Al-Qalam 
By Ismail Suder
The recent passing of Mohamed Cassim Jaffar, an icon of Durban’s tight-knit Malay community, has left a void – he was 92.
“Boeta Cass” or “Oupa,” as he was fondly known by his extended family, was a man who commanded great respect amongst the community at large. He led a full life, having spent the prime years of his life as an educator. Coming from a cricketing family, he naturally took to cricket and was passionate about the sport. He was a top wicketkeeper for the Rosslyns Cricket Club during the 50’s and 70’s.
Outside his teaching work, Boeta Cass dedicated himself to community and charitable work, and also gave up time to counsel many people who sought his help.
To his four daughters (the Late Nadia Jaffar Jogie, Fadeya Jaffar Mohanlall Fazlin Jaffar Kola and Adeba Jaffar Sallie), he was a tower of strength. Sadly, his wife, Zubeida Mahomed (whom he married in 1936), passed away in 2004.
Adeba, his eldest daughter, told Al-Qalam that her father was a man of integrity and dignity. “He never ever said a nasty word to anyone,” she said.
She remembers how his eight grandchildren would often gather around to listen to his interesting stories about life in the Casbah and in the Greyville areas of Durban.
“My father dedicated most of his life to teaching at high schools and at the Bechet Teachers Training College. “Everyone always spoke highly of ‘Mr Jaffar’ and said that he was their best teacher – the best biology teacher. Everyone looked up to him.”
“He played an integral part in the Malay Community. He was a founding member of the Cape Malay Vigilance Society. He often went out in the scorching heat during Ramadan collecting funds – and he also helped towards the current building on Keal Road, which is now the A.M Moola Hall. We were just little girls and my dad was always out driving with the late Mona Vahed and other members of the Trust. He served as the Chairman of the Islamic, Educational and Religious Trust for many years.
“The fondest memories were always having our dad with us for every school holiday. And our road trips often included driving to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park and other places of interest in the then smallest of cars, a little Volkswagen Beetle.”
“His proudest moments were watching his grandchildren excel academically at school and on the sports field, and seeing the older ones enter university and establish themselves in their chosen careers. He watched his great-grandchildren grow, and took an interest in everything they did up to his last days. He remembered everyone’s birthdays, even his sons-in-law and grandsons-in-law,” she added,
He is buried at Riverside Cemetery.
