‘We Need People With Conscience’: Dr Iqbal Survé Honours Dr Allan Boesak at 80th Birthday

Many of South Africa’s political figures gathered at the Castle of Good Hope on Sunday evening to celebrate the 80th birthday of anti-apartheid icon Dr Allan A. Boesak.

The Attendees

The event drew a distinguished list of guests:

• Reverend Courtney Sampson, former IEC provincial chairperson (22 years)

• Ebrahim Rasool, former SA Ambassador to the United States

• Retired Western Cape High Court Judge Siraj Desai

• Khalid Sayed, Leader of the Opposition in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature

• Nazier Paulsen (EFF)

• Chris Nissen, South African Human Rights Commission Chairperson

The master of ceremonies was Clarence Ford, and the host was Professor Saths Cooper.

Also in attendance were Dr Iqbal Survé, Chairperson of the Sekunjalo Group, and Rayhaan Survé, Deputy Chairman of Sekunjalo Investment Holdings.

Survé’s Tribute

Dr Iqbal Survé, one of the speakers, shared a story from the time he became a doctor, when Boesak came to Lawaaikamp, near George, to address forced removals.

Survé recalled a difficult time: police in riot gear, Casspirs out in full swing. He would never forget how Boesak arrived on the scene, “as a giant among men.”

“You came and took control of the situation despite the immense amount of tear gas and the riot police storming us. As a medical person, I was attending to a lot of the people who got injured that day, but I can never, ever forget that moment.”

“It is forever, forever etched in my mind as one of the most inspirational moments that I’ve ever experienced.”

An Extraordinary Individual

Survé said that while it can be difficult to separate a person into different facets, Dr Boesak is “an extraordinary individual.”

“You have enormous resilience. You have been through so much, and I say that in a very apolitical way. As a human being, the kind of stresses that you and your family have endured and yet to come out of it with even greater resolve, greater humanity, and such a principled position.”

“I’m really so happy that we are able to celebrate your birthday and to celebrate you. You’re a principled person.”

A Liberation Figure

Survé highlighted that Boesak had just been named in a calendar of acclaimed and impactful African Americans.

“In many ways, you are that liberation figure that is in the slipstream of people like Martin Luther King Jr. and like many others who followed. We thank you; we have immense gratitude.”

Remembering the Past

Survé spoke of a “massive amnesia” about the past.

“I’m not saying that we should be captive to our past. I’m not saying that we must live in the past. I’m simply saying that we need the memory of the past in order to bring about the kind of liberation which brings real justice and equality to the people of our country.”

“In many cases, because of the imperfections of today, people look at the Struggle in a negative way because they associate the imperfections of what’s going on today with individuals from the past. But it’s not the case.”

“The reality is the people, many siblings, families really suffered immensely and personally… It’s not right that we forget that, and so your presence in our lives today keeps the memory going in a very overt way.”

The Need for Conscience

Survé said universal principles are not restricted to South Africa but are part of the world and the search for common humanity.

“Allan, I want to wish you another 80 years. I’m sure medicine will invent something to keep you going, because we need you. South Africa needs you. Africa needs you and the people of the world need you. We need people with conscience.”

“We need people who haven’t lost their principled position. We need people who have a great memory for what has happened before.”

The Bottom Line

At 80, Dr Allan Boesak remains a towering figurea liberation icon, a principled voice, and a reminder that the struggle for justice is never truly over.

“I hope that your next chapter is one that’s going to continue to inspire all of us.”

{Source: IOL}

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