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Du Toit Family<br />
We have traced the history <strong>of</strong> the Moerat and the Abrahams families, who are<br />
presently resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. We have mentioned certain families. There are Gamieldien,<br />
Nackerdien, Patel, Kozain, Latief, Fredericks, Essop, Rhoda, etc, which we will still trace.<br />
But let us investigate the history <strong>of</strong> Imam Kiyaam du Toit, who was the spiritual leader <strong>of</strong><br />
the Waterkant Street Mosque, early in the twentieth century. Imam Kiyamdien was the<br />
son <strong>of</strong> Boeta Jakoef du Toit, who originally purchased the plots and built both mosque<br />
sites in the Ou Tuin area. Because <strong>of</strong> a dispute, the second mosque along the banks <strong>of</strong><br />
the Berg River was built, and Imam Kiyamdien became its spiritual leader.<br />
Boeta Jakoef’s other son, known as Bilal Syfdien, was the Mu’addhin at the Breda<br />
Street Mosque and never moved to the Waterkant Street Mosque with the others. He<br />
built his residence in Weiss Street and had a café right opposite the Breda Street<br />
Mosque. Bilal Syfdien had three sons, Abdurraghman, Abdullah and Noor, and a<br />
daughter Fatima. Abdurraghman moved with his family to Simondium, where he passed<br />
away. Abdullah passed away in <strong>Paarl</strong> very early. Noor moved to Salt River with his<br />
family, where he passed away. There are no descendants <strong>of</strong> this family in <strong>Paarl</strong><br />
anymore.<br />
Imam Kiyamdien’s sister, Auntie Gabieba married a man by the surname <strong>of</strong><br />
Abrahams. Her husband left her and he disappeared completely. Where he went,<br />
remained a mystery to this day. An Arab person, named Mustapha Musaghhir, came to<br />
settle in <strong>Paarl</strong>. He married Auntie Gabieba and adopted her surname, Abrahams, while<br />
discarding his Arab surname. Auntie Gabieba had two sons and a daughter from her first<br />
marriage. They were Cassiem (Boeta Kaa), Boeta Salie, and Auntie Salegga. Only<br />
Auntie Salegga, who married Boeta Tayeb Abrahams, have <strong>of</strong>fspring remaining in <strong>Paarl</strong><br />
(as mentioned earlier).<br />
10
Imam Mustapha Abrahams<br />
Imam Mustapha, was a Bukkhari, with the surname Musaghir, who fled from the<br />
Russian Revolution to seek sanctuary in Makkah and Madina. He immigrated from<br />
Arabia and became a tailor by trade. He married Auntie Gabieba <strong>of</strong> <strong>Paarl</strong>, a widow, who<br />
had two sons and a daughter from her first marriage, as mentioned in the last paragraph<br />
above. Imam and Auntie Gabieba had two daughters and two sons. They were Auntie<br />
Jawaya, who went to reside in Wynberg, Auntie Gaya, who married Boeta Abbas Moerat,<br />
Boeta Koefie, who married first Sis Fatima and then Sis Amina, and Boeta Saaid, who<br />
married Hadja Fatima. Boeta Koefie’s children are Kiyaam, Achmad, Niesa, Gabieba,<br />
Fatgieya, Mastoera and Naadier. We already discussed the family <strong>of</strong> Auntie Gaya and<br />
Boeta Abbas. Kiyaam and Mastoera are still resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
Imam Mustapha Abrahams the teacher <strong>of</strong> a pupil who finished the Qur’an, Basier Latief during the 1940s. Nasier, the<br />
Imam’s son is on the right hand side and Yusuf Mohamed on the left.<br />
Photo kindly donated by the late Imam’s daughter, Jamela King <strong>of</strong> London<br />
11
Imam Mustapha remarried after the passing away <strong>of</strong> his first wife. He married Sis<br />
Hajira (Siesie, nee Gamieldien), the eldest daughter <strong>of</strong> Imam Kiemie, and the sister <strong>of</strong><br />
Imam Tagudien, who was mentioned earlier. Siesie gave birth to five children, <strong>of</strong> whom<br />
one passed away as a baby. Those, who grew up were Nasier (Meester), Jamiela,<br />
Amoena and Ebrahim (Brympie, who is married to Ruwayda, nee Davids). Jamiela<br />
married the late Dr Bruce King and went to settle abroad, where they have one daughter.<br />
Meester Nasier was a teacher at the Moslem School and passed away shortly after his<br />
retirement. Most <strong>of</strong> his family left <strong>Paarl</strong>. His wife, Aziza, passed away in Cape Town.<br />
As seen before, the surname is not always original. In the old days people could easily<br />
adopt a surname. The surname Rahimo, for example, was changed to a father’s name,<br />
Vahed (pronounced Waaghied). The surname Walpoort was changed to Moerat. In fact<br />
the original surname <strong>of</strong> Moerat belonged to the family <strong>of</strong> the late Hadjie Loella Moerat.<br />
Unfortunately there is no one alive to dig into the past <strong>of</strong> Hadjie Loella and his wife. He<br />
had a son, Loella, who married in Wellington and went to reside in Gauteng, where he<br />
passed away. A daughter, Fatima, married a man by the name <strong>of</strong> Moosa. I believe that<br />
Auntie Asie Jakoet, mother <strong>of</strong> the doctors Jakoet in Cape Town is related to this family<br />
as well as to the Latief family.<br />
Gamieldien Family<br />
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The next family I would like to discuss is the Gamieldien family. Imam Kiemie married<br />
Sis Manouwhie (originally from Wellington). She was a sister <strong>of</strong> Sis Gawa “Jamaal”<br />
Moosa and Sis Beira Cloete. Sis Gawa was the mother <strong>of</strong> Sis Rachmat (Baker), Auntie<br />
