Community mourns stalwart’s tragic death

The tragic death of Abraham Henry Braaf, better known as “Abe” shocked the community of Parkwood and many other areas where he dedicated most of his time to helping and supporting the vulnerable.

Mr Braaf, a paralegal, is survived by his wife, Glenda Braaf and two sons, Giovanni and Alfonso.

Mr Braaf, 62, died in a car crash in Racecourse Road, Kenilworth, on Tuesday August 23.

Mr Braaf had been taking a friend’s child to school and while he was heading back home, a taxi driver had crashed into him, according to his son, Giovanni.

Mr Braaf was taken to Groote Schuur Hospital where he died.

“The case was reported to the Woodstock police,” said Giovanni.

Colonel Delvin Matroos, station commander of Woodstock police station, said a case docket was opened when Groote Schuur Hospital contacted Woodstock SAPS, at 10am. “The case is being investigated,” he said.

His son Alfonso said Mr Braaf had been helping many communities in areas such as, Parkwood, New Horizon, Ottery, Lotus River, Mitchell’s Plain, Hanover Park and many more for 44 years – since he was 18 years old.

“Abe gave his life to helping the poor and making sure that everyone had a fair chance in life,” said Alfonso.

“He was a lover of reading the newspaper and was known for reading every single article in the newspaper. Abe appeared in many Southern Mail editions and was always ensuring that the community was informed about happenings.”

Mr Braaf had a passion for helping children and ensuring that every person understood their rights and followed the law. “Abe was a spiritual leader and family man. He loved being a helping hand to people and always ensured that people were happy,” said Alfonso.

He was a family man and a “great father figure and instilled discipline and understanding to put God first. His entire family followed in his path of helping people and making a difference to those who are less fortunate,” said Alfonso.

Mr Braaf also had a great sense of humour, Alfonso said.

“He had one motto – As Abe nie vir jou kan help nie, kan niemand vir jou help nie (If Abe cannot help you, then no one can),” he recalled.

Sandra Phillips of Caring and Sharing, in Parkwood, said she had known Mr Braaf for more than 30 years.

“I remember Abe who helped so many people – he lived for the community. I could call Abe any time to ask him advice and he would speak to me until late at night on how to help the community. The community is so sad and when I speak to anyone, it feels as if he should not have left us.

“Many times he did not charge the community when he represented them as a legal assistant. I also know for a fact that he prayed every day for the community’s well-being.

“When I heard the news about Abe, I got sick with sadness at the loss of Abe. We are going to miss him – he was a human working machine.”

Cheryl Halford, a provincial council member of Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) and chairperson of Beacon Blind Society, said she had worked with Mr Braaf for more than 15 years in Parkwood.

“I remember how Abe used to walk to his clients. He had no transport and what I admired him for was when he would sit at 5am with people's children at Home Affairs or with old people at SASSA. He covered family issues, divorce cases, children’s court cases, housing issues and many more.The community is going to be lost without him.”

Ms Halford’s husband Russel, used to drive Mr Braaf around the areas when he had to see his clients. “Many times he did not get paid but he wanted to help the people. He had a good heart. I remember he asked me to drive 200 school kids just to take them out to the beach. He left a legacy of helping everyone, man, woman and child.”

Pastor Beverley Naidoo, of the Church of Restoration, in Ottery, said since Mr Braaf was ordained as an elder at the church, he had also taken up the role of chairperson on the Sunday school committee.

“He went full force with the development and recruitment of the children. Two weeks ago he brought children from an informal settlement to church. He not only focused on helping the spiritual side of the child but the personal development side. He would make sure the child is helped financially and see if the child had clothes. He was a great support, always there to help and he took no credit and stayed humble. We lost a relative, a big brother.”

Lesley Dodgen, community leader at Rosie's Angels, in Strandfontein, called Southern Mail to share her experiences with Mr Braaf. She said she used to drive him “everywhere”. “He had a great interest in seeing progress in the community and showed interest in job creation, or finding ways for youth to make money. He was a pioneer and he will be missed.”

Mr Braaf’s funeral service will be held at Retreat civic centre, on Saturday September 3. Viewing will be from 8am and the service will start at 9.45am. The burial will be only for family at a private estate.