Businessman Vivian Reddy and Mayor Cyril Xaba were among more than 600 family members, friends, community leaders, business figures and dignitaries who gathered at the NMJ Hall in Overport on Sunday to celebrate the 80th birthdays of respected humanitarian and community leader Dr A.V. Mahomed and his wife, Rashida.
The milestone celebration was marked by a special Noormahomed family reunion, bringing together branches of his family from across generations in a rare gathering of unity and reflection.
Tributes flowed throughout the day as speakers paid homage to Dr Mahomed’s decades of service to humanity, his leadership in religious and community organisations, and his efforts to build bridges across faiths and communities.
Among his many leadership roles, Dr Mahomed has served as Chairman of the renowned Grey Street Juma Masjid, where he has helped champion numerous social welfare and outreach initiatives.
More than 600 guests gathered at the NMJ Hall in Overport on Sunday to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of one of Durban’s most respected community leaders, Dr A.V. Mahomed, who turned 80 on Monday, June 8.
The celebration also honoured his wife, Rashida, who is likewise celebrating her 80th birthday, making the occasion a double celebration for the couple and their extended family. Rather than hosting a traditional birthday function, Dr Mahomed used the occasion to bring together members of the Noormahomed family from various branches and generations, creating a memorable family reunion centred on unity, gratitude and reflection.
The event attracted a diverse gathering of business leaders, politicians, religious leaders, professionals, friends and family members, a reflection of the many lives Dr Mahomed has touched through decades of community service and humanitarian work. Widely known simply as “AV”, Dr Mahomed has dedicated much of his life to social upliftment, charitable work and fostering understanding between people of different faiths and backgrounds. His commitment to service has earned him widespread respect across South Africa and beyond.
Born into Durban’s multicultural environment, Dr Mahomed developed an appreciation for diversity and social responsibility from an early age. Those values would become the cornerstone of a lifetime devoted to helping others. Over the years, he has been involved in numerous welfare initiatives, educational programmes and charitable projects aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged communities. His work has often focused on bringing people together and promoting social cohesion in a society frequently challenged by division and inequality.
Among his most significant leadership roles has been his service as Chairman of the internationally renowned Grey Street Juma Masjid. Under his stewardship, the mosque has expanded its role beyond spiritual guidance to become a centre for community development, outreach programmes, youth mentorship and humanitarian assistance.
In 2018, Dr Mahomed’s contributions to society were formally recognised when he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Humanities by the Commonwealth University in London. One of the days’s most moving tributes came from Professor Brij Maharaj, who described Dr Mahomed as a man whose life has been defined by compassion, service and an unwavering commitment to unity.
“For decades, Mr Mahomed has been a pillar of strength for countless individuals and families in need. His work in the philanthropy and welfare sector reflects not only generosity but a deep sense of responsibility to uplift others with dignity and respect,” Maharaj said.
He noted that Dr Mahomed had become a powerful advocate for interfaith dialogue and social cohesion, helping to build bridges between communities of different faiths and backgrounds in Durban’s diverse society. “At 80, AV’s life serves as a powerful reminder that one individual, guided by purpose and integrity, can make an extraordinary difference. His legacy is not only seen in the initiatives he has supported, but in the hearts and minds of those he has influenced across generations and across faiths,” Maharaj added.
As family members, friends and community leaders reflected on eight decades of achievement and service, the overwhelming message was one of gratitude for a man whose legacy continues to inspire countless people across communities, generations and faiths. For Dr A.V. Mahomed and Rashida, the occasion was not only a celebration of 80 years of life, but a celebration of the values of compassion, unity and service that have defined their journey together.
