Former consul-general hailed a true visionary
FORMER South African consul-general to Tunisia Imam Allie Gierdien, who died yesterday at the age of 87, has been described as a true visionary who was passionate about education and the communities of the Western Cape.
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), treasurer Imam Fadiel Imandien said: “He was a true visionary and a well-read person who loved education – whether he was educating or being educated.
“He was very passionate about his work and very concerned about the community of the Western Cape.
“His contribution to the MJC was invaluable, especially to the Muslim community.
“In his last tenure in the MJC he served as chairperson of the Council of Senior Members of the MJC.
“He was also a good friend of the late president Nelson Mandela, so much so that he was one of the few people who were requested to welcome Mandela when he was released from prison.”
Gierdien had also been a chairperson of the Cape Chamber of Commerce, said Imandien.
Imandien said that he had been fortunate and grateful to have worked very closely with Gierdien, who guided him during the last eight years that they worked together at the Harvey Road Mosque in Claremont.
MJC deputy chairperson Moulana Abdul-Khaliq said: “It is with great sadness that we note the demise of Imam Allie Gierdien, a senior Muslim religious leader, who served as the chairperson of the Senior Council of the MJC for the past many years.
“He represented the community on the Heritage Council and held many positions. He passed away.
“He was a very active member of the community and had a long, beautiful and wonderful life.”