BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
Today I received the devastating news that my brother, Hajji Ibrahim Mohammad, had passed away after a long illness. The early hours of that day marked the end of his journey, as he was laid to rest at Johnston Road, Rylands, in Cape Town. The loss weighed heavily on me, sparking memories of the last time I saw him in 2015 during my visit to Cape Town. That trip, my first to the city, was unforgettable—not only because of its beauty but because of the family time I shared with Ibrahim and our loved ones. Together with our siblings, we laughed, reminisced, and created moments I now hold dear. Ibrahim’s unwavering kindness and support, especially during my work as a journalist, stand out vividly. Now, reflecting on his passing, I realize how fleeting life is and how crucial it is to cherish every moment with those we love.
It was the morning of September 9th when I received the heartbreaking news that my brother, Hajji Ibrahim Mohammad, had passed away after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last in the early hours of the day and was laid to rest at Johnston Road, Rylands, in Cape Town. The loss hit me hard, and I couldn’t help but reflect on the memories I had shared with him over the years. He has provided exceptional leadership and dedication in his role as Managing Director at Plascon, consistently delivering his best to drive the company’s success.
Kasim, Haider (standing behind), Ibrahim, Tarique and Soghra
The last time I met Ibrahim was back in 2015, when I visited Cape Town for the first time at his invitation. It was a trip that I would cherish forever. Cape Town, with its breathtaking landscapes, was made even more special by the warmth of family. During that visit, I also met Aunty Khairo, the last living member among four maternal uncles and three aunts.
Me and Hussain
Meeting her was an emotional moment, a bridge to our past. The days in Cape Town were filled with laughter and togetherness with my brothers (Ibrahim, Hussain, Kasim, Haider) and sisters (Soghra and Fauzia), as well as our beloved nephews and nieces. Though I had gone for only 15 days, the time flew by, leaving behind treasured memories.
Ibrahim’s daughters with her kids
As a journalist, I had also planned to cover aspects of India-Africa bilateral ties during my visit. Ibrahim, ever the supportive brother, accompanied me to the Indian Embassy in Cape Town several times. There, I met the then Indian Ambassador to South Africa, Mr. Punit Kundal. Ibrahim’s kindness and dedication were evident every time he took me to the embassy, making sure everything went smoothly. His presence was always comforting, and his care for me was unwavering.
Ibrahim and Soghra
Ibrahim had visited India once with our sister, Soghra Walton. I fondly remember that time. We had a wonderful gathering at home, where my mother and my wife prepared special dishes to welcome them. The joy we shared during that visit remains fresh in my mind. We laughed, reminisced about our childhood, and enjoyed each other’s company, strengthening the bond that held our family together.
The loss of Ibrahim is particularly painful because it comes not long after the passing of another brother, Hussain, whom we lost just a year after I visited Cape Town. Losing two brothers in such a short span has left an unfillable void in my heart. Life, I have realized, is unpredictable and fragile.
These losses have reinforced a vital lesson for me—family is everything. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become distant, to let misunderstandings and petty arguments create walls between us. But family is where we find our deepest connections, and we must nurture these relationships with love and understanding. Jealousy and resentment have no place in a happy family. We must embrace each other wholeheartedly, share in each other’s joys, and support one another in difficult times.
Ibrahim’s death has reminded me of the value of togetherness. Life is too short to hold on to grievances. We must cherish every moment we have with our loved ones, for tomorrow is never guaranteed. Let us live a life filled with love, kindness, and happiness, and let us ensure that the distances between family members, whether physical or emotional, are bridged with love and unity.
