Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thuli Dladla has praised businessman and Indonesian Consul Kareem Ashraff’s long-standing philanthropic work, saying his commitment to vulnerable children complements government’s efforts to build a society in which no one is left behind.
Dladla was speaking yesterday at Sifundzani High School, where Ashraff marked his 72nd birthday in characteristic fashion, not with an exclusive celebration centred on himself and his family, but surrounded by more than 100 children from care points his family supports across Mbabane.
The DPM, who affectionately referred to Ashraff as her ‘dear brother’, said his decision to consistently share his birthday celebrations with children from underprivileged backgrounds reflected a commitment to restoring dignity and giving them the opportunity to feel valued.
“There are very few notable people who spend their birthdays with the less fortunate, and my dear brother and his family have done this for years,” Dladla said.
“I appreciate him a lot because the philanthropic work he does complements the work of the deputy prime minister’s office. We are building a society where no one is left behind,” she added.
Dladla said the significance of Ashraff’s work extended beyond the food parcels and other material assistance his family provides.
She said creating spaces where children from disadvantaged backgrounds could celebrate, play and be treated with dignity sent an equally important message: that they were seen, valued and entitled to dream regardless of their circumstances.
She also paid tribute to Ashraff’s years of service as he celebrated another milestone. “To my brother, I would like to say every grey hair tells a story, so please enjoy your story and be proud of what you have done and the lives you have changed,” she said.
The celebration brought together children from various care points supported by the Ashraff family with monthly food packages, while organisations working with vulnerable people, including St John Bosco and Hope House, also received packages.
Sister Mary Clara of St John Bosco said while this was the institution’s first time joining Ashraff’s birthday celebration, it had previously benefited from the family’s generosity.
“We would like to thank the Ashraff family. It is the first time we have joined the birthday celebrations at their invitation, but they have supported us previously and we appreciate the support once again,” she said.
“Such generosity and love for the community are laudable and, as a centre, this will go a long way in assisting us in the work we do,” she stated, adding that seeing scores of children enjoying themselves during the celebration demonstrated a family willing to share its blessings with others.
“What I have seen, with so many children enjoying themselves, proves that they are a generous family that appreciates what God has blessed them with by also giving to other people. That is a good spirit,” she said, before wishing Ashraff good health and a long life.
The celebration was not short of colour. Ashraff’s granddaughter, Khavya, entertained guests with a drum performance and dance, while well-known saxophonist Zwile serenaded the gathering with jazzy tunes.
Children spent part of the day playing games as guests, family members and employees joined in celebrating the businessman.
Employees from Ashraff’s various businesses also spoke about a different side of their employer, describing him not simply as a businessman, but as a demanding boss who nevertheless takes a personal interest in the welfare of his employees and their families.
They described him as ‘tough as nails’ when it came to work, but said he still found time to check on their wellbeing and circumstances beyond the workplace.
Ashraff’s daughter, Alpa, offered one of the celebration’s most personal tributes, describing her father as her ‘real-life hero’. She said she drew inspiration from his hard work, generosity and humanity, adding that she was proud and grateful to have him as a father.
When his turn came to speak after cutting the birthday cake, an emotional Ashraff kept his remarks brief.
He thanked those who had made the celebration possible and the people who had supported him throughout his journey.
He was particularly moved by the performances from his granddaughter Khavya and the tribute from his daughter Alpa.
The celebration was also attended by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, Indian High Commissioner Ram Prasad, Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini, Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo, acting Supreme Court Judge Justice Jacobus Annandale, Nedbank Managing Director Fikile Nkosi and former senator Edgar Hillary, among others.
Yet, amid the dignitaries, music and birthday cakes, Dladla maintained that the greater significance of the occasion lay with the children filling the venue and the message that extending dignity and opportunity to the vulnerable was a responsibility government could not shoulder alone.
