South Africa – In the heart of South Africa, the passing of Dr. Farouk Meer, a man of courage, and a historian has left a void that will be deeply felt. Meer, a distinguished figure in the struggle for a just society, has been remembered by many for his unwavering dedication to the cause of justice and equality. Meer’s significant contributions to dismantling the Apartheid movement and his pivotal role in various organisations opposing injustice have earned him the status of a hero.
As the former secretary-general of the National Indian Congress (NIC) and a dedicated participant in campaigns led by groups like the United Democratic Front (UDF), he played a crucial part in dismantling the oppressive Apartheid regime. Meer was dedicated to the cause. Sacrificing a lot to try and right the wrongs that existed, explained Dr. Faisal Suliman, Chairperson of the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET).
“When we reflect on where we are, the challenges that affect the Muslim community, locally, internationally, we have to look at what sacrifices we are prepared to make … In our country, it is a huge question in terms of politics and religion. When we think of Farouk Meer, it is about having given up your time. That is what it comes down to. Giving up your time and making some personal sacrifices. Sacrificing material gain, sacrificing going to play sports, sacrificing time with your family, sacrificing a lot of comforts and very often sacrificing money or earning less because your time is spent elsewhere. That summarises a lot of the struggle heroes.”
When Meer qualified, he could have easily gone down the social route. Become a high earner and live a life of luxury. Instead, he sacrificed the material life in pursuit of justice, said Suliman. His family’s close connections with prominent figures like the Sisulus and Mandelas influenced his path towards activism and sacrifice.
Ensuring the work of Meer and others is not in vain
While the struggle against Apartheid may seem like a distant memory for many, we must ensure that the sacrifices and contributions of individuals like Meer are not forgotten. His life’s work must serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for justice, equality, and human rights. However, his life’s work and the work of many will be all for nothing if we do not act on the current injustice we are seeing.
“People are just so apathetic. All of the work that the stalwarts across all religions, races, all of these anti-Apartheid strugglers, that fought for us to have both the luxury and the pains of where we are comes to nought if we by our apathy and choosing to get ourselves involved in more mundane things. Just decide to step aside and not get involved. That is probably the greatest service we do to people like Farouk and his sister and absolutely everybody.”
As we reflect on Meer’s life, it becomes evident that his legacy must be preserved for future generations. We must ensure that his principled stances and wisdom continue to inspire and guide us in the pursuit of justice and social equality.
The challenge of non-racialism
Meer’s life also prompts us to address the challenge of non-racialism in contemporary society. We must strive to overcome racial divides and embrace unity and equality, just as he did during the anti-apartheid struggle.
“One just has to look now at what has happened to the ANC. The non-racialism project looks for all practical purposes only there in theory. I don’t think we can hide and play around that. Non-racialism seems to have been abandoned in everything but slogans and theory. Sadly, it is not only the majority who don’t know this … Our own generation, my own children included and anyone who’s born after probably 1990 know very little about the history partly because it’s not covered. Even June 16th. It has become more about sloganism and that’s about it. We’ll go about our daily lives and have a braai etc. The younger generation, across the board, just don’t know the past and to be quite frank, when you speak to them, they don’t care about the past.”
Meer’s life was a tapestry of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice. As we remember this remarkable individual, let us honour his legacy by actively engaging in our communities, fighting against injustice, and preserving the principles he held dear. Through education, awareness, and inspirational leadership, we can ensure that the sacrifices of Meer and others like him continue to guide us toward a just and liberated society. May his memory live on as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
