OVER the past four decades, Suleman Khan’s ice cream vans have been a welcome summertime sight in north Durban.

The 76-year-old’s legacy has now extended to his children, grandchildren and even cousins who have all joined the business in some shape or form.

Khan’s business, under the name, Fantasy Soft Serve Ice Cream has seen various iterations of van shapes and colours in the past 45 years, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the joy it brings to the community.

Every weekend, when the familiar tunes many have become accustomed to ring out in the neighbourhood, many come out to support him in Sunningdale, La Lucia, Glen Anil and Glenashley.

“There was a time when we would go as far north as Stanger and as far south as Margate. The ice cream truck business is reliant on sunshine, of course, and thankfully there are no disagreements about turf here,” the Phoenix resident said. “When I started the business, I purchased two vehicles, and the rest, as they say, is history. It wasn’t easy as I had to learn as I went along.

“However, the best part for me is giving back to the community. There are even some customers who remember me from when they were a kid and now have children of their own coming to support my business. It’s really humbling and moving. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you see a little kid’s smile at being handed an ice cream. Through the years, I’ve tried to keep the prices low because things are so expensive. Years ago, I think I charged 90 cents for an ice cream cone.”

His business on the move mainly serves vanilla and strawberry, and an ice cream cone costs R10.

Suleman says this year he is thinking about retiring but has found a successor in the form of his grandson, Mohammed.

Mohammed or Mo, as he is known to his family and friends, says the legacy of his grandfather is for all to see.

“My dad has worked in this business, I’ve worked in this business, and even my cousins now work in this business, so we are all flourishing and have our starts in life thanks to him. I think I started accompanying my grandfather when I was in Grade Three. I know every nook and cranny of this van, and thanks to him, I know how to run the business,” the 22-year-old said.

“It is incredible seeing the support from the community – we often get calls from people whose roads we’ve missed, asking us to pop around so they can purchase some soft-serve ice cream. It has been an honour and a privilege, not only learning from my grandfather but also serving the community. Without them, none of this would be possible,” he said.

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