Al-Qalam 
Akram Bemath, a famous name in the catering business in Durban, has passed on, Ismail Suder reports.
Prominent Durban caterer Akram Bemath suddenly passed away last week of a suspected heart attack that left thousands shocked.
Many, including clients and friends, attended his Janaza at Lodge Grove Cemetery in Overport.
Akram, who was in his early 50s, was the owner of Ismail Bemath Caterers of 86 Donkin Road, Sea Cow Lake, where he operated a massive catering business that cooked a variety of Indian-inspired foods on an industrial scale. His catering company has fed hundreds of thousands of people under his tenure.
Akram hails from the extended Bemath (Manjra) family, who are pioneers in specialised mass cooking for the community, especially for weddings and other large events.
From a small catering outfit from his home in Goble Road, Durban, Akram had expanded his catering enterprise into a massive operation following the purchase of a large tract of wetland which was covered in reed. He cleared out the land and built a massive function hall on it. His dream property that he painstakingly built from scratch also features a restaurant and a concrete-covered courtyard for mass cooking.
But, apart from his entrepreneurial skills, Akram was a humanitarian. Often, he donated large pots of food to the underprivileged communities, especially during auspicious dates in the Islamic calendar.
His cousin, Hafez Abdullah Bemath, of Abdullah Manjra Caterers, told Al-Qalam that Akram’s passing was a huge loss to the community he served.
“He had a soft spot for the poor, and large pots of food were often sponsored by his catering business. And for those who ordered, but could not afford the full price, Akram would say, ‘you can pay me what you have’ No doubt the legacy he left behind will continue, said a source in the family.
Hafez Abdullah remembers how decades ago, Akram and his late father, Ismail Bemath, would be the main caterers for hundreds of Hujjaj both in Makkah and Madinah. He said boxes of spices were flown to the Holy Land for the preparation of huge deghs of food.
Sheep were usually slaughtered at a farm out of town, and meat was prepared for the pot each day.
His father passed on about a decade ago.
Akram’s catering headquarters is a buzz of activity, especially on weekends when hundreds of families attend all kinds of functions, with catering done by his business. The property has parking for hundreds of cars.
A few months ago, Bemath told Al-Qalam: “Catering has been a long-time passion in my extended family – we love doing this.”
He mentioned that the business receives catering orders from far-flung places in South Africa, and his dedicated team was always ready to serve clients anywhere.
His specialty included delicious biryanis, dhall & Rice. Lamb Khalya, and exotic Lahori chicken.A family source said the business will continue operations as before.
