28 September 2020
Awqaf SA is deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing of political activist, humanitarian, freedom fighter, community activist and businessman, Dr. Anwah Nagia.
Our heartfelt condolences go to the Nagia family, friends, and fellow compatriots on the passing of our brother Dr. Anwah. May Allah grant him Janatul Firdous and patience to his family, comrades, and compatriots during this difficult time.
Anwah Nagia was an icon and stalwart of human rights that fought bravely for the rights of the oppressed globally irrespective of race, religion, or nationality.
Amongst his many colourful contributions to social justice causes, Dr. Nagia was the director of the Al KAAF Human Rights Centre and founder of the Palestine Museum situated in Cape Town.
A giant in our community has fallen! Anwah was our father, brother, and comrade in arms who have been in the trenches, fighting for the freedom for the oppressed in South Africa, Palestine, and wherever people were suffering injustice.
Dr. Nagia lived by the slogan of committing “class suicide” in order to ensure the upliftment of the oppressed. As such he was a great friend and advisor to Awqaf SA and supported our many projects geared towards poverty eradication and sustainable development.
He was a fearless proponent of societal development and the protection of the vulnerable and marginalised within our society. This was evident during the COVID-19 Pandemic when he fearlessly launched through the Al Kaaf Human Rights Centre, the 1 Million Free Fabric Face Mask campaign in
collaboration with Awqaf SA, the World Memon Organisation, Black Business Council, and others.
Anwah was cognisant of the fact that those vulnerable in our society should not fall victim to the inevitable profiteering during the Pandemic and therefore tirelessly pursued the campaign of free face mask distributions across the country. While we mourn the passing of Anwah Nagia we take solace in the life of a freedom fighter who lived his life to the fullest as an excellent example for all to emulate.
His deep concern for humanity, his gentleness and humility is unparalleled in today’s world.
South Africa will not be the same without this moral voice of reason and truth. Anwah will be severely missed and forever revered for his critical role in the liberation of the people of South Africa and globally.
The responsibility rests with us who are left behind, to take his work forward.
May Allah bless Dr. Anwah with HIS paradise. We thank his family for sharing him with South Africa.
Yours sincerely
Haroon Kalla
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
