A Rocklands man who lost a year-long battle with tuberculosis (TB), has left a legacy in the community where he worked hard to deter his peers from doing crime, drugs and joining gangs.
Niyaaz Dramat, 22, died at home with his mom, Zoekydah, at his side during the waqt of Jumu’ah (congregational prayer time) on Friday August 2.
He played rugby, attended College of Cape Town and was involved with various religious groups, including the serving of close to 700 people during street boekas (breaking of fast) in Ramadaan over the last three years.
“He was very much involved in his community,” said his mother.
Niyaaz would load photographs and videos on social media to invite and encourage youth to participate in nasheed (songs of praise), attend thikrs (gatherings of remembrance of God) and often helped the family share food with their neighbours and those in need.
His maternal uncle Adnaan Abrahams said: “He had a manner with people and we did not realise the role he played in their lives until after he died and people came to tell us.”
Mr Abrahams said his legacy would live on as his behaviour inspired those he met and is still alive in others.
He said while the family was quite popular in the community, Niyaaz made a name for himself.
He opened doors connecting youth to opportunities and alternatives to gangsterism and drugs.
“He was his grandfather’s right hand man. He had a beautiful voice which people admired as well as his smile,” he said.
Niyaaz’s maternal grandmother Fatima Abrahams, said he was big built but he had a soft heart.
“He was gentle giant. He had a serious look about him but he had a sense of humour. He never fought and rather left it in Allah’s hands,” she said.
Ms Abrahams said during his sickness he prepared himself for death and had made a success of his life.
Rocklands neighbourhood watch radio controller, Valerie Moses, is good friends with the family.
“They are very respectable people. Niyaaz was gentle. They know how to greet and talk to people.
“They were always committed to doing what they had to do.
“Their parents were real role models as they lived with their grandparents for many years.
“They are great children. Respectable, good children, he (Niyaaz) was always there with his father,” she said.
Niyaaz is survived by his grandparents, parents, older brother and younger sister.