Mariam and Boeta Moosa Moosa. Imam Kiemie was the first khaliefa <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Paarl</strong><br />
Moslem School. According to reports, he was very strict with his pupils. Their children<br />
were Imam Taagudien, who married Auntie Gadijah Kamaldien, Sis Hajira Abrahams,<br />
Sis Amina (who married my eldest brother, Boeta Ebrahim), Boeta Doelie, married to Sis<br />
Kulsom (nee Mack), and Abeeda, who never married.<br />
We have already discussed the families <strong>of</strong> Imam Taagudien and Siesie. Sis Amina<br />
married my eldest brother Ebrahim Mohamed and raised Gakiem, Sadaqa, Asa, Baakier,<br />
Sulaiman, Abdurrazak, Noura and Boebie, besides her stepsons, the late Achmat, Yusuf<br />
and the late Isghaak. Only Abdurrazak is still resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. The surname Mohamed,<br />
was also taken from the name <strong>of</strong> the grandfather, instead <strong>of</strong> the surname, Patel.<br />
Latief Family<br />
This is one <strong>of</strong> the oldest families in <strong>Paarl</strong> and it would seem as the families known as<br />
Latief and Bassier were very closely related, according to Mr Mogamat Noor Moerat<br />
(shortly before he passed away), because his own mother was a Bassier. The Latief<br />
family originally resided at the foot <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Paarl</strong> Mountain, before they moved to the Ou<br />
Tuin area.<br />
We have mentioned Hadjie Aziz Latief as the first principal <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Paarl</strong> Moslem<br />
School. Hadji Aziz had brothers, Hadjie Mogammad Saaid and Boeta Bassier. Their<br />
Sister was Auntie Gaya de Vos, wife <strong>of</strong> Boeta Achmat de Vos. The wife <strong>of</strong> Hadji Aziz was<br />
Sis Gaya (Bassier), the mother <strong>of</strong> Isghaak, Yusuf, Bassier, Farieda, Aymie, Washiela<br />
(Shirley) and Aziz. Boeta Bassier went to settle in Cape Town and I think one <strong>of</strong> his sons<br />
is presently resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
Hadjie Mogamat married Sis Wyrie <strong>of</strong> Cape Town. Their children are Auntie<br />
Zainuniesa (Jaynie) Moerat, wife <strong>of</strong> Boeta Alie, Auntie Shariefa, wife <strong>of</strong> Boeta Bakkoe,<br />
Sietie Noer, wife <strong>of</strong> Sayed Shaafier <strong>of</strong> Makkah, Enver, who passed away as a young<br />
man, Hadja Rhoda (the wife <strong>of</strong> Hadjie Yusuf Moerat), Fouzia (wife <strong>of</strong> Boeta Noor<br />
Haafiez) and Fouzul (husband <strong>of</strong> Mymoena). Fouzul was the last principal <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Paarl</strong><br />
Moslem School before it was closed down by the previous government.<br />
13
A historical photograph taken in 1949 in front <strong>of</strong> the home <strong>of</strong> Hadji Mogamad Latief,<br />
when Sayed Shaafie Allawhie came to marry his daughter, Sietie Nur (a school teacher)<br />
in <strong>Paarl</strong>, before they settled in Makkah. The two imams at the back were Imam Gammie<br />
Moerat <strong>of</strong> Breda Street Mosque and Imam Mustapha Abrahams <strong>of</strong> the Waterkant Street<br />
Mosque. (The photo was supplied to me by Imam Mustapha’s daughter, Jamela, residing<br />
in London).<br />
Boeta Yunus (Oom Yunie) Latief stayed in <strong>Paarl</strong> East (die Rug), in the early days. He<br />
had sons, Gamat, Yusuf (Katryn) and Ismail. (See last photo in this book for Yusuf and<br />
Gamat Latief). Only Gamat married and he left behind two daughters, Yasmina, Amina,<br />
and a son, Yusuf (Joe). Yasmina is married to Sollie Kara, while Yusuf was married to<br />
Asa (Mohamed), my brother’s daughter, who passed away in 2012. Amiena married a<br />
doctor, Ganief, in Cape Town, where she went to settle. Sis Asa Latief, married Boeta<br />
Jaynie Moerat, as was reported earlier.<br />
According to Boeta Mogammad Noor Moerat, his mother was a Latief. Her sister, Sis<br />
Asie was married to Abdol (Dollie) Bassier. Another sister, Gallie was married to Boeta<br />
Moedenie Nackerdien. They were the parents <strong>of</strong> Boeta Dollie (Derra), Hadjie Gamaat,<br />
Shat and Ebrahim. Hai Sietie’s youngest sister Auntie Mariam, was married to Tata<br />
Boetie de Vos. They had six children, namely Toyer, Achmat, Amien, Kieyampie, Jane<br />
and Sabiega. Sukayna, the daughter <strong>of</strong> Boeta Toyer, married Ismail Abrahams, the son<br />
<strong>of</strong> Boeta Amien and Sis Gaya Abrahams (mentioned earlier). Boeta Achmat married Sis<br />
Gaya (nee Latief). Their children were: Faried, Aneesa (married to the late Rashaad du<br />
14
Plessis), Latiefa (married to Nasser Hendricks) and Gamieda (married to the late<br />
Shu’ayb <strong>of</strong> Cape Town).<br />
Nackerdien Family<br />
The Nackerdien, Gaidien and Samaai families are more old families <strong>of</strong> <strong>Paarl</strong>. Just like<br />
the Gamieldiens, many <strong>of</strong> their forefathers date back to Indonesia. The Gabriels family <strong>of</strong><br />
Cape Town are inter-related with them. The eldest daughter <strong>of</strong> the Nackerdien clan was<br />
Salegga (who married my brother, Yusuf (better known as Essop). They had many<br />
children and went to settle in Kensington. Their eldest, Goeya and Tietie Patel were best<br />
known. The other children are Ebrahim, Ismail, Husain, Mariam (who settled in London),<br />
Hajiera, Washiela, Abduraghman, Haroen, Naziema and Fatima.<br />
Boeta Gamat married a revert to Islam and they had only one daughter, Gawa, and a<br />
