The grave of Imam Abdol Rakiep has officially been declared a provincial heritage site.
At a ceremony held in Lansdowne on Friday 22 September, Heritage Western Cape (HWC), along with Western Cape Minister for Cultural Affairs and Sports, Anroux Marais, unveiled the plaque to be placed at his grave.
The event was held at a separate location to preserve and respect the burial grounds of Imam Rakiep – known also as Ta Tuan – and others at the Mowbray Moslem Cemetery in Observatory.
HWC chair Reyhana Gani described the unveiling as an auspicious occasion.
She acknowledged the family who were present as a testament to the legacy of Imam Rakiep.
“Today is not just a ceremonial act, but a significant step in fulfilling HWC’s mandate. Through the declaration of provincial heritage sites in the Western Cape, we take a substantial stride toward our vision of a transformed, inclusive and sustainable heritage resource management system that places people at its core,” says Gani.
“We believe that heritage should not be something distant and disconnected, but rather a living, breathing part of our lives.”
Imam Rakiep, who had already been a faith leader at the age of 17, is considered a progressive cleric who left behind a treasure trove of documents. He was active in the preservation of documents from forefathers in the establishing and sharing of the Islamic faith in South Africa. He is also the grandson of Tuan Guru, considered the father of Islam in SA.
His great-grandson, Muttaqin Rakiep, who spoke at the event, said Ta Tuan was someone whose life can be used to inspire younger generations.
He continued that the contributions made by Imam Rakiep made him someone to be held in high esteem.
“We have been marginalised, we have been stigmatised, we have been oppressed. We have been denied a narrative, within the narrative of South Africa and so as part of the background, I am deeply grateful for this initiative, where we are recognising a contribution that has been denied over the years. We recognise this contribution of Imam Rakiep toward the involvement of a greater South African society,” says Rakiep.
In her keynote address, Marais says: “We salute Imam Abdol Rakiep as a visionary leader who exemplified servant leadership. He was a person who helped build South Africa and Cape Town to what it is.”
She added that as a young leader, Imam Rakiep preserved artifacts and literary works that were further preserved by his descendants.
“He has showed us what can be done and showed us the way. We owe it to his family to follow his lead and continue to build this beautiful country.”
Dr Shaykh Muneer Abduroaf, representing the Muslim Judicial Council and Muslim Cemetery Board, says this acknowledgment and heritage preservation is important. “Personalities like Imam Rakiep played a very pivotal role in the Muslim community,” he says.
He further commended all governmental structures involved in this commendation.
