Cape Town - Athlone businessman Abdullah Gangraker, 72, fondly known as “Mr Wembley” died on Sunday, leaving thousands mourning the custodian of the Wembley Whopper.
Gangraker was famous for his Wembley Roadhouse, a landmark and tourist attraction on the Cape Flats.
He was admitted to hospital after an illness three weeks ago. He underwent a brain operation and seemed to be recovering until his health took a turn for the worse. He is survived by his wife, son and five daughters.
Family spokesman Sataar Parker said Gangraker’s death was a big loss to the community.
“His legacy is one of passion, compassion and the zeal to do things for the betterment of humanity. I served with him for 25 years and I can bear testimony to that,' Parker said.
Parker is also chairman of the Trust Board at Masjidul Quds, Cape Town’s biggest mosque, of which Gangraker was a founding father.
“He donated the land for the mosque, and he played a pivotal role in the development of the mosque.
“He was a very passionate man in business and in social welfare.”
Also read: ‘Mr Wembley’ stayed true to humble roots
Thousands gathered at the mosque on Sunday to bid farewell to the man who helped build it.
Gangraker was an excellent businessman and generous philanthropist.
Under his savvy leaderhip, the family grocery business, which began in 1931, flourished.
Wembley businesses now include the iconic roadhouse, a grocery store, butchery, confectioner and travel agency.
“His hallmark was perfection. Whether he was in the bakery or butchery or travel agency, he would personally see things are the way they should be,” Parker said.
Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille said the Wembley stores were not just a local favourite, but that tourists from around the country and world were directed to Wembley as one of the city”s must-see attractions.
“Cape Town was truly honoured to have a kind businessman like Haji Gangraker in our midst who grew a successful business by serving the people of our city. While building a successful business, Haji Gangraker supported many charitable causes in the community.
“He was truly a good man. I remember fondly how, during the Struggle, he would provide food for striking workers.
“This is a huge loss for Cape Town and he will be missed by many,” De Lille said.
Soraya Sonday worked for Gangraker as his personal assistant for 32 years, and said she saw him as a father figure.
“His passion lay with his people, and that”s what made him the icon of this community. He started from humble beginnings, and where he is now is a big achievement. He grew within his community,” Sonday said.
Many students, inspired by his success, had come to do school projects about Gangraker and the Wembley businesses.
“Anybody could come to him for advice and he would never send them away. He would always give two minutes to see them. I’ll miss that.”
She said that Gangraker embodied the Muslim saying that when one hand gives, the other hand should not know about it: “He would give unconditionally, and never talk about it.”
Gangraker headed up many philanthropic projects such as building a school hall for Islamia College, donating golf carts for patient transport at Groote Schuur Hospital and starting up a cricket league for young players on the Cape Flats. He also helped build hospitals, schools and mosques in his ancestral village in India.
Timeline of the Wembley empire
1943: Abdullah Eshack Gangraker was born on October 28.
1964: Matriculated at Alexandra Sinton in 1964.
1971: Took over Wembley Stores upon the death of his father.
1975: Opened Wembley Butchery, despite immense opposition from the Meat Board.
1975: Opened Wembley Roadhouse.
1977: Opened Wembley Bakery, still run by a team of professional bakers.
1983: Opened Food City in Mitchells Plain. At 3 000m², it was one of the largest independent supermarkets in the Western Cape. Also, it was one of the first supermarkets to introduce price scanning at its till points.
1987: Wembley Food Services was established, specialising in hospital catering. Hospitals supplied included Constantiaberg Mediclinic, Gatesville Medical Centre, Vincent Pallotti Hospital, N1 City Hospital and Louis Leipoldt Hospital.
1988: The Wembley Group of Companies acquired Yaldor, the only specialist marshmallow manufacturer in the country .
1989: Wembley Meat Market underwent major refurbishment and has since been described as the best designed store of its kind.
1992: Wembley Travel and Tours was established.
1997: Wembley Cash and Carry opened its doors to small traders and hawkers.
Cape Argus