Tolgah Bassier

Background

I have been pushing for good governance at the Mowbray Maqbarah for many years, particularly for an AGM as required by the Constitution.

I began calling for an AGM in 2021, following the widely reported incident in which a Mayet was initially prevented from entering the Maqbarah over an “overtime fee” issue, as reported by SABC News. This occurred after new measures had been introduced by individuals largely unknown to me. These included increased burial fees, the introduction of overtime fees and reduced operating hours, at a time when many people were already struggling financially.

An AGM was needed to establish what was happening, particularly with the finances. Burial money is an Amanah and should never be treated lightly. Despite repeated requests, there has still been no AGM.

I took the mortuary matter to court to prevent significant funds being wasted on an unlawful project that could only become a costly white elephant. The title deed did not permit a mortuary, making the construction unlawful. Furthermore, the Board was not lawfully constituted when the decision was taken, so the decision was also ultra vires and unlawful.

Had there been an AGM, these issues could have been properly discussed, and considering both the unlawfulness of the project and the fact that a mortuary is not Islamically necessary, it should never have proceeded.

I am not asking for perfection. At the very least, I believe there should be basic transparency and accountability, including the proper holding of an AGM and the presentation of the financials to the members.

Ultimately, when given a choice, we should vote only for those we genuinely believe we can entrust with this Amanah. Each of us is accountable to Allah for our own vote, for the person we choose to support and entrust with this responsibility.

Mowbray Maqbarah: Connection & Advocacy

Connected to the Maqbarah since childhood, with generations of family/extended family buried here.

Janāzah is Fard Kifāyah, its proper and timely performance matters to every Muslim.

Urgent Interdict to halt construction of proposed mortuary (2025/2026) because:

• Violates Tajīl al-Dafn, the Islamic principle of prompt burial.
• Unlawful, ultra vires and in violation of the title deed.
• No proper member consultation.

Reason for Standing for Election

• Ensure an AGM is held, as required by the 1948 Constitution (as amended in 1971).
• Ensure up-to-date and transparent financials are presented at the AGM, as required by the 1948 Constitution (as amended in 1971).
• Facilitate a smooth and peaceful transition.

Part of a group advocating for good governance, with the aims of:

• Reducing burial costs.
• Extending burial hours.
• Ensuring meaningful community participation in the affairs of the Maqbarah, particularly in decisions concerning major matters.
• Protecting the Maqbarah from unnecessary interference, while ensuring decisions remain guided by proper governance and the interests of the community.
• Protecting the Islamic ethos and burial practices of the Maqbarah and ensuring it is not commercially exploited.

Relevant Experience

• Islamic institutions — Pinelands Mosque, Constitution Review Committee
• Governance — Former Head of Clinical Governance at an IMC

Skills

• Work — Medical Doctor, Legal Advisor

Qualifications

• Studied — Bo-Kaap ICRA Comprehensive School
• Islamic — Quran/Tajweed: Imam Ederies, Sheikh Fuat Gabier; Arabic/Fiqh: Imam Abdurahman Bassier
• Other — MBChB (UCT), PgDipGP (FPD), LLB (UNISA), Practical Legal Training (UCT), Civil Mediation Training (LEAD/LSSA)