Activist for human rights and justice
Moosa a lawyer with deep-rooted belief in the black consciousness ideology
Born: January 7 1959 Died: May 4 2017 Buried: May 4 2017 Funeral: Durban
The Black Lawyers Association (BLA) has expressed its sadness at the death of black consciousness exponent and advocate Imrann Moosa.
Moosa, a founding member of the National Democratic Lawyers Association (Nadel), was called to the Bar on May 16 1983. He is also founding chairman of the Durban branch of the BLA.
He died on May 4 after a short illness, aged 58.
He was buried on the same day in Durban.
“Moosa was actively involved in the Struggle for the liberation of South Africa. He was known for his deep-rooted belief in the black consciousness ideology,” said the BLA.
was not only involved in the political activities and leadership‚ in his legal practice he was a leading human rights lawyer who represented political detainees, oftentimes at his own expense.
“His political consciousness, belief in the rule of law and justice for all is captured in the number of legal writings and reported cases under his name.”
Moosa was an advocate in the high court and also lectured at Vista University.
He was also the vice-dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Fort Hare.
He was formerly a member of the Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo) and served as its publicity secretary but later left the organisation.
Former Azapo secretary general Manku Noruka said the organisation held Moosa in high esteem.
“We have always seen him as an esteemed member of the black consciousness movement. The last time we were with him was when he addressed us in October last year‚” Noruka said.
Moosa worked at the BLA Legal Education Trust – the BLA’s legal education wing – as director of professional affairs and litigation officer.
Moosa was a widely published author and editor of Frank Talk and African Law Review Journals.
A committed patriot, Moosa was unwavering in the struggle for social justice.
“We mourn the untimely death of our faithful comrade who remained committed and steadfast in the fight for the recognition of the worth of the black lawyer.
“He passed on when we still expected more from him, especially in the transformation of the legal profession.
“He will be sadly missed by relatives‚ children‚ colleagues and the Black Lawyers Association‚ especially by the Durban branch where he held the position of branch secretary until his passing on the 4th May 2017‚” the BLA said.
His memorial service will be held tomorrow at 9am‚ at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College.