By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ashwin Hirjee Trikamjee, human rights advocate, and religious leader, passed away last night at the age of 79, 1860 Heritage Centre confirmed his passing.
Trikamjee was the President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and Board Director at the 1860 Heritage Centre.
The 1860 Heritage Centre confirmed his death on social media.
“Trikamjee was a constant source of strength, wisdom, and guidance to all whom he came into contact with. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Om Shanti,” read a social media post by the 1860 Heritage Centre.
Trikamjee was very vocal on his beliefs about religious tolerance in the community.
President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed Trikamjee’s service as President of the then Natal Law Society, President of the Association of Law Societies of SA, Chairperson of the African Regional Forum of the International Bar Association (IBA) and member of the Human Rights Committee of the IBA.
“Mr Trikamjee’s deep spiritual devotion extended beyond his Hindu affiliation as he advocated tolerance and collaboration among the diverse religious communities in our country,” Ramaphosa said.
Hundreds of people have shared messages of condolences on social media.
Born on 29 November 1944 in Durban’s Grey Street area, Trikamjee built a formidable career in the legal profession, becoming a trailblazer in a system that long excluded non-white practitioners from leadership positions.
He was the first non-white President of the Association of Law Societies of South Africa, a position that capped a series of firsts, including his tenure as Chairperson of the Durban Legal Association and President of the Natal Law Society from 1992 to 1994.
A graduate of UNISA, he practised law for decades, initially as a partner at Amin & Trikamjee before the firm merged with Garlicke & Bousfield, where he served as an executive consultant until his passing. His legal expertise extended beyond private practice, as he was an acting judge in the Natal Provincial Division and an influential figure in the International Bar Association.
Trikamjee was deeply engaged in South Africa’s social and cultural transformation. As President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, he was a respected voice on religious and ethical issues.
He also served as the inaugural Chairperson of the National Religious Leaders Forum, playing a vital role in interfaith dialogue. His work in this sphere extended to his appointment on the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 and the Death Management Advisory Committee.
He was a current serving Board member of the 1860 Heritage Centre.
His influence extended to the corporate and regulatory sectors, where he held directorships in major entities, including Old Mutual, the SA Post Office, and the SABC.
He chaired numerous oversight bodies, including the KwaZulu-Natal Gambling Board, the Estate Agency Affairs Board, and the SABC Pension Fund’s Board of Trustees.
Trikamjee was also a major figure in South African football. He was the longest-serving council member of the South African Soccer Federation, President of the Federation Professional League, and a founding member and Vice-President of the South African Football Association (SAFA). His leadership helped shape the country’s football structures during a crucial period of transformation.