its official statements and platforms, warning against misinformation on social media.
Pilgrims are encouraged to contact SAHUC directly through its established official communication channels for inquiries.
IOL