President pays tribute to Imam Hassan Solomon

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has paid tribute to the late Member of Parliament, Imam Hassan Solomon, who died last week of prostrate cancer.

Solomon, who was aged 68, has been laid to rest at the Constantia Cemetery in the Cape Peninsula.

"Parliament has lost a dedicated representative of the people, we have lost a committed leader and stalwart.

"His track record in fighting for liberation and human rights is well-known, his sterling contribution will forever remain etched in our memories," President Zuma said on Saturday, during the 35th anniversary celebration of Mitchell's Plein.

Zuma said the anniversary should serve to inspire many more to follow in Solomon's footsteps and promote his legacy.

Solomon was an MP for three terms and also served on the provincial African National Congress (ANC) task team. He was also the former administrator of the Muslim Judicial Council and imam of the Claremont Main Road mosque.

He became an activist with his involvement in the resistance against forced removals in the Western Cape Province.

He joined the now defunct United Democratic Front in the early 80s and served on the Western Cape Executive of the movement.

After his return from a six-year exile in 1991, he played a big role in the party in the Western Cape.