son, Manie, who are still resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. Hadjie Manie married Sis Kulsoem (nee<br />
Samaai). She was the sister <strong>of</strong> Boeta Soppie Samaai. She also gave birth to many<br />
children. The eldest was Rachmat (named after her grandmother), who married the late<br />
Igsaan Meyer. Magadie married a wife from the Allie family <strong>of</strong> Malmesbury, Raidie, who<br />
passed away. Ebrahim, and AbuBakr are presently residing in the West Coast. A brother<br />
and sister were tragically killed in a car accident. They were the late Sheikh Rafiq, who<br />
married my sister-in-law, Nadeema, and Gouwa, who was married to Hafiez Noerbhai <strong>of</strong><br />
Johannesburg. Then there are still Lyga, Rushdiya (widow <strong>of</strong> Fuad Hermanus), Rashieda<br />
(married to Gafoer Khan), and Sabrie. It must be recorded that Ebrahim Nackerdien was<br />
the mayor <strong>of</strong> the West Coast area, after democracy… another <strong>Paarl</strong>ite who made<br />
history elsewhere.<br />
Najjiemudien passed away in Kensington. Benyamien, who passed away in Makkah,<br />
married Kaltoem (the daughter <strong>of</strong> Boeta Tayeb and Sis Legga Abrahams). Most <strong>of</strong> their<br />
<strong>of</strong>fspring are still resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. The youngest brother, “Meester” or Yusuf married<br />
Rhoda. Both <strong>of</strong> them have passed away. Their two sons, Shaheen and Faaldie are<br />
resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>, while Rushdi is in Johannesburg. Their only daughter, Zeena, is a<br />
scientist in the United States <strong>of</strong> America.<br />
The other Nackerdiens were the cousins <strong>of</strong> those that I mentioned. They date back<br />
from the family that used to reside in New Street, <strong>Paarl</strong>. There were Hadjie Gamaat,<br />
Boeta Dollie, also known as Derra, Shat, and Ebrahim (Brym), who passed away in<br />
<strong>Paarl</strong>. Their sister married in Cape Town and sons, Achmat Cassiem and Synie lived in<br />
<strong>Paarl</strong>. Synie and Fatima passed away. Their sisters, Rachmat and Mareldia are resident<br />
in Cape Town. I cannot recall any other members <strong>of</strong> the Nackerdien family.<br />
Maliek is a son <strong>of</strong> Achmat Cassiem and is living in <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
15
A Photo taken <strong>of</strong> members <strong>of</strong> the Nackerdien family in 1995. The adults on the<br />
photo are Sheikh Rafiq Nackerdien (Imam <strong>of</strong> <strong>Paarl</strong>), his parents Hadji Manie and<br />
Hadja Kulsum and his wife, Nadeema. The children are presently married and<br />
living in Cape Town. A few months after the photo was taken, Sheikh Rafiq and his<br />
sister tragically lost their lives in a car collision. Photo supplied by Sharfa Jappie,<br />
living in Kuils River.<br />
Gaidien Family<br />
I still recall three brothers <strong>of</strong> the Gaidien clan. They were Boeta Toyer, Boeta<br />
Gamiedoen and Boeta Ismail. Boeta Gakkie was the eldest son <strong>of</strong> Boeta Toyer. Salie,<br />
the late husband <strong>of</strong> Tiema Moerat, was another son. Then there was Mogammat Zain.<br />
Niesa is a sister, who married Mietie Solomon.<br />
Boeta Ismail married Sis Mienie. Their <strong>of</strong>fspring were Gasant (who married Niesa<br />
Kozain), Yunus (married to Moerieda), Sedick (married to Saliega), Hiema (married in<br />
Cape Town), Sulaiman (married in the Strand) and Rashieda (also in Cape Town).<br />
Boeta Gamiedoen never married.<br />
16
Samaai Family<br />
The Samaai family originated from Cape Town. Boeta Aboo (an upholsterer) moved to<br />
<strong>Paarl</strong>. There he met another upholsterer Boeta Mannie Davids, originally from<br />
Johannesburg. He eventually married the sister <strong>of</strong> Boeta Mannie, Sis Rachmat Davids.<br />
Sis Rachmat was also the aunt <strong>of</strong> Boeta Abas Davids. The children that were born from<br />
the marriage <strong>of</strong> Boeta Aboo and Sis Rachmat were Boeta Mannie, Sis Kyna, Sis<br />
Kulsoem Nackerdien, Yusuf (Boeta Soppie) and Jiessie.<br />
Boeta Soppie married Aunty Fieya <strong>of</strong> Woodstock and they settled in Milnerton for a few<br />
years, before returning to <strong>Paarl</strong>. Many <strong>of</strong> their children and grandchildren are still<br />
resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. One son, Imam Fuad married the daughter <strong>of</strong> the late Yusie and Asie<br />
Allie and are resident in Stellenbosch.<br />
Davids Family<br />
We mentioned the Davids family. Boeta Abbas was the son <strong>of</strong> Boeta and Sis Faatiya<br />
(nee Kozain). Their other children were Jaynab, Nafiesa and Ismail who died as a boy. A<br />
cousin, Boeta Mannie Davids originally came from Johannesburg and married Sis Gadija<br />
in <strong>Paarl</strong>. Their sons were Ebrahim, Mogammad and Achmad, while their one daughter<br />
was married to Mustapha Green. A sister <strong>of</strong> Boeta Mannie, Sis Ragmat, married Boeta<br />
Aboo and were discussed under the Samaai family.<br />
Kozain Family<br />
Let us have a look at the Kozain family. Oom Karriem (Tata) and Motjie Nontjie (Meme)<br />
lived opposite the Moslem School in Malay Street. Their eldest son was married to Sies<br />
Legga. They were the parents <strong>of</strong> Fatima, Abduraghman (Appie), Achmat, Niesa, Gamat<br />
and Noera. Another son <strong>of</strong> Oom Kariem, Maalie, had an accident while young, and was<br />
