Ebrahim Ebrahim earned deep respect
ANOTHER Struggle stalwart has left our earthly shores. Former Cabinet minister Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim passed away at the age of 84. He fought his illness with fortitude and dignity.
We as a nation must remember him for his dedication to free South Africa of oppression and express our admiration and the deepest respect, certainly for his courage and steadfastness to dedicate his life to the cause of righteousness, justice and equity.
His ideals of equality and justice serve as our guiding principles as enshrined in the nation’s Constitution. History will remember him as a man with an unerring sense of integrity and honour.
Ebrahim was a true cadre, who implored us to defend our rights against all hazards and reminded us that it was our sacred duty to liberate the masses from tyranny. His courage and dedication to this country are an inspiration. His life stands as a testament not only to dedicated public service but also a strong willingness to work in the interest of the nation and its citizens.
The nation lost a man of undaunted courage and a champion of unblemished character. An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of our land will never be forgotten.
His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. A man of deeply-held values and ideals, he was practical and compassionate.
We won our freedom because people like him fought on our behalf and paid a huge price. He stood up against tyranny, showed bravery that future history books will record.
Only by connecting with our past can we understand why we are on the course we are on. Only by refreshing our patriotism and staying vigilant can we keep our country on this course. Only by understanding what we have, why we have it, why so many sacrificed their lives, and what responsibilities came with it, can we ensure we will serve them, ourselves and our children.
We will remember Ebrahim for his contribution to the very institutions of our democracy which we inhabit every day. The legacy of our quest for freedom is inscribed in our history in the blood of our heroes, like Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim.
South Africa can be proud of having given Africa a man of imperishable renown, and is confident that his example will be a source of inspiration and strength in the fulfilment of her destiny. His exceptional example of service, consistency and patriotism will be his greatest legacy.
FAROUK ARAIE I Benoni