The genesis of the organization had much to do with the restlessness and vision of various young men of Durban including M.E. Dhai and Ismail Patel.

They decided to call up a meeting, which was advertised, in Indian newspapers like the Graphic, Leader, and Post, as well as the Daily News. This set a trend whereby subsequent activities received much publicity. Around fifty young men had attended the meeting and formed the Orient Old Boys Association. The first members of Orient Old Boys were M.E. Dhai (secretary), Ayub Moolla, M.Y. Dhai, P Sewsunker (deputy-president), Peeru Abdullah, Dawood Rawat, G.M. “Fats” Randeree, Ismail Patel (chairman), and Mahomed “Jaddy” Jadwat.

Members were determined to form something and approached A.M. Moola, chairman or Orient Islamic Educational Trust, and grandfather of member Bhai Dhai. He met with them at his residence at 25 Lorne Street one Sunday morning. He gave them two weeks to draft a constitution, which they did with the assistance of playwright Ronnie Govender. It was typed at Kingsgate clothing, and presented to A.M. Moolla, who made a few amendments and promised to help them build a clubhouse provided the members remained committed and sustained their interest. They recommitted themselves to the aims and objectives of the Orient Old Boys Association.

The aim of the Old Boys Association was to encourage and foster closer relationships between and amongst former and present learners of Orient School and the trustees, principal, and teachers of Orient Islamic Educational Institute; to promote, encourage, organize and advance social, sporting, moral, cultural, and humanitarian work amongst its members as well as the disadvantaged and poorer communities; and encourage inter-organizational networking. The constitution makes clear that membership was not restricted to former students of Orient but open to all, irrespective of race, colour or creed. The ultimate aim was to please Allah (SWT).

The sterling work of pioneer members was continued by a new generation, which was equally dedicated to the goals of the founding members. Some of the stalwarts, of course, remain. Some sadly, have passed on but their contribution will never be forgotten. A major reason for the persistence of Orient Old Boys is its willingness to adapt to the changing environment. As Zain Fakroodeen, in his capacity as chairman of Orient Islamic High School Old Boys’ Club, pointed out at the 40th Anniversary Orient Islamic School and Fund Raising Dinner on 22 September 2000, ‘in order to find solutions to the problems of poverty in the disadvantaged communities, crime, morality, financial problems, funding of Islamic education in the poorer communities, breakdown of marriages, and fragmentation of the Muslim Ummah, … one needs to adapt and change within the confines of the Shariah … [and] a collective effort is required by each and every member.’

What started off as a social and sporting club to keep a few friends occupied has evolved into an organization geared towards worthy charitable causes such as holding regular soup kitchens, education, hospital visits, calling on orphans, distributing Islamic calendars, assisting with burial services, and participating with other organizations involved with broadly similar philanthropic aims within an Islamic ethos. This last statement is crucial, for as the preamble of the constitution states:

The organization is confident that the present dedicated members including Saleem Paruk, A.H.Randeree, N.M.Rajah, Ismail Patel and our vibrant Chairman, Imran Bobat will continue to encourage others to joint us in our endeavors to serve mankind. Insha-Allah, Ameen.