an invalid until his death. Sis Gawa was the mother <strong>of</strong> two sets <strong>of</strong> twins, namely Sietie<br />
Hermanus (mother <strong>of</strong> Mansoer, Karriem and Fuad) and Bryma, as well as Sabaagh<br />
Francke (mother <strong>of</strong> Naasier and Najieb) and Su-aat (mother <strong>of</strong> Masnoena). The one<br />
daughter <strong>of</strong> Oom Kariem became a Davids, whom we mentioned before, and the other<br />
sister married Boeta Loekmaan Fredericks, who came from Port Elizabeth to settle in<br />
<strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
Fredericks Family<br />
Boeta Loekmaan had several children They were Boeta Laanie (whose daughter,<br />
Farieda, is married to Ebrahim Fortuin), Jaynab, Fatima, Boeta Gamiem (husband <strong>of</strong> Sis<br />
Hajiera), Boeta Yusuf (whose wife passed away), Ismail, Hashiem, Gadija, Asa and<br />
Laama (married to the late Mansoer Schroeder). Nazeema, widow <strong>of</strong> Sedick Jappie, is<br />
the daughter <strong>of</strong> Auntie Fatima. Boeta Laanie married Sis Kyna, mother <strong>of</strong> Loekmaan,<br />
Aamien and Farieda Fortuin who are resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. Hashiem moved to Cape Town<br />
with his family, and Gadija never married.<br />
Kriel Family<br />
There are certain families who left <strong>Paarl</strong> completely, leaving no <strong>of</strong>fspring behind. I can<br />
think <strong>of</strong> the Kriel family, originally from Worcester, whose children grew up with us. Boeta<br />
Tayeb and Sis Roulie were prominent in Van der Lingen Street. Sis Roulie’s sister,<br />
17
Auntie Liemie married the late Boeta Moenief Moerat and went to settle in Kensington.<br />
The Kriel family themselves were quite a big bunch. They were Rugaya, Moena, Aziez,<br />
the late Abas, Fieya, Aada, Diedie, Synie, Nafiesa and Koebera. It was because <strong>of</strong> them<br />
that we built up ties in Springfield Street, District Six with Pang Safierieng, Boeta Achmat<br />
and Ma Gayer and their <strong>of</strong>fspring.<br />
Louw Family<br />
Another family which disappeared completely was that <strong>of</strong> Oom Gatab Louw, who lived<br />
in Waterkant Street and was a renowned wagon painter during the early part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Twentieth Century. There were also the late Motta and Gatappie, as well as Arajab. The<br />
latter was the last survivor <strong>of</strong> the family, until his demise in Salt River. Just like the<br />
original Moerats and the Du Toits, these families have become extinct in <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
Richards Family<br />
The Richards family was also a large one. Boeta Fakier Richards, probably from<br />
Johannesburg, came to settle in <strong>Paarl</strong>. He was related to the old Domingo and<br />
Kamaldien families <strong>of</strong> <strong>Paarl</strong>. His first wife gave birth to Gosain, Mogamat, Laama, Amina,<br />
Achmat, and Omar. Mogamat married Idaya and had one son Iederies. Boeta Gamat<br />
was the first Muslim cinema owner in <strong>Paarl</strong>. He started <strong>of</strong>f with an open air bioscope<br />
once a week at his residence in Malherbe Street and later built a cinema, Regent, in<br />
Klein Drakenstein. Sis Laama, a school teacher, married Boeta Yusuf Lapperts. They<br />
had no children, and they donated the ground on which the present Mosque complex is<br />
built in Lapperts Street.<br />
Sis Amina was also a school teacher, who married and settled in Cape Town. Boeta<br />
Achmat married Sis Hajiera. He had a furniture factory. Some <strong>of</strong> their children were twins<br />
Enver and Faried, Moerieda, and Moutie, who is the present chairperson <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Paarl</strong><br />
Jama’at. Boeta Goesein never married. Boeta Omar had one daughter, Naeema, who<br />
married the late Jamiel Abrahams.<br />
Boeta Fakier married a second wife after the passing away <strong>of</strong> his first wife. His second<br />
wife was Sis Koebera (Bassier). Their <strong>of</strong>fspring were Aysie (wife <strong>of</strong> Yusie Allie),<br />
Abdullatief (Awam) Richards, who married Aziza (Dollie), and Noorudien, who emigrated<br />
to Saudi Arabia. At the time <strong>of</strong> writing Noorudien was the only surviving member <strong>of</strong> the<br />
original Richards family.<br />
Domingo Family<br />
According to records, the Domingo family is probably the oldest Muslim family in <strong>Paarl</strong>,<br />
who, at least, purchased property in the area. Records show a Wagonmaker, known as<br />
G. Domingo, in <strong>Paarl</strong>. They resided along the slopes <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Paarl</strong> Mountain in the 19 th<br />
Century. According to my knowledge, I knew only Boeta Hashim Domingo, who married<br />
Auntie Asa. They had two daughters Ghairo and Gadijah, who moved to Johannesburg,<br />
after their parents separated way back in the 1940’s. At the time <strong>of</strong> writing Sis Asa, in her<br />
nineties, was still alive and living in <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
The families, Richards, Vahed and Kamaldien were all related to the Domingo family.<br />
18
Khan Family<br />
A personality that contributed a lot to the education <strong>of</strong> the Muslim community <strong>of</strong> <strong>Paarl</strong><br />
and who dominated the scene for three generations, is Hadji Abdul Gamied Khan, known<br />
to most <strong>of</strong> the older generations as “Meester” Khan. In Cape Town he was known as<br />
