The District Six Museum has announced the passing of its executive director, Siddeeq Railoun, who was formally appointed in the position merely months ago on May 17. He took over from Bonita Bennett.
According to IOL, Railoun, died at Groote Schuur Hospital on Monday due to Covid-19 complications.
In a Facebook post, the museum expressed its shock and sadness following his death on Monday.
“Over the three months since he joined us, he has made a tremendous impact. Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that you keep them in your prayers. May he be granted the highest place in Jannah (Heaven).”
As News24 explains, Railoun was born and raised in Woodstock and both him and his family were evicted from District Six as a result of the Group Areas Act.
Railoun was buried according to Muslim rites on Monday evening in Surrey Estate.
The District Six Museum tells the story of a displaced community and was established in 1989, while the museum itself came into being in 1994. Currently, the museum serves as a remembrance of the once lively multi-racial area that was forcefully removed during apartheid in the 1960s and 1970s.
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