Mohamed Hoosein Sirkhot, chairperson of Actonville Child and Family Welfare Society, writes:

The late Dr Mahomed Essop Bawa hailed from KwaZulu-Natal in the early 80’s.

He established his medical practice in Actonville and later moved his practice to Benoni CBD, where he practised until his death on the evening of April 26.

In 1984, he established the Actonville Child and Family Welfare Society with a handful of volunteers.

With its humble beginning serving only the township of Actonville, the society grew into a formidable entity, which now serves Actonville, Mackenzie Park, Wattville, Tamboville, Kingsway and a number of the surrounding informal settlements of Lindelani, Msholozi, Emandleni and Emhlotheni.

Dr Bawa served as chairperson of our society for many years.

He also served on the Benoni Muslim Jamaat and was instrumental in establishing a bursary fund in the Benoni Muslim Jamaat.

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In the 90’s, Dr Bawa initiated a diabetic clinic.

He hired premises at his own expense and operated the clinic every Sunday.

Not only did he sacrifice his time, but he also offered this service to everybody absolutely free.

Many times, he treated patients at his private practice and did not charge if they were unable to afford the treatment.

He will be sorely missed by the communities he served so humbly for many years.

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