THE Gift of the Givers Foundation has decided to rename the Albunyan Almarsoos camp in Syria after South African photojournalist Shiraaz Mohamed in an attempt to create more awareness and spur the safe return of the journalist, believed to have been abducted in the war-torn country.
The foundation’s founder Imtiaz Sooliman said the renaming of the camp to Gift of the Givers Shiraaz Mohamed Camp was also in honour of “all journalists worldwide who put their lives on the line to bring the story home”.
The search for Mohamed entered its 10th day in Syria yesterday.
Supporters of the effort to find him gathered at the camp where he had been capturing images of the Gift of the Givers team distributed food parcels, cooked meals and kitchen equipment before he was abducted on January 10.
Watch video
Witnesses said Mohamed was taken away by unidentified gunmen near a hospital that is operated by Gift of the Givers.
His family released a statement thanking the country for their support, and a night vigil was held near Joburg on Wednesday for his safe return.
Hundreds of concerned relatives and friends of the abducted photographer crammed into the Lenasia South Civic Centre, urging his captors to release him unharmed.
Posters were plastered across the venue with messages such as “#ReleaseShiraaz” and “#BringShiraazHome”
Mohamed’s former wife Shirley Brijlal said the family were going through a hard time as time passed with no news of the whereabouts of Mohamed.
“It’s becoming scarier. His mum and sisters will not be attending the night vigil. They send their heartfelt gratitude and hope the vigil and the public support will add momentum to the efforts being made to find Shiraaz,” she said.
“It is all becoming too overwhelming for myself and Shiraaz’s family. What do we say every time someone asks how we are doing?
"We are paralysed with worry and concern for Shiraaz. All we can do is hold on to our Creator and know that His will is being done to bring Shiraaz safely back to us.”
The family have thanked South Africans and the media for their support.