Betta Khan. Betta is an Indian title for brother.<br />
Meester came from Simons Town to replace Hadji Aziz Latief, who retired and later<br />
tragically passed away in a car accident. Thus, Meester became principal <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Paarl</strong><br />
Moslem School as a very young man, more or less in 1930. Some <strong>of</strong> his pupils in 1930<br />
were Auntie Mariam Abrahams, Boeta Osman Sonday, Auntie Jaynie Moerat, Hadji<br />
Abubie Moerat, etc. Even people like the late Hadji Manie Nackerdien, were pupils <strong>of</strong><br />
Meester Khan. In our own case, Meester taught my father-in-law, Hadji Adam Moerat,<br />
my wife and myself, and our children. That means three generations in our case.<br />
Very few <strong>Paarl</strong>ites know the history <strong>of</strong> Meester, besides that he was married to Sis<br />
Gadie (nee Morton), who was formerly from Johannesburg. Her brother, Boeta Osman<br />
Morton married Auntie Atieka Latief from <strong>Paarl</strong>. Meester and Sis Gadie had three sons<br />
and three daughters, namely Rashied, Shamieg, Roedie Solker, Farouk, Kariema Davids<br />
and Fahiema Jakoet.<br />
I had to interview the eldest surviving member <strong>of</strong> Meester’s family, Roedie Solker, to<br />
find out more about Meester’s history. What I learnt was that Meester’s father was a man<br />
named Munshi Achmat Khan, who immigrated from a part <strong>of</strong> India, which is today known<br />
as Pakistan, at the start <strong>of</strong> the 20 th century. The late Munshi, as so many Indians, came<br />
to seek his fortune in this country, as well as to escape British imperialism in their own<br />
country. He travelled by boat and landed at Simon’s Town, where he settled. He married<br />
a beautiful young girl, named Rachmat.<br />
The couple had two children, named Abdul Gamied and Fatima. Munshi decided to<br />
move to Australia, but his wife’s family decided that the children were too young for the<br />
long travel. Munshi, thus travelled alone, and never returned to South Africa. In fact he<br />
married an Australian wife, who corresponded with Meester years afterwards. That wife<br />
also had children <strong>of</strong> Munshi. Some <strong>of</strong> the correspondence are still in the possession <strong>of</strong><br />
Roedie Solker.<br />
Meester’s sister, Fatima, married Imam Achmat Toefy <strong>of</strong> Stellenbosch. Their children<br />
are still resident in Stellenbosch. They are Yasminah Raziet (wife <strong>of</strong> Laam Raziet), Imam<br />
Nawhaawhie, Rachmat Cornelson, Salegga and Mustapha (who is married to Suraya,<br />
daughter <strong>of</strong> Boeta Yusuf and Auntie Rhoda Moerat <strong>of</strong> <strong>Paarl</strong>).<br />
Meester retired at the age <strong>of</strong> 60 as principal <strong>of</strong> the school in 1970, and was succeeded<br />
by one <strong>of</strong> his former pupils, Fouzul Latief. In the earlier years, until the early 1950s,<br />
Meester was <strong>of</strong>ten called upon to go on stage to deliver speeches at public occasions.<br />
This was the case in 1952, when a very distinguished guest, Moulana Abdul Aleem<br />
Sidique, from Medina, visited <strong>Paarl</strong> and addressed a public audience in the <strong>Paarl</strong> Town<br />
Hall. Meester also contributed articles on Islam to the <strong>Paarl</strong> Post on a regular basis. The<br />
family resided in Templer Street for many years, before they were forced to move to<br />
<strong>Paarl</strong> East, by the Group Areas act. If there is one person who needs to be remembered<br />
by the <strong>Paarl</strong> Muslims, by naming an institution after him, it is Meester Khan. I have<br />
suggested in the past that an A G Khan Museum would be appropriate to honour his<br />
name among future generations.<br />
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The other Khan family, Achmad and Jawaya, passed away and their children left <strong>Paarl</strong><br />
to settle elsewhere. The third Khan family, from Daljosaphat, moved in much later.<br />
Sonday Family<br />
I interviewed Boeta Osman Sonday about his heritage, prior to his death. He informed<br />
me that his father, Boeta Mahmoed Sonday, also emigrated from India to seek his<br />
fortune in this country. He left a wife behind in India, and remarried Boeta Osman’s<br />
mother here. He went into the butcher business in <strong>Paarl</strong> as well as a grocery business.<br />
They had the following children, Boeta Hoesain, Boeta Osman, Fatima, Kulsom and<br />
Azeeza. Boeta Mahmoed and his family lived in a residence on the corner <strong>of</strong> Breda and<br />
Weiss Street. Their backyard was immediately opposite the Breda Street Mosque and<br />
the <strong>Paarl</strong> Moslem School. For many years, they were the only suppliers <strong>of</strong> halaal meat to<br />
the community <strong>of</strong> <strong>Paarl</strong> and Wellington area.<br />
Boeta Osman was the last surviving member <strong>of</strong> the family with some <strong>of</strong> his children. His<br />
wife, Aunty Gamieda passed away first and he passed away recently.<br />
Essop Family<br />
Photo kindly donated by Jamela King <strong>of</strong> London.<br />
Boeta Ahmad and his wife Auntie Amina moved from Cape Town to Franshhoek, where<br />
they carried on a general dealer business. He originally immigrated from India and she<br />
was the daughter <strong>of</strong> Sulaiman Sha Mohammed, also known as Ryke Sulaiman, because<br />
