Issued by Office of the Presidency
21 November 2000
On behalf of the gvernment of South Africa and all South Africans, I would like to express my sadness at the death of Sheikh Nazim Mohammed, a great South African and leader in the Muslim Community, whose prayers graced both the CODESA talks and the inauguration of Mandela as our first democratic president.
Sheikh Nazim Mohammed provided outstanding leadership to Muslims through the most turbulent decades in our country's history. He presided over the Muslim Judicial Council at a crucial period when it was being transformed from being a judiciary for Muslims into a political bulwark against apartheid for all the oppressed. South Africans will always remember the refuge given to hundreds of displaced people from Crossroads and KTC informal settlements at the offices of the MJC in 1986.
After the transition from apartheid to democracy, Sheikh Nazim Mohammed played a crucial role in ensuring that the Muslim Community used its resources and talents in the reconstruction of South Africa. Today members of the Muslim Community have taken their rightful places in every dimension of South African life, which is a sign of the maturing of a community secure within itself and as part of a greater South Africa. This is in no small part a result of the visionary leadership exercised by leaders such as Sheikh Nazim. Sheikh Nazim's life was one of tireless service and great sacrifice. History will show that he walked in the traditions of other great Muslim leaders of our country such as Tuan Guru, Sheikh Yusuf, Dr. Abdurahman and Imam Haron.
At this time, our heartfelt thoughts are with the family of Sheikh Nazim, and our condolences go to his wife Sabeegah and their children.
May his selflessness and his love for the South African people inspire all of us to attain greater levels of commitment and dedication.
May Allah grant him Jannat (heaven).
Thabo Mbeki
President of South Africa
Issued by:
Communications Unit
The Presidency
Pretoria
Contact person: Mr Nazeem Mahatey (Cell: 082 376 3820)