Zinzile MavusoThe Ahmed Kathrada Foundation conveys its deepest condolences to the family, friends and
comrades of struggle veteran and treason trialist Dr Hassen Mohamed ‘Ike’ Moosa.
Comrade Hassen was born in Johannesburg in September 1923 to Hajira and Mohamed Moosa.
After completing his matric, he went on to pursue a BSc degree at the University of Fort Hare where
he cut his political teeth in politics and student activism. Hassen completed his medical degree at the
University of Cape Town (UCT).
In Cape Town, he was vice president of the Cape Indian Assembly which had the likes of anti-
apartheid activists Hassen Mall and Cassim Amra among its members. He was also part of the
Student Socialist Party and the Cape Indian Assembly.
In 1951, Comrade Hassen married Rahima Moosa, a fellow activist, trade unionist and one of the
four leaders who led the march by thousands of women to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, to
protest against apartheid’s pass laws.
The couple, who were both very active in the South African Indian Congress and later the African
National Congress, moved to Johannesburg. They both played a significant role in the organisation of
the 1955 Congress of the People, as well as the collection of signatures in support of the Freedom
Charter. Hassen was among the comrades chosen to read out a chapter from this important
document that became the blueprint for a free South Africa.
Hassen was, in 1956, prosecuted under the Suppression of Communism Act for his opposition to
apartheid. He was one of the accused in the treason trial of 1956-1961.
He was banned and banished for five years in 1959 for his political activities. When that expired, he
was banned for a further five years in 1964.
Comrade Hassen worked at Sommerset Hospital in Cape Town from 1951-160 and at Baragwanath
Hospital from 1960 to 1979.
His loss is immense, and we will always remember him for his sacrifices and contribution during the
struggle for a non-racial, equal, tolerant and free society.
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