Anwar Rhoda was a seventh generation descendent whose forebears were among the founders of the Strand Muslim community almost 200 years ago. He died on Monday 17 January.
Rhoda, fondly known as “Meester Rhoda”, was born on 23 April 1945 in Terhoeven Street, Strand. He was one of 10 children of Hadj Saaid and Hadj Amina Rhoda. Most of his siblings have passed on, barring two sisters, Haj Jasmina Arnold and Haj Suraya Pool.
Rhoda attended the Methodist Primary School and matriculated at Gordon High School in Somerset West. He proceeded to the University of the Western Cape where he obtained his BA Com in accounting in addition to qualifying as a teacher. He commenced his teaching career at Bridgetown High School and in later years he joined the staff of Gordon High School. His excellent results in teaching accounting motivated the education department to appoint him as Subject Advisor. This position afforded him the opportunity to travel widely in the province giving guidance to high school teachers.
Rhoda married Ayesha Bhayat and from this union Shireen, Mohammed Saeed, Farana and Firdous were born. Tragedy struck his family twice. In 2010 his wife, Ayesha passed away. Sadly, in July last year his 46-year old daughter, Shireen, a teacher and mother of four children, succumbed to Covid-19.
Rhoda holds the distinction as the longest serving member on the Strand Moslem Council which was established in 1966. He served this organisation loyally from 1976, initially as treasurer and at the time of his demise he was the chairperson.
After going on early retirement Rhoda became intimately involved with Madrassatur Rajaa, a high school founded by Nur Ali Muhammad and the late Maulana Yusuf Karaan in 1997.
In 2011 Rhoda married Gamieda Fanie and she had this to say about his involvement with Madrassatur Rajaa:
He continued his passion for accounting and continued teaching it at Madrasatur Rajaa High School. In his personal memoires he rates the establishment of ‘Rajaa’ as one of the most successful ventures, benefitting the Strand Muslim Community. He stated that “I, both as teacher and exco member, feel extremely proud to have been part in building this successful institution.”
On the leisure side Rhoda was a keen sportsman in that he played rugby, cricket and tennis in his youthful years. In his later years he became a keen golfer and at the age of 76 won the Senior Club Championship at the Strand Golf Course.
Rhoda leaves behind his wife Gamieda Rhoda, a son, two daughters and nine grandchildren.
The Strand Moslem Council on behalf the community wish to thank Rhoda’s family for allowing him to serve the community loyally for more than 40 years.
“We make duah that Allah (SWT) grant, Anwar his wife Ayesha , daughter and all other deceased Jannatul Firdous. May they be rewarded for their good deeds and be forgiven for their shortcomings . Insha Allah, Ameen.”
