SANZAF Wins Prestigious Global Award for Excellence in Zakah Management at CIFA 2026
The South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) has been awarded the Cambridge Excellence Award for Zakat and Islamic Social Funds Management at the Cambridge Islamic Funds Awards (CIFA) 2026 ceremony held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, an international platform recognising best practice in Islamic finance and social impact.
The Cambridge Islamic Funds Awards, established by Cambridge IFA, recognise premier Islamic funds and institutions from around the world that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and consistent performance in Islamic and ethical finance. The awards aim to spotlight organisations that uphold the highest standards in governance, Shari’ah compliance and social impact.
SANZAF’s recognition places it among a distinguished group of global Islamic finance leaders and affirms its role as South Africa’s foremost Zakah institution.
On accepting the award, SANZAF Chief Executive Officer Yasmina Francke said:
“It is with deep humility and honour that SANZAF accepts the Excellence Award for Zakat and Islamic Social Funds Management from CIFA 2026. This recognition affirms our unwavering commitment to excellence in governance and to upholding the principles of Shari’ah in every aspect of Zakah management.”
She added that SANZAF’s vision of harnessing the power of Zakah extends beyond relief to creating long-term economic self-sufficiency:
“Our vision of making an impact through the power of Zakah reflects our dedication to strengthening and constantly improving our ability to serve South Africans. We are committed to always being a trusted, efficient and effective channel for Muslims to fulfil their Zakah obligations and for those in need to access the necessary enablers to economic self-sufficiency.”
The awards ceremony in Jeddah brought together leading Islamic finance practitioners, fund managers, scholars and institutions from across the globe. Cambridge IFA, the founding body of CIFA, is widely respected for its work in advancing Islamic finance through education, research, and industry engagement. Its mission is to celebrate excellence in Islamic and ethical funds, assets, and wealth management, while inspiring investors worldwide to recognise the value and impact of this growing sector.
For SANZAF, the recognition comes at a significant time as the organisation prepares for the month of Ramadan, when Zakah plays a central role in alleviating poverty and restoring dignity.
“The work entrusted to us is an Amanah, and we discharge it with integrity, accountability and care,” Francke said. “Our goal is always to manage and distribute Zakah in a manner that ultimately seeks the pleasure of our Creator.”
With a national footprint and programmes spanning humanitarian relief, education, youth mentorship, skills development, women empowerment and seasonal campaigns, SANZAF continues to set benchmarks for excellence in Islamic social finance.
As Ramadan approaches, the award serves as a powerful reassurance to donors that their Zakah is managed by an institution that is locally rooted, globally recognised and guided by Shari’ah principles.
