What began with the reversion of just two people to Islam has grown into a thriving Muslim community of more than 700 worshippers, culminating in the establishment of the first waqf mosque in Franschhoek’s history.
Speaking to One Nation Media (ONM), Junaid Sénéchal-Senekal, chairman of Al-Masjidul Maliekah Franschhoek, reflected on the more than two-decade journey that transformed a handful of believers into a vibrant Muslim community and saw a former church become a permanent house of worship for generations to come.
For Junaid, the journey has been one of faith, hardship, perseverance and unwavering trust in Allah’s decree.
Junaid and his late mother, Maliekah, embraced Islam in 2004. At the time, they were the only known Muslims living in Franschhoek and had little connection to the wider Muslim community.
“There were no smartphone apps, online classes or social media communities,” Junaid recalled. “It took more than six months just to find the nearest mosque in Paarl or Stellenbosch.”
Even learning to recite Surah al-Fatihah proved difficult, taking Junaid several months before he could confidently perform his daily salah. Those early struggles, he said, inspired his determination to ensure that future reverts would never experience the same sense of isolation.
That vision began taking shape in 2007, when Junaid opened Franschhoek’s first halaal restaurant. More than a business, it became a welcoming space for Muslim travellers, while an adjoining premises was converted into the town’s first dedicated salah facility.
Soon afterwards, two brothers from nearby Groendal who had also embraced Islam joined the small congregation, laying the foundations of what would eventually become the Franschhoek Muslim community.
The journey, however, was far from easy.
Junaid said the fledgling community faced intimidation, threats and persecution, forcing his family to leave Franschhoek for almost four-and-a-half years and seek refuge among the Muslim community in Cape Town.
After returning around 2012, the community slowly rebuilt, holding Jumu’ah prayers in borrowed venues before later moving into a modest prayer space made available by generous community members.
As attendance steadily increased, so too did the dream of establishing a permanent mosque.
By 2025, the community had pursued seven different properties without success. Some asking prices reportedly increased dramatically overnight, others were withdrawn from the market, while legal complications repeatedly brought negotiations to an end.
One property, despite receiving a strong offer from the community, was reportedly sold to another buyer for R100,000 less because it was intended to become a mosque.
“It was difficult to understand,” Junaid reflected. “Yet every setback taught us another lesson in patience. Every closed door reminded us that Allah alone opens the right one.”
The breakthrough came unexpectedly when a local pastor contacted community member Brother Rashid about an unsold church property that had become available. Recognising its potential, Junaid immediately visited the site alongside representatives of Islamic Relief South Africa.
Although the building had previously served as a church, the community saw an opportunity to transform it into Franschhoek’s first permanent mosque. Within 24 hours, a donor committed the funds required for the purchase, and an offer to purchase was signed on 26 May 2025.
Municipal officials advised that zoning approval could take up to three weeks. However, after members of the community gathered in earnest du’a, the required certificate was granted before 11am the following morning.
Following the completion of legal processes and several months of waiting, the former church property was officially transferred in August 2025 and placed under the Islamic Relief South Africa Waqf.
The building was subsequently converted into Al-Masjidul Maliekah Franschhoek, ensuring that it would remain protected as a permanent house of worship for future generations.
The most emotional chapter unfolded just hours before the mosque officially opened.
On the morning of its first Jumu’ah prayer on 19 September 2025, the donor telephoned Junaid with a heartfelt request. Rather than naming it Franschhoek Masjid, as Junaid had originally planned, he wanted the masjid to be named after Junaid’s late mother, Maliekah, whose journey to Islam had deeply inspired him.
“I could not say yes. I could not say no. The only word I managed to whisper was, ‘Shukran.’ Then I burst into tears,” Junaid recalled.
Maliekah embraced Islam alongside her son in 2004 and remained steadfast in her faith until her passing in December 2012. Mother and son were also blessed to perform Hajj together in 2008.
Today, Al-Masjidul Maliekah Franschhoek stands as far more than a place of worship.
Its congregation reflects the diversity of the global Ummah, bringing together Muslims from across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, alongside local reverts from Afrikaner, Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho communities, as well as members of the Coloured and Cape Malay communities.
From just two Muslims in 2004, the community has grown to more than 700 worshippers, making the establishment of Franschhoek’s first waqf mosque a remarkable milestone in the town’s religious history.
Reflecting on the journey, Junaid believes every disappointment formed part of Allah’s greater plan.
“What began in 2004 with just two Muslims has, by the infinite mercy of Allah, grown into a vibrant and diverse Muslim community,” he said.
“This masjid was never built merely with bricks and mortar. It was built with du’a, sacrifice, perseverance and trust in Allah.”
