Raeesah Jaffer

This thesis examines Mooiplaas Informal Settlement situated in Pretoria, South Africa. It commences by delineating the multifaceted developmental challenges faced by this marginalised community, delving into exploring potential avenues for advancing informal settlements. The focal point of this thesis revolves around the conceptualisation and application of a Mosque complex, emphasising its capacity to catalyse community development. Mooiplaas has a growing Muslim population; thus, establishing a Mosque is imperative for facilitating congregational prayer. Additionally, the research scrutinises the historical and functional dimensions of Mosques within community contexts. Prior developmental endeavours in Mooiplaas have fallen short of fully addressing the needs of both the Muslim and non-Muslim residents. As such, this research seeks to discern how the Mooiplaas community can fortify its resilience by leveraging the Mosque complex as a tool for future development initiatives. The proposed Mosque aims to foster social and economic development within the settlement, serving as a locus for spiritual enrichment, education, and social cohesiveness.