Bhamjees Shoe Centre Painting

Our Story

1940

Our story begins in 1940, when Mr. Ahmed Bhamjee, a passionate and
hardworking trader, laid the foundation for what would become a proud, multi-generational family business. Originally a hawker in the Rustenburg area, Mr. Bhamjee sold general goods and built strong relationships within the community through honesty, perseverance, and dedication. That same year, he constructed a building in Vrededorp (Fietas), where he housed his family and opened a small shoe store at street level; marking the beginning of our legacy in the shoe trade.

From a young age, Mr. Bhamjee’s son, Yousuf Ahmed Bhamjee, learned the ins and outs of the business. After school, he would spend his afternoons in the shop, learning the value of customer service, commitment, and quality footwear. Under his father’s mentorship, Yousuf honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the trade.

1968

In 1968, Yousuf married Fatima Bhamjee, and together they built not only a family but a thriving business partnership. Their shared vision, determination, and commitment laid the foundation for the store’s continued success. Together, they raised three daughters; Zaheeda, Salma, and Abeda; who grew up surrounded by the rhythm of the store, watching and learning as their parents managed every aspect of the business with dedication and integrity.

1972

In 1972, during the apartheid-era forced removals, the Bhamjee family, along with many other Indian families, was displaced from Vrededorp. The government demolished the area, relocating many to Lenasia and offering trading spaces in the newly established Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg.

1974

In 1974, Yousuf Ahmed Bhamjee took up occupancy of one of these stores, continuing the family’s shoe business under challenging new circumstances. With Fatima working beside him, the couple poured their hearts into the business, rebuilding from scratch with courage and determination. Their perseverance turned the store into a thriving enterprise that became well known for quality, service, and trust.

1988

In October 1988, the government finally allowed tenants to purchase their stores at a reduced rate; a long-awaited acknowledgment of the injustice faced by families who were forced from their own properties years earlier. Yousuf seized this opportunity, securing ownership of the store he and Fatima had nurtured together, ensuring the future of the family business for generations to come.

Our Store Today

Today, Abeda and Salma Bhamjee have proudly taken up the baton, carrying forward the family’s legacy with the same pride, honour, and personal touch that have defined the Bhamjee name for generations.

Our store stands as a proud symbol of resilience, trust, and craftsmanship. We are a family-run, word-of-mouth business, known for our wide range of footwear; from casual sneakers and children’s shoes to formal men’s shoes and elegant ladies’ footwear for weddings, special occasions, and matric dances.

Our reputation is built on decades of dedication, integrity, and personal service, with every customer treated like a member of the family.

Our Philosophy

At the heart of our success lies a simple but powerful principle passed down through generations:

“Your word is your bond.”

This philosophy has guided our journey from a modest shoe store in Vrededorp (Fietas) to a respected and enduring name in the South African shoe industry.