<strong>of</strong> his wealth. His name is still inscribed at the tomb <strong>of</strong> Tuan Yusuf at Macassar.<br />
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The Essop family moved to <strong>Paarl</strong> around 1930, when they built a general dealer and<br />
their residence on the corner <strong>of</strong> Breda- and Thom Streets. They had three sons and four<br />
daughters. They were Gadija, Fatima, Yusuf, Mariam, Ebrahim, Sulaiman and Zulaiga.<br />
Gadija married Ismail Patel, Fatima married in Cape Town, Yusuf married Farieda<br />
Rhoda, and they had a son and two daughters. The son is Dr. Fadiel Essop, resident in<br />
<strong>Paarl</strong>. Mariam married Mansoer Moerat. They had a daughter and three sons. Sulayman<br />
married a wife from Johannesburg. Both <strong>of</strong> them have passed away. Ebrahim and<br />
Zulaiga never married and have passed away.<br />
Rhoda Family<br />
Boeta Gasant and Auntie Asa Rhoda moved from the Strand to <strong>Paarl</strong>. She was a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the Wentzel family <strong>of</strong> Strand. Boeta Gasant was a hairdresser/barber by<br />
trade and he and Boeta Abbas Moerat became firm friends. They affectionately called<br />
each other John and Daan. There were two or three children when they moved to <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
They built a residence on the riverside on the corner <strong>of</strong> Waterkant- and Thom Streets.<br />
They had three sons and four daughters, Sa-aid, Jumara, Siraaz, Yusuf, Fatima, Farieda<br />
and Wasiela. Most <strong>of</strong> them attended school in <strong>Paarl</strong>. The sons all learned their father’s<br />
trade and their barber in Breda Street was wellknown.<br />
The eldest five <strong>of</strong> the children have passed away. The late Fatima was married to<br />
Boebie Majaal, Farieda was married to Yusuf Essop and Washiela is married to Faizel<br />
Dollie. They are all resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
Herbert Family<br />
Boeta Ismail Herbert married Auntie Asa Hanslo from Cape Town. She was adopted by<br />
the famous chemist, Sarley Dollie <strong>of</strong> Cape Town, when she was orphaned. The Herberts<br />
purchased a property in <strong>Paarl</strong>. He was was close to the Hendricks family and very close<br />
to Boeta Dol <strong>of</strong> Wellington.<br />
They settled in <strong>Paarl</strong> in the early 1930s, where he operated a successful mechanical<br />
workshop from his home. He employed a white car mechanic by the surname <strong>of</strong><br />
Nothnagel to do repairs. Boeta Ismail was very active in community affairs. They had<br />
three children, two sons and a daughter. The sons, Yusuf and Moegtaar have passed<br />
away, but they have surviving families in <strong>Paarl</strong>. The daughter, Needa, married a<br />
husband, Yusuf Baderoen, from the Strand, where she went to settle. Needa was also<br />
very active in community affairs before her departure from <strong>Paarl</strong>. Somewhere on one <strong>of</strong><br />
the historical photo’s Needa appears with the Essop family. As bridesmaid for Ismail and<br />
Gadija Patel, she is also part <strong>of</strong> the wedding group.<br />
Allie Family<br />
The late Boeta Ismail and Auntie Asa Allie moved to <strong>Paarl</strong> in the 1950s to start a fruit<br />
business in <strong>Paarl</strong>. They were originally from District Six, where their father had a<br />
wholesale Banana business. Other members <strong>of</strong> the Allie family also moved to <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
They were Muhammed (Bhai), Achmad, Yusie, Moosa and a sister, Ayesha. Bhai<br />
married Aunty Farieda.<br />
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Two sons, Solly, Ebrahim and daughter, Yasmina are still resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. Boeta<br />
Achmad married Aunty Abaashia and most <strong>of</strong> their children are resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. Yusie<br />
married Asie Richards and there are children resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. Moosa married Fadiela<br />
Dollie and their children are resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. Ayesha married the late Yusuf Rhoda and<br />
their most <strong>of</strong> their <strong>of</strong>fspring are also in <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
Patel Family<br />
Perhaps it is time for me to refer to my own family. My father, Mohamed Patel,<br />
immigrated from India at the beginning <strong>of</strong> the 20 th century, because <strong>of</strong> British oppression<br />
in his mother country. He was the youngest son <strong>of</strong> Mahmoud. Some <strong>of</strong> his brothers<br />
adopted the surname <strong>of</strong> Wadee, while he arrived here under the adopted surname <strong>of</strong><br />
Patel.<br />
According to the information that I gained, my great-grandfather, Ishaaq, was a<br />
Persian, who emigrated to India and he went to settle in the village <strong>of</strong> Iklera, in the district<br />
<strong>of</strong> Soorah, in the province <strong>of</strong> Gujjeraat. The family resided there for centuries. My<br />
grandfather, Mahmoud’s <strong>of</strong>fspring were Ahmed, Yusuf (Essop), Ismail, Mohamed, a<br />
daughter, Rasoul, and another daughter Mariam.<br />
Three <strong>of</strong> the brothers, Essop, Ismail and Mohamed travelled via cargo boat to South<br />
Africa. However, Essop returned to India. Ismail, who later became blind, remained in<br />
