"On behalf of the Western Cape I extend our sympathy to the family of the late Yasser Arafat, the leadership of Palestine and the Palestinian people on the death early this morning of the Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat.

"People from across the world and the international Muslim community unite with the Palestinians today irrespective of political and tactical differences to recognise the contribution of Yasser Arafat. It is important for us to recognise his role in keeping the fighting spirit and hopes of the Palestinian people alive and for being the symbol around which the Palestinian diaspora around the world have united.

"When there was a need for war, he was prepared to lead the war. When there was a need for peace, he was prepared to lead the peace, in his own words, the 'peace of the brave'. Indeed it was brave because many Palestinians and supporters did not agree with negotiations; many Israelis, especially Sharon had no inclination for peace and he was up against hostile world powers in the search for a peaceful resolution.

"It is a pity that President Arafat was not able to see the kind of freedom that he strove for. I call on supporters of the cause of Palestinian self determination to unite around Arafat's death. This is not a moment for rancour in the hearts of those to whom Yasser Arafat had historically been a threat. This is rather a moment of rededication to a solution and peace in Palestine and the Middle East.

"The Palestinian cause has become a rallying point of peace and justice for people from all faiths, nations and ideologies. However tomorrow (Friday the 12th) is Quds, a day on which Muslims historically remember the Palestinian people as Ramadan draws to an end. It is fitting that Yasser Arafat finds his resting place on this day.

"I have spoken to the leadership of the Muslim Judicial Council, especially Sheikh Ebrahim Gabriels and we have agreed to call on Muslims throughout South Africa and particularly the Western Cape that when they gather for Friday prayers, they should confer on Yasser Arafat the honour which every Muslim receives at the moment of their passing. Sheikh Gabriels and I therefore ask all Muslims to perform the Salaatul Janaazah (the prayer for the deceased) after the Friday prayer.

"This is in recognition of the many sacrifices made, the great leadership shown and the historic unity represented by Abu Ammr."