Many of South Africa’s political figures came out to show their support for Dr Allan A. Boesak at his 80th birthday celebration, hosted at the Castle of Good Hope on Sunday evening. Some of the attendees included Reverend Courtney Sampson, who served as provincial chairperson for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for 22 years, former SA Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, Retired Western Cape High Court Judge Siraj Desai, Leader of the Opposition in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, Khalid Sayed, the EFF’s Nazier Paulsen, and South African Human Rights Commission Chairperson, Chris Nissen.
The master of ceremonies was Clarence Ford, and the host was Professor Saths Cooper. Other key figures in attendance were Chairperson of the Sekunjalo Group, Dr Iqbal Survé, and Rayhaan Survé, Deputy Chairman of Sekunjalo Investment Holdings.
Dr Iqbal Survé Pays Tribute to Dr Boesak
Dr Iqbal Survé, who was one of the speakers at the event, shared a story from around the time when he became a doctor, and when in Lawaaikamp, near George, Dr Boesak came to the area to address the issue of forced removals. Survé shared that it was a difficult time, with police in riot gear and the Casspir (armored vehicle) out in full swing and he would never forget how Boesak arrived on the scene, as a giant among men.
Survé highlighted that Dr Boesak had just been named in a calendar of acclaimed and impactful African Americans, alongside figures such as Martin Luther King Jr.
Key Takeaways from the Celebration
- Dr Boesak was honoured for his contributions to the fight against apartheid and his continued advocacy for human rights
- Dr Iqbal Survé paid tribute to Dr Boesak, describing him as an extraordinary individual with enormous resilience
- The celebration was attended by many prominent South African political figures, including Reverend Courtney Sampson and Ebrahim Rasool
