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A personal tribute remembers Comrade Moosa Kaprey as an anti-Apartheid activist, trusted family friend and principled believer whose life of struggle, faith, humility and service left a lasting mark on his community and political comrades.
By KHALID SAYED
The passing of Comrade Moosa Kaprey is a deeply personal loss.
A veteran of the anti-Apartheid struggle, he dedicated his life to the fight for freedom, democracy and the dignity of our people.
From his activism in Athlone and Rylands Estate to his work in the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the education struggle, Comrade Moosa helped organise communities against Apartheid, enduring detention in the service of the struggle.
As the first chairperson of the National Education Crisis Committee (NECC) in the Western Cape, he helped mobilise resistance to an education system designed to perpetuate racial inequality.
Following the unbanning of the ANC, he contributed to rebuilding the organisation and later served as National Treasurer General of the ANC Veterans League.
For me, however, Comrade Moosa was so much more than a fellow activist and comrade. He was a close family friend, someone whose place in our lives was defined by a bond that extended well beyond politics.
That personal connection meant that, throughout my own political journey, I had someone I could turn to not only for political advice, but also for the reassurance, warmth and understanding that come from a trusted family friend.
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He was someone with whom I could speak openly, share my frustrations and doubts, and find comfort during difficult moments.
At times when the burdens of political life felt particularly heavy, he was a shoulder to cry on and a steady source of wisdom.
He offered guidance without judgement and reminded me, through his words and example, of the values that should sustain us through the most challenging periods of our lives.
His support was particularly meaningful because he understood both the personal and political dimensions of my journey. He guided me through difficult moments within and outside the ANC, helping me see beyond immediate frustrations and remain focused on the broader purpose of our struggle.
Through him, I was also introduced to comrades, activists and political experiences beyond the familiar confines of Rylands Estate. He helped broaden my horizons and deepen my understanding of the movement, from grassroots branch building to provincial structures, the ANC Youth League and national politics. He was always willing to lend a hand, share his experience and help others find their footing.
I deeply admired the way Comrade Moosa lived his Muslim faith. His faith was not merely a private conviction, but a moral foundation that shaped his understanding of justice, compassion, human dignity and service.
He demonstrated that genuine faith must find expression in how we treat others, how we respond to suffering and how we stand alongside those who are vulnerable and oppressed.
For him, faith and activism were connected by a shared responsibility to confront injustice and work towards a more humane society.
His life was a reminder that our deepest convictions mean little unless they are reflected in our actions and our commitment to others.
Our last interaction remains especially close to my heart. We spoke about the challenges facing the ANC, and he told me: “Yes, the ANC has its challenges, but let’s build the ANC. It is still the vehicle, the best vehicle for the emancipation of our people.”
He believed that the answer to the organisation’s difficulties was not simply to criticise or abandon it, but to work to improve it and restore the principles upon which it was founded.
He emphasised the importance of leadership that embodied those principles. I will carry his words with me as a reminder of the responsibility we bear to build an organisation worthy of the sacrifices made by generations before us.
The love and respect shown to Comrade Moosa at his funeral were a moving testament to the place he occupied in the hearts of people in his community. It was a reminder that a life of service is measured not only by formal positions or public recognition, but by the relationships nurtured, the people supported and the lives touched along the way.
South Africa, beyond the ANC and any political organisation, needs dedicated, unsung heroes like Comrade Moosa. At a time when our country needs to strengthen its ethical and moral compass, his life reminds us of the importance of humility, integrity, sacrifice and service to others. Our democracy was shaped not only by prominent leaders, but also by countless activists whose quiet, steadfast contributions helped make our freedom possible.
I will miss Comrade Moosa not only as a fellow activist, but as a dear family friend, a trusted confidant and a guiding presence in my life. I remain deeply grateful for the friendship he extended to me and my family, the wisdom he shared and the role he played in shaping my political journey.
My heartfelt condolences go to his family, loved ones, friends and comrades.
Hamba kahle, Comrade Moosa.
May your memory continue to inspire us to live by our convictions, serve our people with humility and work towards the just, compassionate and democratic South Africa for which you dedicated your life.
Khalid Sayed is the Leader of the Opposition in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and is writing in his personal capacity.
- The article was updated at 16:55 to correct the caption to the featured photograph.
