Ermelo bids farewell to Dawood ‘Baggs’ Bhagalia

ERMELO – It is only fitting that this tribute appears in the pages of a local newspaper. For Dawood Bhagalia, a man of deep thought and sharp intellect, the newspaper was a daily ritual.

He never went to bed without reading one – a simple act that kept his finger on the pulse of the world and reflected his unwavering belief that learning never truly stops.

Bhagalia, fondly known to all as ‘Baggs’ or ‘Baboo’, passed away in the early hours of February 5 at the age of 78.

According to his family, in true testament to one of his well-known quotes, “Your network is your net worth,” his funeral was attended by many from far and wide.

“It was a congregation of weeping hearts and sorrowful faces – young and old, all nations, all religions. Baggs undoubtedly held a special place in countless lives,” they said.

The Bhagalia family has been rooted in Ermelo since the early 1900s. Though his mother returned to India for his birth, Baggs was raised right here in Ermelo.

His childhood home was filled with the love of his parents, grandparents, uncle, and aunt, all of whom nurtured his zest for life.

He was a learner at Ermelo Primary School and later, Roodepoort High School, where he matriculated. Baggs stood among those thirsty for knowledge, yet remained fun-loving and easy to get along with, friends recall. He was known as the spark of clean mischief and the mediator of quarrels.

He furthered his studies in Durban at Salisbury Island, pursuing a BCom degree. His grandchildren would light up as he reminisced about those days – telling tales of making ends meet, train rides during the apartheid era, and lessons in resilience that shaped the man he would become.

Upon the passing of his grandfather, C.E. Bhagalia, Baggs returned home to join the well-established family clothing business, White House.

The business not only honed his remarkable entrepreneurial skills but also reflected Baggs as many knew him – impeccably dressed, well groomed, and meticulous in every way.

Following the passing of his uncle, E.C. Bhagalia, Baggs stepped into a leadership role alongside his father, the late Sallim Bhagalia (a former South African-Indian cricket player).

Not only did he take the reins of the business, but he also stepped in as a father and brother figure to the six young girls his uncle left behind.

Comfort was never his goal, and he lived by his father’s philosophy: “Sleep is for the grave.”

In the early 1980s, alongside the late Joe Joosub and Pauly Nel, Baggs purchased the BMW franchise.

It was a remarkable acquisition given the political climate of the time. What began in the original showroom with a single BMW in Murray Street grew through his inquisitive mind and sheer determination.

Before long, a larger showroom opened on the corner of Kerk and Oosthuizen streets.

Even after White House sadly closed its doors, Baggs never rested. His passion for motorcars and business flourished. He soon received many awards in this sphere, year on year, opening opportunities for travel.

Auto BMW eventually moved to newly built premises further up Kerk Street, standing today as BMW Ermelo, with Baggs as sole Dealer Principal.

In recent years, he expanded further – acquiring the Chery dealership and initiating the first padel courts in Ermelo.

This latest venture was about more than business. It was about creating a space for sportsmanship, recreation and unity – bringing together all ages and races in a peaceful setting.

Baggs is survived by his wife, four children, their spouses, and sixteen grandchildren – his beloved “4×4,” as he fondly called them. But his sense of family extended far beyond.

He was a man of unity, keeping close his two brothers, two sisters, their families, and an extended circle of relatives.

He was the heart of every gathering, the compass in decisions, and the quiet force behind many successes.

He instilled in his family a love for learning, for reading the Qur’aan, and of course, for reading the newspaper.

His home, where he honed his culinary skills, mastering delicacies like prawns and crayfish, carried the aroma of warmth and comfort. Hospitality was his hallmark.

Family, religious leaders, travelling strangers, friends – and friends of friends – were always welcome. There was finesse in every sphere of his life.

He served on the Ermelo Muslim Jamaat, chairing it for several years, playing an instrumental role in community initiatives and projects, and was also a member of Ermelo Country Club.

In his youth, he played cricket alongside his brother Ismail, while his younger brother Mohamed inherited his passion for tennis. He never missed a sports broadcast, often engaging in spirited conversations with his grandsons.

Former stalwarts of his time will recall endless nights of bridge and social gatherings at the local clubhouse.

His role as a businessman earned him respect among local and national enterprises alike.

In their time of grief, the family expressed their gratitude to the community for their visits, support, and love.

It is the stories that sustain them – tales of compassion, mediation, mentorship, and respect.

Baggs is sorely missed by his staff, acquaintances, family, friends, clients, and the broader community.

He was a man of dignity, larger than life – a presence that filled every room, a soul who uplifted those around him.

His smile, his gait, his charm, and his wisdom live on in the hearts of many.
For his family and all who knew him, this is an immeasurable loss. Equally immeasurable are the love and legacy he leaves behind.

His family wrote: “ We are reminded in the Noble Qur’aan: “O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]. Enter among My servants, and enter My Paradise.” (Surah Al-Fajr 89:27–30).
It is with this comfort that we bid farewell to our beloved Baggs – trusting that he returns to his Creator well-pleased and pleasing. So, while we mourn, we also give thanks – for a life lived fully, generously, and with unwavering purpose.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him do we return.
The Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said, the best amongst you are those best in character.
This is evident in the life of Baggs.”

Shereen Dindar said, “Indeed the community has lost an icon. He was known far and wide, respected, admired, and loved by so many.”

Morgan from Isuzu writes: “A life is not measured only by years, but by the life given, the laughter shared and the memories left behind – and by that measure, Baggs leaves a lasting legacy.”

Phillip Coetzer of De Wit Motors furthers this saying he was a true friend to them all and will be greatly missed.