By Attorney Ziyaad Ebrahim Patel
I have been conscientized since a young age about the revolution of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
It was only in my later years and work as a South African Attorney and international human rights lawyer in the solidarity struggle for the liberation of the oppressed people of Palestine, has the significance of the steadfastness of the late Supreme Leader and his predecessor Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, which is imbued in the spirit of the Iranian people attracted me to the unique set of values, characteristics which are evident in the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
I was grateful and honoured to be invited through the Centre for Lawers, Official Experts and Family Consultants of the Judiciary to have attended the recent commemorative ceremony in Tehran for the late martyred Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
I have witnessed a profound love and deep sense of loss for an individual who was an integral part in the lives of millions of ordinary Iranians.
Mourners, dignitaries and guests came from all walks of life to pay their respects.
Being both a political head of State and a spiritual leader, his influence bears testament to the millions who paid their respects in cities across Iran and Iraq.
On a previous trip to Tehran, I visited the Al Qasar Prison Complex, and learned about his incarceration during the oppressive years of the Pahlavi Shah and torture he, Khomeini and other political leaders endured by SAVAK (the secret police prior to the Iranian Revolution).
I take with me a deep sense of honour and gratitude to have been invited and trusted to share in the memorable events commemorating an extraordinary life and remarkable leader who never allowed his values to be subjugated to his enemies and other leaders of the Arab world.
I also acknowledge his efforts in bridging sectarian divisions to build unity and support for resistance in the liberation of occupied Palestine.
Sayyid Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was martyred on a historical journey to reinstate the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to the land of Palestine.
He also recognized like in South Africa during the anti apartheid struggle, the rights of the disenfranchised through institutionalised racial discrimination, noting the special visits made by the former President Nelson Mandela to Tehran first in July 1992 as ANC president, and again in October 1999 during an official state visit.
His humility, simplicity and honour in upholding true Islamic values will always stand out, of what it means to be an empathetic human being and Muslim leader.
His courage and steadfastness to his religion, astute and tactical leadership has served to protect and defend his people amidst unlawful belligerent provocation and aggression caused by the United States and the illegitimate Zionist entity, Israel.
We bear witness the Islamic Republic of Iran and its citizens continue to defend their sovereign rights with honour and dignity on all fronts through the vision and values Sayyid Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has imbibed over the tenure of his influence and leadership.
Through his martyrdom and the testament of the millions who attended his funeral ceremonies, he has emerged the Vanquisher to both his and humanities enemies.
I am certain that millions in the Islamic world, Iran and peace loving human beings across the world will be proud to carry his esteemed legacy forward.