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The late Abdul Gaffar Hussain Ayob.

A sad farewell Charlie's Den's Abdul

 

The familiar face at the entrance of Charlie’s Den in Eltivillas is no longer there. Abdul Ayob, owner/manager of this well-known textile shop, died on 1 September in the Zoutpansberg Private Hospital.

Abdul Gaffar Hussain Ayob has become synonymous with the “Help My Krap Winkel” in Eltivillas throughout the years. Charlie’s Den is one of the oldest retailers in town and has been a favourite for decades of many a seamstress, upholsterer or even people who just enjoy browsing through a large variety of linen and textiles.

Abdul was the youngest of seven children. He was born on 11 January 1943 in Ottoshoop near Zeerust. His father, Hussain Ayob, married Mariam, the daughter of a well-known pioneer businessman of Louis Trichardt and in 1949 the family moved to Louis Trichardt.

In the late 1950s, after finishing his schooling in the then Pietersburg, Abdul started helping his brother, the late Charlie Ayob, when the latter started selling cars on a part-time basis. In 1958 they started a greengrocer business in town and the name Charlie’s Den was born. The fresh produce was gradually phased out and they started focusing on textiles. The business was situated in what is now Songozwi Street in the centre of town.

When Charlie Ayob opened up Ayob Motors in 1960, the management of Charlie’s Den fell on the shoulders of Abdul. This he never seemed to mind and he became known far and wide as the person you turn to, whether it is to find new fabric for curtains or to order that specialist lining for a matric farewell dress.

Abdul married Fatima Ebrahim in 1968 and three daughters, Hajira, Razina and Zakiyyah, were born to the couple.

Charlie’s Den had to move to Eltivillas in 1980 as a result of the government’s Group Areas Act, which forced the Indian traders to relocate from the centre of town.

In 1999, Abdul was diagnosed with Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This is a lung disease that blocks the airflow and makes it difficult to breathe. He did not allow this to keep him from work and customers will remember him with the plastic pipe feeding oxygen to his lungs while he was sitting behind the counter assisting people.

His daughter, Razina, describes him as a truly amazing man. “He accepted his illness like a hero. He remained very independent,” she says. She mentions that her father was well versed in almost all subjects and never missed his morning newspaper. He was also a sports lover and, prior to his getting sick, was a keen golf player. He loved following sports such as cricket and soccer. His life also revolved around his family.

The Ayob family thanked all members of the community who expressed condolences and supported the family through this time.

Abdul Gaffar Hussain Ayob leaves behind his wife, Fatima, three daughters and five grand-children.

News - Date: 22 September 2017

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Anton van Zyl

Anton van Zyl has been with the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror since 1990. He graduated from the Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) and obtained a BA Communications degree. He is a founder member of the Association of Independent Publishers.

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