Cape Town - The Cape Flats community is mourning the untimely death of activist Aysha Gulaam, who passed away in hospital at the weekend from a heart attack.
Known for her unwavering commitment to social justice, Gulaam, 39, was a beacon of hope for families affected by violence and loss across the Cape Flats.
Gulaam’s sister, Sumaya Gilfelleon, 37, said she lost her rock.
“Until the end, she was there supporting my son at his concert, that's where she collapsed.
“We still spoke about our plans to go on Umrah.
“Aysha to us as family, was the same person she was outside-loving, compassionate and a heart of gold.
“Since small she was dedicated to helping the community because that’s what my mom did, so she took it from our mom and ran with it.”
Her janaza (funeral), held in the heart of Hanover Park, was a reminder of the countless lives she touched, drawing together many individuals who she helped along in her journey to better the world.
Among the mourners were the families of Ayesha Kelly, 10, and Emaan Solomons, 7, both whom she fiercely supported.
The two girls were tragically killed when gang bullets struck them in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Gulaam’s contributions to the community also extended far beyond her advocacy.
Safety and community activist, Lynn Phillips, said Gulaam’s efforts included organising support groups, leading awareness campaigns, and providing a voice for those who felt overlooked and forgotten.
“Aysha’s voice could be heard a mile away at court cases, protesting for any innocent life taken, wherever we went with regards to court, Aysha was there, and she supported families until the very end.
“She also gave her everything to her community, gathering youngsters to get them away from the streets and man, would she drive to get those youngsters to visit places they have never been to, even if it meant she had to drive 10 times up and down.
“She inspired me, the way she did things, she would bring even her own children to show them how to treat people, that’s the thing, even when she was doing her bit by helping everyone else, she never forgot about her family.
“This is a big loss for the youth and especially the children.”
Ayesha Kelly’s aunt, Fatima Kelly, described Gulaam as a piece of gold.
“She never missed a court case, for us and Emaan, she became like part of our family.
“She was there not only for court cases, but in the sense of supporting families of victims. She will be missed.”
Cape Argus