Ashwin Trikamjee passed away on Thursday morning
Image: Facebook
The legal and religious communities are mourning the loss of distinguished leader, Ashwin Trikamjee.
Trikamjee, from Morningside, died in hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning following a short illness.
Tributes have been pouring in since news of his death was announced.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to Trikamjee's family, friends and associates, describing him as an "outstanding icon of service to our nation".
"Mr Trikamjee’s deep spiritual devotion extended beyond his Hindu affiliation as he advocated tolerance and collaboration among the diverse religious communities in our country. Ashwin Trikamjee led a life of diverse pursuits which he exercised to improve the lives of communities and the impact of organisations in which he served.
“We will miss his gentle, serene presence, wise counsel and humble yet industrious service to many sectors of our nation. May his soul rest in peace," said Ramaphosa.
Trikamjee, aged 80, was head of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and an executive consultant at Garlicke & Bousfield specialising in commercial litigation and tax law.
He had served on boards of a number of parastatals and major corporations.
Yvonne Boden, CEO of Garlicke & Bousfield (G&B), said they were devastated.
"It was saddening to receive a call early this morning about Ashwin's passing. A few days ago I spoke to him and he said he was going to the hospital for observation. Last year we celebrated his 50 years as an attorney and later his 80th birthday. He was a very disciplined and fit man who played squash. He was active and exercised regularly.
"He was a remarkable man. He worked up until two weeks ago," said Boden.
In a statement from Garlicke & Bousfield, it said they mourn the passing of Trikamjee – a much-valued member of the G&B family for 32 years.
"His contribution within the realm of legal education is unmatched and many attorneys will remember with affection and gratitude the role Ashwin played in assisting them to qualify as practising attorneys.
"As a firm we have lost a truly unique and inspiring colleague and mentor – a loyal team member who always had time to assist and advise, he was slow to criticise and quick to praise and encourage. Committed to justice, equality and a truly free South Africa, Ashwin embodied what each of us should strive to be. In our sadness and grief, we remember with pride and gratitude our much loved and respected “Ash”. A mighty tree has fallen," read the law firm's social media post.
Some of the roles Trikamjee held was board director at the 1860 Heritage Centre, chairperson of the disciplinary committee of the Estate Agents Board of SA, past member of the Betting Board of Natal and chairperson of the KZN Gaming and Betting Board, non-executive director of the SA Post Office, non-executive director of the SABC board, trustee of the Royal Household Trust and Member of Audit & Risk Committee and former member of the Audit and Risk Committee of Old Mutual.
Other high profile positions he held included that of acting high court judge, president of the Natal Law Society (as it was then), vice president and president of the Association of Law Societies of SA, chairperson of the African Regional Forum of the International Bar Association and member of the Human Rights Committee of the IBA, non-executive director of the South African Red Cross Society and vice president of the SA Football Association.
Trikamjee marked 50 years as an attorney in April.
Admitted on April 23, 1974 before the Honourable Justice Shearer and Justice Hoexter, Trikamjee spent the next 50 years of his life contributing to the profession in a number of crucial roles.
His commitment to justice began when he was in school when he was a member of the African Peoples Democratic Union of SA and while at university he was earmarked for his political activity which were perceived as a threat to the ruling party of the day.
He addressed audiences nationally and internationally, presenting papers in conferences promoting civil rights and upholding the rule of law.