Editor
It is a dilemma, and makes it a daunting task to find an appropriate base from which we have to seek the correct words to describe Dawood Vahed, whose departure has left a void in the community.
Because we live in a world of generalised mediocrity, it is difficult to measure the stature of a man in society (the degree of development of a person or their intellectual and moral greatness) and added to this is to determine the foundation on which this assessment is made (is it religious, political, social or age).
No man can claim absolute freedom from fault (except perhaps the Prophets) and it is better to dwell on the positive, life impacting legacy a person leaves behind rather than to nit pick on the negative flaws of a person.
Dawood has served, with his limitations, the community, his country, the religious institutions, with sincerity, dedication and we say this with absolute conviction in our heart: Dawood has been a father figure, friend, confidant, a pillar, pioneer of Estcourt and also a moral compass to this community and we pray that Almighty grants him eternal peace in his abode.
He was an educated man with intellectual wisdom so that he could navigate through the maze of the many obstacles he encountered during his life: religious and political differences and despite these challenges he managed to excel and articulate a position that secured respect for his views although they may have been at times, in variance with those of others.
He was strong willed and whilst he would give you an attentive ear, he would remain firm and resolute in his opinion, remained steadfast in achieving a goal and he was humble and had friends of differing ages, race and intellectual abilities.
To our family, Dawood Vahed has always been accessible, helpful and became an integral part of our family and his loss will impact on us greatly and he will sadly be missed.
Rashid and Shireen Patel and family