Tributes

The South African chess community mourns the passing of Dr Shabier ‘Dr Shabs’ Bhawoodien Mahatey, a champion, mentor and lifelong ambassador for the game. By ADNAAN ADAMS The passing of Dr Shabier Hussain ‘Dr Shabs’ Bhawoodien Mahatey, on Wednesday May 27, marks the end of an era...

Educator and lifelong learner, Mymona Galant, passed away on Wednesday May 13, 2026. She was one of the teachers at the Claremont Main Road Mosque Saturday Morning Madrasah. She dedicated decades to Qur’an education, madrasah teacher training and empowering communities through knowledge. The following tribute, by FAHMI...

Suliman Ghoor, fondly known as ‘Uncle Solly’, leaves behind a largely unmatched legacy of philanthropy as a patron of Islamic education. By PROFESSOR EBRAHIM MOOSA On February 25, 2026 – 7 Ramaḍān 1447—South Africa lost one of its most consequential and visionary Muslim figures. Suliman Mohamed Ghoor,...

SAFTU honours the life and legacy of veteran journalist Terry Bell, whose fearless reporting and activism shaped struggles for justice, workers’ rights, and socialism. The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) mourns the passing of veteran journalist, anti-apartheid activist, and lifelong revolutionary, Comrade Terry Bell, who...

Mustapha Murudker, former ANC Ward 48 councillor and community leader, is remembered for decades of service to youth development, activism and upliftment in Athlone and Rylands. By YASEEN BARDIEN MUSTAPHA Murudker’s life was defined by service – to his community, to youth development, to political activism and...

Armien Jabaar’s cricket journey was defined by patience, resilience and excellence, as he rose to become one of the most respected figures in Howa Bowl history. MOGAMAD ALLIE, pays tribute. Armien Jabaar: 6 November 1944 – 2 February 2026 Such was the strength in depth of cricket...

Fifty years after his passing, Imam Abubaker Saban is remembered for a lifetime of quiet service, sacrifice and enduring impact on Cape Town’s Muslim community. By SHAKIR ACHMAT Sunday, January 18, 2026 was a day of remembrance, reflection and gratitude as people gathered from across Cape Town...

As masaajid mark Khateeb-e-A’zam Day, this article explores how Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shafee Okarvi’s maqasid-based leadership shaped Muslim identity, unity and institutional strength in South Africa and beyond. By SAYED RIDHWAAN MOHAMED On Friday, January 9, 2026, a remarkable phenomenon will unfold across the global Muslim landscape....

The life of Mogamat Cassiem Ras offers a powerful lens on Die Vlakte, forced removals, and the enduring ethics of dignity, faith, and community in Cape Muslim history. By PROFESSOR ASLAM FATAAR The passing of Mogamat Cassiem Ras, a long-time resident of Stellenbosch, invites reflection beyond the...

It was a true honour to know Dr Omar Brey—to learn from his works and from his character. His teachers and peers continue to share memories of his humility, kindness, and dedication. By WIDAD SIRKHOTTE Dr Omar Brey, born on January 3, 1953, returned to his Creator...