Picture: Schweizer Reneke-born politician, the late Essop Pahad/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of ANC struggle icon, Dr Essop Pahad. The former minister passed away in the early hours of 6 July 2023 in his sleep at the age 84. The Pahad family spokesperson, Dr Faizel Randera said the Schweizer Reneke-born politician served the people of South Africa throughout his life.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Essop Goolam Pahad. He was a dedicated member of the ANC and SACP. Pahad was appointed as a Member of Parliament (MP) and Minister in the Presidency after 1994.

“He was a dedicated and loving family man and leaves behind his wife, brothers, children, grandchildren, and extended family members. He is also mourned by countless friends, comrades, and colleagues,” said Randera.

The North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi described Pahad as an activist and a politician, who had an illustrious career as an academic. Maloyi further said Pahad served as the Parliamentary Counsellor and Minister in the Presidency during the tenure of former President Thabo Mbeki.

“Pahad belonged to a cohort of selfless leaders, who dedicated their lives to the struggle for liberation. He was unflinching in his pursuit of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa. A committed activist and patriot, who championed the socio-economic rights of the poor and economically marginalised.

“Pahad served the country with pride and he was relentless in his advocacy for a free and equal nation, but critically he shall be remembered as someone who was ethical and lived truthfully to the ideals of what encapsulates a people’s centered democracy. May his soul rest in peace and as the province, will take guidance from the Presidency and the Pahad family on arrangements for the send-off of this gallant hero,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said: “Pahad hailed from a family of political activists. His father, Goolam Hoosain Ismael Pahad, was a prominent figure in the Transvaal Indian Congress and the South African Indian Congress. Following in his father’s footsteps, Essop joined the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress in 1958, where he became a vocal advocate for the cause, fighting for the rights of all South Africans, regardless of race.

“However, he faced persecution for his efforts, compelling him to flee the country in 1964. Despite being in exile, he remained steadfast in his mission, working tirelessly with members of the international community to raise awareness about the struggles of South Africa.”

Bhengu-Motsiri added: “This experience gave him a profound appreciation for diverse perspectives and an unwavering commitment to fighting for justice. Upon his return to South Africa in 1990, Essop played a pivotal role in shaping the new South Africa. He played an instrumental role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations.

“He held several notable political positions, including serving as a member of the National Assembly from 1994-2008, as Parliamentary Counsellor to the Deputy

President from 1994 to 1996, and later as Deputy Minister from 1996 to 1999. In 1999, he served as a minister, focusing on key issues such as the Rights of the Child and the Status of Women.”

Dr Essop Pahad will be laid to rest this afternoon with Muslim Rites at West Park Cemetery, in Johannesburg at 2pm.

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