A True Servant Leader
The Imam Abdullah Haron Education Trust (IAHET) is saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Saamsudien Pather who passed away on Monday, 5 July 2021.
Shams, as he was affectionately known, was one of the founder members of the IAHET, which was launched in September 2005, and played a key role in the meticulous drafting of the organisation’s trust deed.
In keeping with his style of maintaining a low profile while being hands-on behind the scenes, Shams declined the opportunity, on several occasions, to be appointed a Trustee of the IAHET. He could, if he acceeded to many requests, also have taken the position of chair of the Trust.
“We are saddened by the loss of a valuable colleague like Shams, who in many ways was the moral beacon of our organisation’s governance structures. He was uncompromising and principled about good governance,” said IAHET chairperson Ebrahim Mohamed.
“Even during the time when he stepped back from active involvement in the Trust due to the debilitating nature of his illness, Shams still diligently read the minutes of our meetings and delivered valuable and characteristically wise input when required.
“We were comforted by the knowledge that his door was always open to dispense his wisdom whenever we approached him.
“Whilst his considerable achievements in his business career were undoubtedly remarkable and have rightly been lauded, I have been privileged to know Shams the generous, kind and “true human” for the past 37 years.
“His empathy with the down-trodden and marginalised sections of humanity spurred him to act – and act he did, with a principled, thoughtful and compassionate demeanour,” Mohamed added.
Shams was particularly passionate about making a difference in the field of Early Childhood Development in marginalised communities. He often visited centres supported by the IAHET in informal settlements and assisted in securing sponsorships, whilst always ensuring he steered clear of any potential conflict of interest.
In his tribute Rhiedewaan Allie, director of the Foundation for Community Work (FCW), one of the ECD organisations supported by the IAHET, recalled a meeting in April with Shams and his IAHET colleague Yusuf Patel.
“I remember us discussing the relevance of our work and the way forward. We will fondly remember Shams for his concern and commitment to make a difference in the lives of young children, their development and education to overcome the poverty in marginalized communities.”
Eric Atmore, director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development, another of the IAHET’s ECD partners said: “Shams embodied all that is good about people. I enjoyed his positivity and his down-to-earth common sense. Despite his status as a leader in the business field he was not flashy at all. South Africa has lost a valued son.”
After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Science degree from the University of Cape Town in 1973, Shams also completed a BComm (Hons) and MBA at the same institution.He worked in the asset management industry for more than three decades, holding senior executive positions at Norwich Union, Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Company, Southern Life and Real Africa Asset Management.
More recently he was chairman of Coronation Fund Managers, and served on the boards of Lungisa Investment Holdings and Kagiso Tiso Holdings. He was also a member of the UCT Joint Investment Council.
He was appointed to the Oceana Group Limited board in 1996, and dedicated 24 years to the growth and success of the business.
“Shams served the Board with diligence and integrity and left an indelible mark on all who interacted with him. The Board pays tribute to a leader, a colleague and a friend. He will be sorely missed,” said Mustaq Brey, Chairman of Oceana Group Limited.
In their tribute Oceana said: “For his role on the Oceana Board, Shams was highly respected, extremely dedicated and always made time to share his views and knowledge with others. He was the voice of reason, always providing thoughtful and considered feedback with a thorough understanding of Oceana’s business and the broader fishing sector.
“He was also well-known for his sharp mind, attention to detail and standing his ground when he had a strong opinion.”
Oceana Group CEO Imraan Soomra added: “Shams epitomised the qualities of a good leader – he possessed great wisdom, the utmost respect for people and had a wonderful sense of humour. He led with integrity and humility, and we could reach out to him at any time for advice and always a balanced view. He has left a legacy and will always be remembered for it. ”
The IAHET, on behalf of all our partners and beneficiaries, conveys its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to Shams’ widow Fozia, children Fazlul, Nadia and Raeesa, and his four grandchildren.