Probe raises questions over authenticity, legality of Zamzam water in SA

South African authorities are facing questions over the sale of Zamzam water, from a sacred spring in Mecca, amid concerns over authenticity and legality.

Mahmood Sanglay, CEO of Muslim Views, revealed that testing of local samples showed significant chemical discrepancies in Western Cape products, suggesting some bottles sold may not be genuine Zamzam water.

By contrast, samples in Durban and Gauteng largely matched authentic water from the well.

Saudi law prohibits the commercial export and resale of Zamzam water, with pilgrims only allowed to bring five litres home for personal use.

Despite this, local retailers have been selling small bottles for up to R55 per 500 millilitres.

"In the kingdom, if you were to consume Zamzam water, it's free. No one pays for Zamzam in Mecca and in Medina because it is supplied to both cities from the same well. Therefore, the question arises, how do costs increase to that extent when water supplied at the source is free? The only costs that one would add in this case would be transport and packaging."

Sanglay described the issue as both legal and ethical, warning consumers about buying water sourced unlawfully from a sacred well.

"The ethical question is more for the end user, for the Muslims who purchase the product locally in South Africa. Even if the water is authentic, the question they must ask is, is it ethical for me to purchase water that is unlawfully obtained when exports from the kingdom are prohibited?"

Labelling standards required in South Africa were also not met by any of the bottles sold locally.

The investigation is ongoing, focusing on the source of imports and the ethical responsibilities of retailers.

Sanglay said the next phase will explore formal collaboration with Saudi authorities and hold importers accountable for unlawful trade.

To listen to Mahmood Sanglay in conversation with CapeTalk's Clarence Ford, click the audio below: