Al-Qalam 
With frightening routines we are losing profound and dedicated members of our community. With heavy hearts we bear the loss of Essop Goolam Pahad who served as the Minister in the Presidency from 1999 to 2008. He died aged 84 yesterday.
A powerful pillar of our democracy is no more. Essop was a close confidant of President Thabo Mbeki and guided us through the presidency of Mbeki. His family played a crucial role in our liberation and was instrumental in establishing non-racial soccer. The Dynamos Football Club is their legacy that will be remembered for decades to come.
A devout and outstanding humanitarian has left our earthly shores in transit to a heavenly abode. It is hard to eulogize any man, to capture in words not just the facts and the dates that make a life, but the essential truth of a person like him. He gave a potent voice to the claims of the neglected, the poor, the sick, the oppressed and those whom he assisted in every facet of human life. The scope of his accomplishments, defy description and the adoration that he so rightly earned, will endeavour us to remember him as an individual whose supreme aim in life was to serve humanity
In the apex of his life we witnessed an impeccable individual who earned his place in history. His accomplishments are legendary. His quest for alleviating hardships gave him an unassailable credibility and integrity that will never be available again in our lifetime.
A courageous man, who in his pursuit of helping the needy, will always be associated with progress for humanity. His remarkable deeds were inextricably connected to his closeness to the masses. Those who witnessed his utmost care and generosity will remember his multitude of accomplishments that he achieved without any pomp or pageantry.
His array of monumental services to the nation cannot be adequately catalogued. His yeoman’s service to humanity depicted a chronicle of servitude that all of us can try and emulate. His entire life was a fabric of compassion the main strands of which was to serve humanity without fail. May those who follow in his leadership learn the art of selfless serving and sacrifice.
His whole life was an inspiration; his memory a benediction. The legacy of an incredible man and the impact he had on those people who were lucky enough to know him. I was indeed extremely lucky to have known him. A beacon of hope has left us to face an uncertain and changing world. I personally lost a good and sincere friend. Hamba Kahle, Essop Pahad, dedicated son of Africa, mentor and tutor to the nation.
A symbol of individual excellence has left his imprint on our political trajectory.
FAROUK ARAIE
BENONI
