The Coovadia family Mr Dawood Ahmed, born in Ghala, western India, settled in Bethal at the beginning of World War 1. Later he was joined by his brother and together they established what was later known as The Bombay House. The business was later extended to become a garage, selling cars. This concern was later converted to Bombay Furnishers. At this time Mr Moosa Dawood Coovadia was the sole proprietor of the latter. In 1960 Bombay Wholesalers was added to his enterprises. Mr Coovadia passed away on Decembe 12, 1978. On the subject of community affairs, sports, welfare and cultural activities, Mr Coovadia was a very active man. Mr Coovadia was president of the Bethal Muslim Community until his death. He also became the first person to be nominated to serve on the South African Indian Council. M D Coovadia Mr A Jassat The Jassat family Mr Ebrahim Jassat and his family came to Bethal from Ermelo in 1905. Presently Bargain House is still owned by this family. At the age of 76 Ahmed Jassat has the honour of being the oldest living Indian pioneer in Bethal. 117
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