Death Of Former MP, Imam Gassan Solomon
29 October 2009
The Office of the ANC Chief Whip has learned with deep sadness about the death of former ANC Member of Parliament in the National Assembly and veteran struggle activist, Imam Gassan Solomon. Members of Parliament, at the conclusion of their weekly political education session last night, observed a moment of silence after the news of his death was conveyed.
Paying tribute to his life, Chief Whip Dr. Mathole Motshekga said:
"Comrade Solomon will be remembered, amongst other things, for the pivotal role he played in the liberation struggle in the Western Cape, under the banner of the Muslim Judicial Council, United Democratic Front and the ANC. As a longstanding political activist in the Muslim community since the 1960s, Iman Solomon was amongst the many activists who were conscious of the fact that the political struggles of the Cape Muslim community could not be divorced from those of the rest of the oppressed masses of this country.
“This resolve saw the intensification of the anti-apartheid programmes in this province, which included the widespread protests against the Group Areas Act, which sought to attack religious and other freedoms, and the campaigns against the Tricameral Parliament elections as well as for the release of Nelson Mandela. Indeed the many freedoms that we enjoy today, such as those relating to religion, expression, association and movement are a result of the many years of struggle that men and women of the calibre of Iman Solomon participated in. As the ANC in Parliament, we shall miss his wise counsel and prudent stewardship he demonstrated throughout his tenure as ANC MP over the last 15 years."
Issued by
The Office of the ANC Chief Whip
ANC Parliamentary Caucus
Parliament of the Republic of SA
Cape Town, 8000
Enquiries:
Moloto Mothapo 082 370 6930
