Ashwin Trikamjee played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s religious and cultural discourse.
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Ashwin Hirjee Trikamjee, a distinguished attorney, human rights advocate, and religious leader, has passed away at the age of 80.
His contributions to South Africa’s legal profession, social justice landscape, and Hindu community have left an indelible mark on the country.
Born on November 29, 1944 in Durban’s historic Grey Street area, Mr Trikamjee built a formidable career in law, breaking racial barriers in a system that long excluded non-white practitioners from leadership positions.
He made history as the first non-white President of the Association of Law Societies of South Africa. His legal career also included roles as chairperson of the Durban Legal Association and president of the Natal Law Society from 1992 to 1994.
A graduate of UNISA, Mr Trikamjee began his legal journey as a partner at Amin and Trikamjee before the firm merged with Garlicke and Bousfield, where he served as an executive consultant until his passing. His expertise was widely recognised, leading to his appointment as an acting judge in the Natal Provincial Division and his active participation in the International Bar Association.
Beyond the courtroom, Mr Trikamjee played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s religious and cultural discourse. As President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, he was a steadfast advocate for the Hindu community. His commitment to interfaith co-operation saw him serve as the inaugural Chairperson of the National Religious Leaders Forum, where he initiated and promoted dialogue among diverse faith groups.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he was appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Committee and the Death Management Advisory Committee, offering guidance on crucial ethical and logistical challenges. He was also a serving Board member of the 1860 Heritage Centre, dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Indian South Africans.
Mr Trikamjee’s influence extended into the corporate sector, where he held directorships in major entities such as Old Mutual, the South African Post Office, and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). He chaired multiple oversight bodies, including the KwaZulu-Natal Gambling Board, the Estate Agency Affairs Board, and the Board of Trustees for the SABC Pension Fund.
In addition to his legal and religious leadership, Mr Trikamjee was a key figure in South African football. He served as the longest-standing 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 was instrumental in the transformation of football in South Africa during a crucial period in the country’s history.
Beyond his formal roles, Mr Trikamjee was widely respected for his commitment to justice, community upliftment, and mentorship of young legal professionals. His passing marks the end of a remarkable era of leadership and service to South Africa.
Garlicke and Bousfield Inc, posting on their Facebook page, said the directors and staff mourned his passing.
“A much-valued member of the G&B family for 32 years, Ashwin was admitted as an attorney on 23 April 1974 before the Honourable Mr Justice Shearer and Mr Justice Hoexter. He spent the next 50 years of his life contributing to the profession in a number of crucial roles, holding positions that included president of the Natal Law Society (as it was then), vice-president and president of the Association of Law Societies of SA, chairperson of the African Regional Forum of the International Bar Association and member of the Human Rights Committee of the IBA. His contribution within the realm of legal education is unmatched and many attorneys will remember with affection and gratitude the role Ashwin played in assisting them to qualify as practising attorneys. As a Firm we have lost a truly unique and inspiring colleague and mentor – a loyal team member who always had time to assist and advise, he was slow to criticise and quick to praise and encourage. Committed to justice, equality and a truly free South Africa, Ashwin embodied what each of us should strive to be. In our sadness and grief, we remember with pride and gratitude our much loved and respected 'Ash'. A mighty tree has fallen,” read the message.