Trader and art collector Habib Rajab is born

Habib Mohamed (A.M.) Rajab was born in Durban. He was a trader and collector of oriental art, remembered for his role in preventing the Grey Street complex from being handed over to White traders. Rajab's interest also extended to the political and educational development of the Indian community. In 1968, at the inaugural meeting of the South African Indian Congress (SAIC), he was elected as member of its executive committee and subsequently as its chairman in 1970. Rajab was an important pioneer of Indian development in the civil service, post office service and other areas. He died on 7 October 1973, aged 58, and was buried in Brooke Street Cemetery.