Minister Marais mourns the loss of Cape Town icon Mr Shafiek April

The Cape Town cultural sphere has lost an icon with the passing of the president of the Cape Malay choir board, Shafiek April.

Mr April was a dedicated leader in the Cape Malay choir community, who dedicated more than 30 years in service of the choirs and various structures within this environment.

After starting out as secretary to the board, Mr April was elected as president in 1989,  a position to which he was re-elected every 5 years after. He held this position with great integrity and earned the respect of all those he worked with during this time. He was someone who was greatly admired and revered in both the choir community as well as within the broader community where he lived.

The Cape Malay choirs are an integral part of the rich and textured history of Cape Town and Mr. April contributed greatly to preserving this important part of our country’s culture.

We express our heartfelt condolences to Mr. April’s family, friends and choir community. He has left a legacy which will still touch many lives long after his passing.