Human rights award for Michael Bagraim

ANT KATZ

Ashraf Mahomed, president of the Cape Law Society, told Jewish Report that the original nomination was by Shields Chait Attorneys.

Mahomed said that he had not had much personal interaction with Bagraim, “but I respect him and his seniority in the profession. I think he has served as a role-model in leadership situations and in the profession.”

RIGHT: Cape Law Society President Ashraf Mahomed, right, handing over the award to Michael Bagraim.   – PHOTO

GRAPH: LIZELL HAMMAN, STARPIX

Mahomed said that Bagraim was chosen in part due to his broad association with civil society groups – particularly his role in empowering vulnerable women,

Bagraim does all the legal briefs of the Cape-based association for battered women, Mosaic, for free and assists prosecutors in obtaining injunctions, convictions, etc.

LEFT: A portion of the certificate

Mahomed warns that the award could be a double-edged sword: “I think that giving him the award creates an expectation on him to become even more involved as a mentor in his human rights activities.”

Several years ago Michael “Bags” Bagraim was awarded a special merit certificate by the SA Medical Association for his tireless and ex-gratia work in assisting to get Dr Cyril Karabus bailed, and, ultimately freed from a wrongful imprisonment in Abu Dhabi. 

Bagraim, who has in the past chaired the Law Society’s labour subcommittee, told Jewish Report that he had won many awards in his career, but that this one was close to his heart.

A recent chairman of the Cape Chamber of Commerce as well, Bagraim says that if he is to be remembered for something among broad society, it would be for his concern for battered women.