Dr Abdullah Abdurahman, medical doctor and Cape community leader, died on this day at the age of 69. Founder and leader of the anti-apartheid African People's Organisation (APO), he was the first non-White to become a member of the Cape Town City Council (from 1905-1940).

His death raised concern within the Black, Coloured and Indian communities, as he was a well-known human rights campaigner. The Standard and Imvo Zabantsundu (Black Opinion) hailed him as a great leader who was at all times available to address the needs of Black, Indian and Coloured communities.

Some tributes to Abdurahman also came from unexpected sources such as from General J.B.M. Hertzog and General J.C. Smuts. In June 1999, President Nelson Mandela posthumously honoured Abdurahman by awarding him the Order for Meritorious Service: Class I (Gold).

Source:

• Potgieter, D.J. et al. (eds) (1970). Standard Encyclopedia of Southern Africa, Cape Town: NASOU, v. 1, p. 4.
• Dr. Abdullah Abdurahman Biography profile [online]. Available at whoswhosa.co.za  [ Accessed 12 February 2009]
• Dr Abdullah Abdurahman [online]. Available at: sahistory.org.za [Accessed 12 February 2009]