Johannesburg, while our father, Mohamed settled at the Cape. The eldest brother,<br />
Ahmed, never came to South Africa, but two <strong>of</strong> his sons, Mahmoud and Sulaiman<br />
Wadee, immigrated to South Africa and settled in Johannesburg. The one sister,<br />
Mariam, also moved to South Africa and married a person by the surname <strong>of</strong><br />
Chasmawallah in Johannesburg. Their <strong>of</strong>fspring, one a Moulana Mohammed, are still<br />
resident in Gauteng.<br />
My father had very humble beginnings at the Cape. He was only 19-years-old when he<br />
arrived here. He started trading with fruit by pushing a barrow to the market. Later he<br />
obtained a horse and cart and went to nearby farms in the Boland area to purchase fruit<br />
and vegetables, which he transported to Cape Town. He married his first wife in 1906.<br />
She was a girl <strong>of</strong> mixed descent, with the surname <strong>of</strong> H<strong>of</strong>meester, who embraced Islam.<br />
In the next ten years she gave birth to 6 children, before she passed away in the 1918 flu<br />
pendemic.<br />
The six children were Ebrahim (born in 1908), Mahmoud (1910) Essop (1912), Gadija<br />
and Gouwa (twins born 1915) and Fatima (1917). The twin Gouwa passed away at the<br />
age <strong>of</strong> two. Thus, my father was a widower with five young children, the eldest only ten<br />
and the youngest one year old. He soon married a wife from Worcester, but<br />
unfortunately she could not cope with the children and they separated again. In 1921 he<br />
married my mother, Ayesha, born in Tulbagh and also a revert to Islam. To be nearer to<br />
the farms, they moved around in the Boland area. He obtained a light truck on which he<br />
could load his fruit and vegetables and transport them to the Cape Town market. Then<br />
he would load fish, especially snoek at the harbour, and traded with the fish in the<br />
country area.<br />
My mother had five step children to care for as well as her own, which started arriving<br />
from 1923, when my brother, Achmad, was born. In 1925, my sister Zaynab arrived. One<br />
year later, another sister, Kulsom, was born. Then almost every second year there was a<br />
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new arrival, in the form <strong>of</strong> Sukayna (Kienie), Sulaiman (Lymie), Omar (who passed away<br />
at birth), Ismail (Mylie), Isghaak (who passed away at birth), myself in 1935, Abdulhay<br />
(Duhlie) in 1938, Muhmeena (Momeen, who lived for two years) and the youngest,<br />
Zeitoen in 1942.<br />
Our father moved around with his family, between <strong>Paarl</strong> (1925), Worcester, Greyton,<br />
Tulbagh, <strong>Paarl</strong> (1928), Wellington, etc, until he finally returned and settled in <strong>Paarl</strong> from<br />
1941 onwards. By that time my father suffered from a serious ulcerated stomach. We<br />
resided in Laundry Street, <strong>Paarl</strong>, next to the Fredericks family for some time. It was more<br />
or less the time when I started schooling.<br />
Early in 1942, we moved to Waterkant Street, near to the Masjied. By this time most <strong>of</strong><br />
the older siblings were married already. In 1944 Kulsom married a husband, Hashim<br />
Hassim and went to settle in Johannesburg. The other sisters, Gadija, Fatima and<br />
Zaynab, were already married and resident in Johannesburg. My brother, Ebrahim had<br />
first married a wife, Mariam Vesamian, in Malmesbury, but after her passing away, he<br />
remarried in <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
He had three sons, Achmad, Yusuf and Isghaak from his first marriage. His second<br />
wife and <strong>of</strong>fspring was reported earlier, because he married in the Gamieldien family. His<br />
second wife was the daughter <strong>of</strong> Imam Kiemie and the sister <strong>of</strong> Imam Taaghodien.<br />
Mahmoud married in Worcester after the war, but he and his wife Sa-ieda had no<br />
children. I reported earlier on my brother Essop’s marriage to Tietie Salegga Nackerdien.<br />
At the beginning <strong>of</strong> 1945, my father undertook a train journey from Johannesburg to<br />
Natal. On his return journey, his stomach ulcer was punctured and he passed away on<br />
the train on the 11 th February (a Sunday). My father was buried in the Newclare cemetery<br />
(Johannesburg) on Monday, 12 th February. He had fathered 18 children <strong>of</strong> whom 14<br />
survived and grew up. Shortly after that my sister, Kulsom, was divorced, one month<br />
before her daughter, Amina, was born. My brother, Achmad married Mymoena, the<br />
daughter <strong>of</strong> Imam Gammie.<br />
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Kulsom found happiness with her second marriage to Hassan Shaik. In 1952, Kienie<br />
married Basier Kamaldien, our neighbour. In 1954, Lymie married Fatima, the daughter<br />
<strong>of</strong> Sayed Achmad <strong>of</strong> Cape Town. They celebrated their golden anniversary in 2004 prior<br />
toher passing away. In 1957, my brother Mylie married Gadija Essop. A year later, I<br />
married Aneesa, the daughter <strong>of</strong> Boeta Adam and Auntie Yasmina Moerat. My brother,<br />
Duhlie, married a wife from Johannesburg, Farieda Baulacky, in 1959. Our youngest<br />
sister, married in the 1960s when Omar Peck came from Durban and decided to settle in<br />
<strong>Paarl</strong>. He and Duhlie’s wife, Farieda, were cousins.<br />
Presently there are only six <strong>of</strong> the fourteen, three brothers and three sisters, alive.<br />
