(With thanks to Mandy Manne nee Appel for this background on her family.)

22nd July 2026

Morrie Bennie Appel was born in Johannesburg South Africa on 23 October 1922. He was the youngest son of Max and Sara Appel from Lithuania. He had nine siblings Solly, Dina, Mike, Barney, Faye, Lou, Rose, Jean and Lily.

Morrie met Marian Jaspan in Johannesburg in 1945. They got married on 3 August 1952 and soon after left to live in Alexandra Park, Salisbury. Marian often travelled back to see her mother Ida, brother Davie and sister Freda Smith.

Morrie went into business with his brother Mike and together they established the Mike Appel Organization. Mike lived in Johannesburg and Morrie ran the business in Salisbury. It began as an engine reconditioning business and grew into a larger concern. The business operated out of a large building called Sara House. It was in Hatfield Road which is now called Seke Road. It was also built to be able to house all Morrie’s siblings should they ever choose to leave Johannesburg for Salisbury.

Morrie and his general manager used to go out to all the farming districts of Rhodesia and look for trucks and tractors whose engines needed reconditioning. These were then taken back to the workshop in Salisbury, completely overhauled and were returned with a full guarantee.

The business developed and later included the importing of Isuzu vehicles from Japan and Citroens from France into their new Clover Leaf premises in Pioneer Street.

Diesel, Pump and Injector Services(DPI) and Durban Diesels opened soon after,
along with AutoClinic.

The company later expanded to other centres in Bulawayo, Gwello, Fort Victoria, Sinoia and Gokwe. Spare parts divisions were opened in each centre. 

Hard Chrome Company was opened in Graniteside and Component Rebuild Centre in Southerton.

Morrie and Marian had four daughters, Mandy, Sharon, Maxine and Jennifer. The family expanded to include grandchildren – Lisa, Natalie, Jason, Ben, Jon, Ronit, Sara, Michaela, Adam and Stephanie – and great grandchildren. The family left for South Africa in 1973 and subsequently emigrated to Sydney and Israel. 

Morrie was an ardent fisherman. He received colours for both Rhodesia and South Africa for deep sea, Marlin fishing. He was a man with many interests, including classical music, raising canaries and horse riding.
He was a city councillor in Salisbury.

Morrie sadly passed away in Johannesburg on 16 December 1989 and is buried in Sydney. Marian passed away aged 98 in 2024 and was buried alongside Morrie.