Watch: Woolworths sparks debate with pre-packed haleem this Ramadaan
Traditional
Haleem sold at Woolworths.
Image: Screenshot
THE decision by Woolworths to sell pre-packed haleem this Ramadaan has sparked widespread debate across communities and social media platforms.
The retailer is offering 600g packets of the traditional soup at R64.99, a move that has surprised many who associate haleem not with supermarket shelves, but with mosques, community kitchens, and charitable distribution.
Haleem, a slow-cooked blend of lentils, wheat, barley and meat, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance during Ramadaan. Traditionally prepared in large pots and distributed freely or sold in limited quantities by local organisations, it is often tied to community fundraising and acts of charity.
The supermarket’s entry into this space has drawn mixed reactions on social media.
Inayat Banderker voiced firm opposition, saying: “No thank you. Support my local community.”
Haroon Wadee took a more humorous approach, commenting: “It’s only legit if you bring your own pots and ice-cream containers.”
Shamiela Toufie shared her experience after purchasing it: “Tried it. Was too strong to break your fast with. Not impressed.”
Not everyone sees the move as controversial.
Zarina Ally, a content creator on TikTok, shared a video of her purchase and offered a broader perspective.
“I have no issues with Woolworths selling haleem as most people cannot get their hands on it and this way everyone can try it,” she said.
Ally explained that she grew up collecting free haleem every year from Asmals Hypersave, a store well-known in Verulam for distributing haleem during Ramadaan and selling it fresh on select Fridays throughout the year.
“It is given free every year. So it does not matter if you are rich or poor. It is for everyone. I feel the world is wide and vast. Everyone can choose to do as they please. You are welcome to sell it because throughout the year, we only ever get haleem in Ramadaan, so it will be nice if it is available at random times, because we do feel for it.”
Ally described haleem as deeply nostalgic.
“I have never made my own haleem. We were too spoiled with such delicious haleem. I will not attempt making it myself. I have very fond memories of going to collect haleem with my dad. From the age of six I used to go with him. It is about the tradition of collecting it straight from the def, meeting familiar faces, filling our buckets, and looking forward to iftaar together,” said Ally.