Achmad remarried when his first wife passed away. They had no children. His second<br />
wife, also Mymoena Moerat (daughter <strong>of</strong> Boeta Jaynie and Auntie Asa Moerat, gave birth<br />
to two sons, Ebrahim and Mogammad, before our brother, Achmad passed away due to<br />
kidney failure. These two sons are already married and the parents <strong>of</strong> children.<br />
Zaynab had three daughters, Rabia, Ayesha and Farieda, and a son, Yusuf, by her first<br />
marriage. Farieda passed away from brain malignancy at the age <strong>of</strong> fifteen. Yusuf is the<br />
only son who resided in <strong>Paarl</strong>. Her children from her second marriage are resident in<br />
Upington. Zaynab passed away a few days after her eightieth birthday, while our sister<br />
Gadija passed away in Johannesburg, at the age <strong>of</strong> 90, within one month <strong>of</strong> Zaynab.<br />
Kulsom has, besides Amina, four sons, Rustum, Rashied, Shahied and Anwar, as well<br />
as a daughter, Zeitoen, from her second marriage. Hassan Shaik passed away in his<br />
early forties. Her third husband, AbdurRasoul Vahed, passed away just three months<br />
after their marriage.<br />
I reported earlier that Kienie had two children, Muhmeena and Mogammad, who are<br />
both married, with children, and are residing in <strong>Paarl</strong>. My brother, Lymie and his late wife,<br />
Fatima, had three daughters, Toheera, Nawhaal and Yasmina. Yasmina is staying in<br />
Jeddah with her husband and they have two sons and a daughter, while the other two are<br />
resident in <strong>Paarl</strong>. Toheera is married to Moghamad Joseph, with two sons and a<br />
daughter. Nawhaal is married to a dentist, Fuad Adams and they have three daughters.<br />
Mylie and Gadija are presently staying with their daughter, Zuraida, in Grassy Park.<br />
Their eldest son, Nadeem, passed away after a heart attack at the age <strong>of</strong> 44. Heshaam,<br />
the youngest son, is married to Firdous, the daughter <strong>of</strong> my wife’s cousin. They are<br />
staying in <strong>Paarl</strong>.<br />
Regarding myself and Aneesa, we have eight children, Faghrie, Zarina, Ayesha,<br />
Shu’ayb, Shakier, Ashraf, Rushdi and Nawhaal. Faghrie married Aziza and they have<br />
three children, Aneesa, Ayesha and Moosa. Aneesa is married and have two children,<br />
Aziza and Sietaara. Zarina married Ebrahim Sawant. They have four children, Gulam<br />
Husain, who is married with one child; Tasneem, married to Zade Jappie, with two<br />
children, Nashieta and Miekaa-eel; Imtiaaz and Nashreen are still unmarried. Ayesha is<br />
married to Addenaan Chippendale. They have four daughters, Ibtisaam, married to<br />
Shanawaaz Khan, with three children, Nabeelah, Nawhaal and Naasiebah. Shu’ayb is<br />
married to Shanaaz and they have a son, Faghrie, and two daughters. Shakier, after two<br />
unsuccessful marriages, is the father <strong>of</strong> Shaakiera, Riedaa and Lameez. He remarried<br />
Nafiesa and they have two daughters. Ashraf is married to Mumeena, and they have<br />
three children, Zarina, Taariq and Firzaana. Rushdi was married to Ashraf’s sister-in-law,<br />
Farahnaaz. They have three children, Ruqshaana, Ruzaik and Riezwaan. Nawhaal is<br />
married to Rieyaaz Achmat and they have three sons, Alawhie, Ijaaz and Mujaahid.<br />
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My youngest brother, Abdulhay, passed away due to a brain tumour in 1990, shortly<br />
after our mother. His wife is still staying in <strong>Paarl</strong>. They have five daughters, Nazlie,<br />
Wesaal, Rashieda, Fazlin and Fierouza, and one son, Achmad. The children are all<br />
married with children. Our youngest sister, Zeitoen, married to the late Omar Peck, is the<br />
mother <strong>of</strong> three children, Ebrahim, Fatima and Zahieda, a medical doctor. All <strong>of</strong> them are<br />
married, with children.<br />
I have endeavoured to recall the older families <strong>of</strong> <strong>Paarl</strong>. There are also many new<br />
surnames <strong>of</strong> families, who entered the town somewhat later. It would be a good idea if<br />
the Jama’at keeps a register <strong>of</strong> all families and their histories. In the event <strong>of</strong> one day<br />
establishing a library and museum, such a register would be useful to the community. I<br />
have researched thus far and should there be any misinformation, I wish to apologise to<br />
the families. I have recorded on hearsay, because there were no written records to guide<br />
me.<br />
Any reader, who possesses useful information is invited to e-mail such information to<br />
me or to my webmasters in order to rectify any errors or to extend the mentioned<br />
information. Kindly remember that this is the first written account <strong>of</strong> its sort in <strong>Paarl</strong>. With<br />
your co-operation we could have an updated account. I am deeply grateful to Mrs Jamela<br />
King, a personal friend, and the daughter <strong>of</strong> Imam Mustapha and Siesie <strong>of</strong> <strong>Paarl</strong>, who<br />
regularly informed me <strong>of</strong> historical data and photographs, which she sent via e-mail from<br />
abroad. With the aid <strong>of</strong> others we can have an even more detailed website for the benefit<br />
<strong>of</strong> posterity.<br />
Shukran<br />
Moosa Patel www.patelspoetry.com<br />
More photographs on the following pages <strong>of</strong> the history <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Paarl</strong> Muslims.<br />
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