A great loss

Date: 20 February 2015 By: Andries van Zyl

It is not often that the passing away of a person results in such an immense sense of loss, as is experienced by all in the Soutpansberg with the tragic news of the sudden and untimely death of Mr Mohamed Rasool (58) the past week.

Mohamed died early Thursday morning, 12 February, in the Zoutpansberg Private Hospital, following a cycling accident not far from his home in Eltivillas. Nobody can explain what had happened, as he was alone when tragedy struck. He was found in the road with a serious head injury, after he had apparently fallen off his bicycle. Mohamed loved cycling and regularly went for an early morning ride before going to work.

Although small in stature, Mohamed was a larger-than-life person, and for many it feels as if a little bit of the Soutpansberg died with him on that fateful Thursday. Immediately after the news of his death, messages of condolence began to stream in on the Zoutpansberger’s Facebook page. “Mohamed will be missed by many! A very humble, honest businessman and friend. One characteristic that was mentioned under the Afrikaans-speaking community was the way he spoke our language better than we could,” posted Hannes Nel. “This is such shocking and sad, sad news. My sincerest condolences to the family. RIP Mohamed, our community will not be the same without you,” posted Laura van Zyl. The post which almost sums up this “larger-than-life” man was that of Marcel van Niekerk, who wrote: “A man that accepted and loved beyond race, culture and religion. This will always be your standing legacy!”

Since his death, there has been a constant stream of people in and out of Mohamed’s well-known Cycle Centre shop in Eltivillas, wanting to express their heartfelt condolences to his wife Shahida and two sons, Mehboob (Bobby) and Muhammed junior. Bobby and Muhammed were back in the shop on Monday morning, still visibly trying to cope with the loss of not only a father, but also a friend. “It was too quick … we wish we had more time,” said Bobby.

Every now and then someone pops in just wanting to express his or her condolences. “Your dad was one of the few businessmen in this town I had the deepest respect for,” remarked Ben Harris. It’s followed by a respectful “Thank you” from Bobby. But it’s more than just a quick “I am sorry to hear about your father” handshake. Visitors linger, console – wanting to do more to pay tribute to a man who was so dearly loved and respected by all who knew him.

As a mass tribute to Mohamed, a special memorial ride was hosted on Saturday. Cyclists from all races and religions rode from Mount Fuji and gathered in front of Cycle Centre. From there they rode to Mohamed’s home, where they were met by the Rasool family. It was an overwhelming emotional experience which words cannot describe. “One cyclist asked me what size shoe I wear. I thought it to be an odd question at a time like this. I replied ‘A size 9’. The man then said ‘Your dad wore a size 25. I hope you will be able to fill his shoes,” said Bobby.

In July 2012, the Soutpansberg also mourned the death of Hamid Rasool, Mohamed’s brother. They were like twins. “My dad struggled with the loss of not only his brother, but a life-long friend,” said Bobby. He reached for the counter and opened up his dad’s diary. On the back page is the article that appeared in the newspaper about Hamid’s death. “Every time things got too much, he used to open the diary and read through the article again. Now, they are together again,” said Bobby.

Cycle Centre opened its doors in 1955 with Mohamed, at age 17, joning the family business in 1974. Over the years, this business became synonymous with fishing and cycling in the Soutpansberg, and the Rasools became like family to many. Both Mohamed and Hamid radiated compassion, always enquiring about everybody and their family’s well-being. They always made time to have a chat, listen and share their knowledge.  Mohamed always used to say: “In life, you make a living of what you earn, but you make a life of what you give.”A visit to Cycle Centre will never be the same again.

Mohamed was buried on the same day of his death, according to Muslim custom. He is survived by his wife, two sons, sister Mehmuda Bellim and daughter-in-law Salma. 

Reader's Opinion:

“He was the ultimate ambassador” (19 February 2015)

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Andries van Zyl

Andries joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in April 1993 as a darkroom assistant. Within a couple of months he moved over to the production side of the newspaper and eventually doubled as a reporter. In 1995 he left the newspaper group and travelled overseas for a couple of months. In 1996, Andries rejoined the Zoutpansberger as a reporter. In August 2002, he was appointed as News Editor of the Zoutpansberger, a position he holds until today.

More photos... 

Cyclist Hetta Lombard consoles Mohamed’s sister, Mehmuda Bellim.

On Saturday, cyclists from all races and religions rode from Mount Fuji and gathered in front of Cycle Centre. From there they rode to Mohamed’s home, where they were met by the Rasool family. It was an overwhelming emotional experience which words cannot describe.

The late Mohamed Haniff Murad Rasool (58). Photo supplied.