Communities in the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal and Tongaat are mourning the loss of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) founder and chairperson of the Tongaat Community Police Forum, Nazir Sadack, who died after suffering a stroke on Tuesday, 27 August.
Well-known as a community hero with a passion for helping others, his passing has seen tributes pour in from the community and members of the emergency services fraternity. Riza Mohamed of CERT described Sadack as an exceptional leader with a strong vision and dedication.
“His tireless efforts have guided our organisation to unprecedented heights and his legacy will continue to inspire us. His selfless commitment, strategic insight, and unwavering passion have earned our deepest respect and gratitude. Under his chairmanship, we have achieved remarkable milestones and overcome challenges. We owe him thanks for his unwavering vision and guidance, his unshakeable commitment to excellence, his inspirational leadership and mentorship, and his tireless advocacy for our organisations mission. The impact he made will be felt for generations to come. His shift has come to an end but we have taken over the baton and will continue to strive and take CERT to another level,” said Mohamed.
Freddy Govender, a close friend of Sadack, said: “I have known him for 10 years, since the establishment of CERT. When his wife suffered a stroke there were no emergency services in the area to assist her until paramedics arrived, he found it agonising to watch her suffer as precious minutes slipped away. It was this experience that led to the establishment of CERT. His passion for helping those in need has always driven him forward and pushed him to do more. In the recent tornado in Tongaat, his home was damaged but instead of focusing on his repairs Nazir was on the ground assisting residents in need of help. I am deeply saddened by his untimely death.”
Dylan Meyrick, owner of IPSS Medical and IPSS Search and Rescue had a close working relationship with Sadack. He said: “Nazir Sadack was a man who dedicated his life to serving and giving back to his greater community. IPSS has worked beside this selfless man for many years and the loss will be felt by all, especially his family, friends, and the community he served through CERT and in his capacity. To the Sadack family, friends, and CERT KZN volunteers, we stand beside you during this difficult time and hope that we can all live up to the legacy he leaves behind.”
In a press statement following his passing the Durban North CPF said: “Nazir was a dedicated CPF member and dedicated many hours assisting search and rescue operations through CERT, which was his passion. He was a man of integrity and honour, a true servant of the people. He was well known to our uMdloti members and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. We extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and colleagues through this sad time.”
Sadack was honoured by friends, family, and colleagues at a funeral service held at Gandhi’s Hill Mosque. Urvashi Singh, a member of the Tongaat community shared a heartfelt message about Sadack. She said: “Nazir Sadack is a community hero and an incredible soul who spent his life in selfless service to our communities and served with distinction, often being on the scene of any emergency, robbery, accident, or disaster long before the authorities at any time of night or day. May we all take a page from his book and let his legacy of selfless service live on in our community.”
Captain JV Naidoo, communications officer at the SAPS Tongaat, acknowledged Sadack’s significant contributions to the Tongaat community and local police over the last 10 year
