Bhai as he was affectionately known, joined the family-owned business, Kingsgate during 1965 and, like all the other family members, commenced with a humble post in the mailing department and gradually worked his way up to the top by assuming more and more responsibilities and, in the process, gained a wealth of experience. He earned the title of being ‘Dr Moolla’s favourite’ and lived with his Granddad for many years.
He was appointed a director of the company on 31st August 1978 and became Joint Deputy Chairman in 1997 when the company was listed on the JSE, a position he held until he passed away. Bhai had a hand in an array of demanding portfolios in the company and was largely responsible for Group Marketing, P.R. and Operations. He played an integral role in the day-to-day affairs of the company and its decision-making processes.
On the social front, his involvement in sport, in particular with a soccer club called Sporting Club D’Alberton Callies, had for many years featured at inter-provincial level and helped nurture many talented youngsters from Durban. Bhai was one of the founding members of the Club and served on the organizing committee of the Club’s national soccer tournament which was launched in 1967. During the mid-80s he was largely instrumental in taking this Club to the professional ranks for a few years.
In the words of Professor Syed Salman Nadvi (a well-respected Islamic Scholar), “He lived well and served well”. Indeed his contribution to the broader community in honouring and perpetuating the legacy of our founding fathers, in particular, Dr A M Moolla, has not gone unnoticed. He was one of the true last remaining legends of Kingsgate from a bygone era. He served Kingsgate dutifully for 53 years, and is the first grandson of the Late Dr A M Moolla that has passed on. His loss is a great blow to the family and the community at large.
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