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Three moving tributes honour the life and legacy of Haji Mogamat Rashad Jedaar [26 June 1937 – 6 July 2026], the distinguished educator, principal and Islamic scholar whose visionary leadership transformed Muhammadeyah Primary School and left an enduring mark on generations of learners, teachers and the broader Muslim community.
By FARID SAYED
Perhaps only the passing of a parent, a child or spouse can equal the pain of the loss of a teacher.
Haji Mogamat Rashad Jedaar, who passed away on Monday, July 6, made a huge contribution to the education of countless learners, many of whom themselves went on to make an impact on the lives of others.
My own experience bears testimony to his influence and guidance beyond his classroom. First, as a young learner in Mr Jedaar’s standard four (grade six) class at Habibia Primary School 60 years ago, his gentle discipline and meticulous approach to teaching is a spring that one continues to drink from.
Decades later, when I served on the committee of the Islamic College of South Africa (Icosa), Mr Jedaar, as the rector of the college, shared his years of experience in administration, placing accountability at the forefront of sound governance of public institutions.
And always the teacher, Mr Jedaar sacrificed his Saturday mornings – well into his retirement from Muhammadeyah Primary School – by providing training to the educators at Madrasatul Quds in Gatesville. Here, the circle of training benefited a second generation, as my children learnt at the feet of teachers who had themselves received guidance from Mr Jedaar.
Mr Jedaar also made a huge impact on the broader community. His activism started at an early age when he was among those who founded the original Muslim Youth Movement in District Six. This activism prepared him for his role at the Muslim Assembly (Cape), where he was a key member in drawing up a progressive madrasah curriculum.
The two tributes from former colleagues that follow capture the essence of Mr Jedaar’s lasting impact as an educator par excellence.
Educator, principal, scholar and community builder
By DR OMAR ESAU
The passing of Mr Mogamat Rashad Jedaar on 6 July 2026 marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of Islamic education in Cape Town. As a teacher, principal, scholar and community leader, he devoted his life to nurturing young minds, strengthening institutions and serving the Muslim community with unwavering dedication. His legacy continues to live on through the thousands of learners, educators and families whose lives he touched over many decades.
Early career and commitment to education
Originating from Walmer Estate, Cape Town, Mr Jedaar was known for his strong intellectual abilities and his solid grounding in the English language. From the beginning of his teaching career, he demonstrated a passion for learning and a deep commitment to the development of young people.
He began his teaching career at Habibia Primary School in Athlone under the stewardship of the respected principal, Mr Mohamed Hanief Allie, where he quickly established a reputation as a meticulous and disciplined educator.
His dedication and professionalism earned him increasing responsibilities, and in 1969 he was appointed Head of Department at Muhammadeyah Primary School.
Rise to school leadership
Mr Jedaar’s leadership abilities became evident early in his career. In 1974, he was promoted to vice-principal of Muhammadeyah Primary School. Following the retirement of Mr HI Solomon, he assumed the position of principal, officially leading the school during the period 1980–1994.
As principal, he approached his responsibilities with enthusiasm, vision and determination. Building upon the foundations laid by his predecessors, he facilitated substantial growth and development within the school. During his tenure, learner enrolment increased to approximately 800 learners, necessitating the construction of additional classrooms.
Recognising the importance of efficient school administration, Mr Jedaar became the first principal at Muhammadeyah to appoint a full-time administrator, Mrs Ruwaydah Amardien-Jappie. This innovation strengthened the school’s administrative capacity and contributed to its continued growth.
A pioneer of educational modernisation
One of Mr Jedaar’s most significant contributions was his commitment to embracing modern educational technologies. At a time when computers were still relatively new to schools, he introduced Muhammadeyah Primary to the computer age.
He encouraged teachers to become computer literate and actively supported their professional development through further studies and training. His vision extended beyond administration and into curriculum development. Islamic songs, qasidahs and educational materials were recorded and distributed through computer technology, ensuring that learners could access religious and cultural knowledge in innovative ways.
His leadership reflected a rare balance between preserving Islamic traditions and embracing educational advancement.
Strengthening Islamic identity and community engagement
Mr Jedaar understood that education extended far beyond classroom instruction. He consistently sought ways to strengthen the relationship between the school, learners and the broader Muslim community.
A particularly memorable initiative was the school’s educational Umrah tour to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in 1988. Conducted under his guidance and supervision, the tour fostered spiritual growth among participants while strengthening the bond between Muhammadeyah Primary School and the surrounding community.
The initiative generated widespread community support and further enhanced the school’s standing as an institution committed to both academic excellence and Islamic values.
Leadership through faith and discipline
Many educators who worked under Mr Jedaar remember him as a principal who valued discipline, order and moral development. His approach to education was deeply rooted in Islamic principles.
I recall, as a young educator — 19 years old in 1985 — receiving regular support and guidance from Mr Jedaar. The guidance and support he provided during those formative years contributed significantly to my growth as a teacher, researcher and academic. Today, I continue to value the lessons in leadership, scholarship and service that I learnt from Mr Jedaar.
He encouraged teachers to maintain effective classroom management while ensuring that learners were exposed to the recitation of the Holy Quran as part of their daily educational experience.
Classroom cleanliness, learner discipline and adherence to Islamic values were consistently emphasised. Teachers and learners alike were encouraged to embody the principles of Tahaarah (cleanliness), moral conduct and spiritual growth.
