Local crime fighter and activist, Nazir Sadack, was remembered this week with a special event to honour and pay tribute to him.
Sadack, a oThongathi community police forum (CPF) member, and founder and chairperson of CERT (community emergency response team) passed away last week at the age of 52 after suffering a stroke.
This week the oThongathi police and CPF paid tribute to Sadack with a special event at the Tongaat Town Hall. The tribute event, attended by about 200 people, was to show their gratitude for Sadack's hard work and dedication for the last 10 years as a volunteer.
Tributes were paid by members of the Tongaat CPF, as well as emergency service members and crime fighters that included IPSS, Netcare 911, security companies, the Child Welfare and CPF’s.
Suresh Ramsahai, deputy chairperson of the Tongaat CPF, said they wanted to give thanks to Sadack who worked day and night to protect the community.
"He deserves the greatest send off. As he was a Muslim, his funeral was quick but we wanted to be a part of it with this tribute event. We felt closure after the event, it was only right to give him this send off, he deserves much more.
“He was part of the CPF for 10 years, among his many other organisation contributions. We just want to thank his family for sharing him with us. It’s hard to be a volunteer and leave your family to protect others, and for that we are very grateful,” said Ramsahai.
His son Riza Sadack said his dad went over and above for everyone.
“He was a very kind, loving and people's person. He always put others before himself and made sure they were always okay. There was never a time where he would turn a blind eye to helping someone in need. He was very alert and responsive.
“CERT was started in 2016 after my mum suffered a brain haemorrhage and it took emergency services forever to get to us. From that incident, the team was created to help others like us. From his school days he was involved in organisations and took a lead role,” said Riza.
Riza said that CERT is run by a group of 20+ volunteers and will go on, carrying Sadack's legacy forward.
Clive Ramjass, from the Seatides Ratepayers Association, a friend who also worked closely with Sadack for many years through many organisations, said there was a need to acknowledge the great work Sadack had done for the community.
"He was involved in assisting and supporting the community whenever they were in need. He was a true gentleman. He went the extra mile for all especially when it came to safety. He was so involved in the community that during the tornado disaster, he was in the forefront helping his fellow community members even though he was caught in the tornado himself,” said Ramjass.
Ramjass said Sadack was involved in the Joint Operations Committee for the Tongaat Beach area, which facilitated in helping those with basic needs, like delivering water, food and other necessities.
“He was a man of integrity and honour, something that many who knew him can testify to. He was always a phone call away, answering to everyone’s plight no matter the time of night, he would never leave anyone destitute. He will be dearly missed and everything he has done for our community will not go unnoticed,. We will keep his memory alive by following in his extraordinary footsteps,” said Ramjass.
Ractheal Pillay, a member of the Tongaat community and a volunteer at the CPF south sector, said Sadack was more than just a leader; he was a beacon of hope for many.
"His profound dedication to the safety and well-being of our beloved oThongathi has forever changed the landscape of our neighbourhood. He rallied individuals from all walks of life, inspiring them to unite toward a common goal of creating a safer, more caring environment.
“As we mourn his passing today, let us remember and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. Nazir taught us the importance of service, compassion, and resilience. Let us honour him by carrying forward his mission, continuing to build on the foundation he laid, and striving to make Tongaat a better place for future generations,” said Pillay.
Sadack was laid to rest on August 28.
