Tributes continue to pour in for the late activist, Dr Anwah Nagia. The 62-year-old passed on Monday afternoon in hospital, losing his battle against Covid-19.

Nagia, aged 62, is widely known for his activism for a liberated Palestine. He founded the Palestine Museum and the Kaaf Human Rights Centre in District Six. The area was well-loved by Nagia who previously served as the Chairman of the District Six Beneficiary and Redevelopment Trust. He was also a founder member of the District Six Museum foundation where he later went on to serve as an Executive Member of the board.

His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many who speak fondly of his hard-work in the solidarity campaign with Palestine. Nagia had extensive contacts with Palestinians and would often host guests from the occupied land.

Kashif Wicomb, President of the Progressive Professionals Forum, praised Nagia for his unrivalled principles in the fight for social justice. Wicomb says Nagia was part of that breed of struggle heroes who was unmoved on his principles and that no person or organization was spared his wrath when he believed they treated the marginalized unfairly.

At the time of his passing, Nagia served as the Chairman of Element Investment Managers. The businessman and philanthropist previously served as a Director of the Financial Service Board, tasked with monitoring market abuse on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

He had also been involved in various NGO bodies including the Mustadafin Foundation and up until his admittance to hospital, he spearheaded a 1-million mask campaign against Covid-19.

The Muslim Judicial Council in South Africa praised Nagia for being a stalwart in the Palestinian Solidarity Movement, noting that his kindness touched the lives of many. “We pray that Almighty Allah grant him a high place in Jannah and grant Sabr and contentment in the hearts of his beloved family” said the MJC.