Former consul-general was pillar of Muslim community
THE MUSLIM Judicial Council (MJC) has described as a true visionary Imam Allie Gierdien, South Africa’s former consul-general to Tunisia. He died yesterday at the age of 87. “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,” MJC treasurer Imam Fadiel Imandien said.
“He was also a good friend of the late president Nelson Mandela, so much so that he was one of the few people requested to welcome Mandela when he was released from prison.
“His contribution to the MJC was invaluable, especially to the Muslim community,” Imandien said.
Gierdien had also been a chairperson of the Cape Chamber of Commerce, said Imandien, who added that he had been fortunate and grateful to have worked very closely with Gierdien.
MJC deputy chairperson Moulana Abdul-Khaliq Allie 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 (also) held many positions. He passed away (yesterday) afternoon. He was a very active member of the community and had a long, beautiful and wonderful life,” said Allie.