Tributes

Professor John Esposito transformed the study of Islam by challenging prejudice with rigorous scholarship, intellectual integrity and genuine engagement with Muslim societies. A reflection on the life and legacy of one of the world’s most respected scholars of contemporary Islam. By PROFESSOR JUNAID S. AHMAD There are...

There are some people whose passing leaves an legacy that endures due to the profound impact they had on others. MAHMOOD SANGLAY reflects on multiple tributes received in honour of Mohamed Abbas Rumaney. Many of his peers simply knew him as Abbas bhai. Since his passing on...

Three moving tributes honour the life and legacy of Haji Mogamat Rashad Jedaar , the distinguished educator, principal and Islamic scholar whose visionary leadership transformed Muhammadeyah Primary School and left an enduring mark on generations of learners, teachers and the broader Muslim community. By FARID SAYED Perhaps...

Goolam Hoosain Abed (August 11, 1934 – June 20, 2026), former rugby fly-half and cricket all-rounder, leaves behind a remarkable sporting legacy spanning South Africa and England. By MOGAMAD ALLIE After a well-played innings of 91, Goolam Abed finally became the last wicket to fall in his...

From District Six to global stages, Abdullah Ibrahim transformed South African jazz and created a powerful cultural legacy rooted in spirituality and resistance. By HENNING MELBER Adolph Johannes Brand was born on October 9, 1934, in Cape Town. He would become better known as Dollar Brand and...

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...