These practices contributed to a distinctive school culture that combined academic rigour with Islamic character formation.
Supporting democratic participation during difficult times
Mr Jedaar’s years as principal coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in South African history. Navigating the challenges of apartheid while leading a faith-based educational institution required wisdom, courage and balance. Despite these challenges, Muhammadeyah Primary flourished under his leadership. He recognised the importance of community participation and actively encouraged parental involvement in school affairs.
One of his lasting contributions was the establishment and strengthening of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Under his leadership, the PTA became an important democratic voice within the school community, creating opportunities for parents and teachers to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.
Balancing the roles and interests of both the PTA and the longstanding Muslim Education Trust (MET) was often complex. Nevertheless, Mr Jedaar worked tirelessly to create an environment where dialogue, cooperation and community engagement could flourish.
Scholar and lifelong learner
Beyond his administrative accomplishments, Mr Jedaar remained committed to his own intellectual development. He completed a Bachelor of Education Honours degree during the late 1980s, further establishing himself as a respected educational scholar.
His academic pursuits reflected his belief that educators should remain lifelong learners. He consistently encouraged teachers to improve their qualifications and remain abreast of emerging developments in education.
His scholarly interests also contributed to broader discussions surrounding Islamic education and the Islamisation of knowledge, helping to shape educational discourse within the Muslim community.
Service beyond retirement
Following his retirement from Muhammadeyah Primary School in 1994, Mr Jedaar did not withdraw from educational service. Instead, he continued contributing to the advancement of learning through his involvement with the Islamic College of South Africa (Icosa), which was based at Masjidul Quds in Gatesville, where he served as rector, adviser and consultant.
He also remained a trusted source of guidance for Muhammadeyah Primary School, offering counsel and support whenever needed. His wisdom, experience and institutional knowledge continued to benefit the school long after his formal retirement.
A lasting legacy
The life of Mr Mogamat Rashad Jedaar exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated educator, principled leader and committed Muslim scholar. Throughout his career, he demonstrated that education is not merely the transmission of knowledge but the nurturing of character, faith and community responsibility.
His achievements can be seen in the growth of Muhammadeyah Primary School, the advancement of Islamic education, the professional development of countless teachers and the success of generations of learners.
As we reflect on his life, we remember a man who combined scholarship with humility, leadership with service and vision with action. He leaves behind a legacy deeply embedded in the educational and spiritual life of the communities he served.
Dr Omar Esau is a senior lecturer in Curriculum Studies at Stellenbosch University and a National Research Foundation-rated researcher.
We bid farewell to a teacher of teachers
By EBRAHIM ISMAIL
We bid farewell to a giant – a teacher of teachers, a leader of leaders, our former principal at Muhammadeyah Primary School, Haji Mogamat Rashad Jedaar.
We all knew him as the man with the strict aura. The ‘no-nonsense’ principal. But behind that firmness was a heart that beat only for education, for Islam, and for this community.
He was meticulous. He was a strategist. He was professional with officials and humble with the layman. He carried two oceans of knowledge: academic and Islamic. Scholars would come to his home just to sit and benefit from him.
Ahead of his time
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When no one was thinking of it, he, together with his predecessor, Mr Ismail Solomon, and a few colleagues, initiated the first English class in an Afrikaans-medium school.
When computers were still new, he brought the first one into our school and taught us what the future would look like.
He hired our first full-time administrator.
He started remedial classes for learners who were struggling because no child was to be left behind under his watch.
He poured his life, his energy and his soul into his students and his staff. Every child who walked through our school was blessed to have a champion in him. He saw potential in everyone, guided us with a gentle yet firm hand, and led by extraordinary example.
He was a prolific writer. His articles on education were brilliant, and they shaped how many of us taught. So many teachers were fortunate to teach under his guidance. And I can tell you, he didn’t just run a school. He built people. He built principals, he built teachers, he built leaders.
To us as learners, he was respected, sometimes even feared. But today we understand why. Discipline was his love language. He wanted us to be better, to be strong, to be ready for the dunya (this world) and the Akhirah (the Hereafter).
He was also an icon in the community. He involved himself in so many organisations. And alongside him, for many years, was his wife, Aunty Amina, who stood by him through thick and thin. She was always in the background, allowing him to serve us. A few years ago, Allah called her, and today Allah has called him. May Allah (SWT) reunite them in Jannatul Firdous. Aameen.
His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, together with his daughters-in-law and son-in-law, are all a reflection of the home he built. That is Haji Rashad’s sadaqah jaariyah.
For me, as a colleague, the period that stands out is what I would call the Rashad Jedaar era, from 1980 to 1994. It started when he took up the task as principal with much zeal and enthusiasm and continued until his retirement. During this time, he further consolidated many of the ambitions of his predecessors, and the school underwent further growth.
Indeed, a legend has left us. A void has been created in our community that will be very hard to fill. We take comfort in knowing that the knowledge he spread, the students he taught, the systems he built, the qaseedahs sung, the remedial classes run and the computers introduced continue to benefit people. And that reward continues to benefit him now.
Al Hajj Mogamat Rashad Jedaar will live in our thoughts, in our memories and in our conversations for many years to come. He will always be lovingly remembered by the entire Muhammadeyah fraternity and the wider community.
Ebrahim Ismail, now retired, succeeded Mr Jedaar as principal at Muhammadeyah Primary School.
