In remembrance
In remembrance: Abdurahman (Abdu) Mohamed
04 February 2026Dear colleagues and students
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of our colleague, Mr Abdurahman (Abdu) Mohamed (65), a chief technical officer in the Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology. He passed away on Saturday, 10 January 2026.
Mr Mohamed joined the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 1995 as a technical officer and, alongside his laboratory responsibilities, developed a passion for photography, creating a valued visual record of UCT’s changing campus, laboratories, students and academic life – work that was formally recognised by the university and generously shared with staff and students. Through many years of dedicated service, he became a cornerstone of the Pathology Department and the wider Falmouth Building community.
His colleagues described Mr Mohamed as someone who was deeply committed to the smooth and safe functioning of laboratory services. They remember him for his substantial contribution to research and postgraduate teaching. He supported multiple laboratories across pathology disciplines, enabled research continuity through meticulous resource coordination, and played a key role in establishing and maintaining specialised research spaces. His unrelenting attention to the detailed repair and maintenance of infrastructure ensured that research equipment remained functional. Additionally, he supported postgraduate students with technical expertise to operate equipment safely and efficiently to complete their research projects.
He has been described as a respected health and safety officer and chairperson of the Falmouth Building Health & Safety Committee, where he led audits, fire drills and compliance initiatives with diligence and care. He also line-managed laboratory assistants across departments, fostering teamwork, mentorship and cross-cover to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
Mr Mohamed will be remembered for his dedication, humility and his unwavering sense of responsibility. He was widely regarded as dependable, solution-oriented and deeply invested in the well-being of colleagues and students alike.
He was laid to rest on Sunday, 11 January 2026. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 4 February 2026 from 15:00 to 17:00 in the Wolfson Pavilion Lecture Theatre, at the health sciences campus.
The university has reached out to offer support to the Mohamed family, and our heartfelt condolences go out to them and all who knew our late colleague.
He is survived by his siblings, nieces and nephews.
Sincerely
The UCT Executive
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