The end of an era: G.M. Butchery says goodbye to Obz after 48 years
The owners of G.M. Moslem Meat Market, Mohammad and Gaironesha Moosa.
Image: Wesley Ford
Marking the end of an era for many long-time customers, the family-owned G.M. Moslem Meat Market in Observatory closed its doors at the end of June, after more than 48 years of serving the community.
The butchery was founded in 1977 by Gaironesha and Mohammad Moosa when it first opened at 313 Main Road, Observatory.
Their initials were used to create the name G.M. Butcher.
Reflecting on the butchery’s early days, Gaironesha recalled the challenges they faced in obtaining a trading permit, as during the apartheid era, they were not allowed to trade in Observatory as it was an area with a large white demographic.
She said a government official they knew at the time assisted them in securing the permit, allowing them to open the shop in late 1977.
Visiting G.M. Butcher on the last day, from left are customers, Moerida Daniels, Tharima Hendricks and Sharon Williams holding her grandson, Mason Stuurman.
Image: Wesley Ford
One of their biggest selling points when they opened was their "special hot polony" that Mohammad made himself.
During that time, there were many factories close by whose employees would become regular customers at the butchery.
“People would come from far away to buy this special hot polony,” Gaironesha said.
She said word quickly spread about their “special hot polony,” and visitors from Durban, Gqeberha, and Johannesburg would make a point of stopping by the butchery to buy it.
On one occasion, they even vacuum-sealed hot polony for a customer travelling to Taiwan.
The butchery underwent some changes over the years, including a move in 1998 to 315 Main Road, Observatory - right next door to its original location.
When they started their business, Gaironesha said the community was much safer then, compared to today.
“There were times when we could open at 5am and then close at 6pm, but now we can’t do that anymore. We had an armed robbery outside the butchery over three years ago, so we have to be more vigilant when working in the area,” she said.
G.M. Butcher employees, Ntombi Kondlo, left, and Somaya Salie.
Image: Wesley Ford
She said the reason they are closing is that both she and her husband are 78 years old and they want to spend more time with their family.
“We don’t want to be working at the age of 80, we want to spend time with our grandchildren,” she said, adding that they will be selling the entire building.
Even their daughter, Rezana Moosa, who now lives in Johannesburg with her family, spent much of her childhood at the butchery.
“I used to serve customers, fetch food for the employees, and even slept at the desk. I grew up in the butchery,” she said.
Rezana returned to Observatory to visit the shop on its final day, Monday, June 30.
“I think it’s time for my parents to rest and enjoy their life,” she said.
Regular customer, Sumayah Adams and owner Gaironesha Moosa on the last day.
Image: Wesley Ford
Sumayah Adams from Woodstock has been a customer for more than 40 years.
“I used to always buy our hot polony every Friday. I am very sad that it is closing, the owners always remember me, and my family always enjoyed their hot polony,” she said.
Moerida Daniels from Crawford would always visit the butchery whenever she visited Groote Schuur Hospital to pick up her tablets.
“I am shocked to hear that they are closing, it will never be the same coming to Groote Schuur without the butchery not being here,” she said.
Butchery employee, Somaya Salie, has been working there for over 25 years.
“It was wonderful working at this butchery, the owners felt like my parents,” she said.
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