By Naadiya Adams
Educators are one of our most valuable professions; they impart knowledge that remains with you for a lifetime. This was the kind of effect Marhooma Mariam Ismail had on her students, as she has served as a teacher and mentor to the youth in Laudium since the ’70s. On July 5th, at the age of 86, she tragically passed on.
Her legacy lives in the children and students she touched throughout her life but Laudium Cancer Care is the cause that inspired her as she took on the role of caregiver to cancer patients, senior citizens and mentally disabled children.
“Mariam Ismail has left behind a strong sense of dynamism, well-entrenched through a history of activism, an educator at both primary and tertiary levels, a compassionate and generous caregiver … and a strong leader and mentor for our youth of the 70s, 80s, and 90s,” wrote Laudium Cancer Care
Ismail had a genuine need to care for the sick, in 1986 she joined Noorjehaan Cassim, Juby Dockrat, Daya Pillay, and Mariam Bhika to form the Laudium Cancer Care Group which sought to address the needs of cancer patients in the community. She served on the Laudium Cancer Care Group (LCCG) as secretary since and only retired after suffering a stroke six years ago.
“Her innate compassion always transcended and she will be sorely missed by her fellow volunteers and patients as she leaves behind humbling memories of a woman never to be forgotten,” said LCCG.
Beyond her dedication to the sick, she was a stellar teacher and lecturer who transformed the lives of her students when she qualified as a teacher in the 1970’s.
“We as women in our community salute her sterling work. Her zest for life and remarkable energy and charisma remain admirable,” Farida Mahomed, a former member of parliament.
Ismail was also a founding member of the Pretoria Legacy Foundation and contributed towards the formation of the Laudium Women’s Network.
“She was one of the best in her field teaching in the Foundation phase and was a mentor to many of the Foundation phase educators from the early 19 70s to late 1990. The department of Education recognized her skills and excellence in teaching by promoting her as a lecturer at the Transvaal College of Education,” Daya Chetty Educationist and Chairperson of the Pretoria Legacy Foundation.
“A bright woman, ahead of her times, with amazing energy and a rare sense of dedication and service to others - always shying away from praise and false honour. A true role model for all women in our community,” Jaynie Dawood.
“Aunty Mariam Bagus, a legend in the true sense of the word, I consider myself fortunate to have embraced such a remarkable human being. MHSRIP,” Boetie Bakhtawar.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Mariam Ismail will always hold her in high esteem, her legacy speaks to the kind of woman she was, strong, dedicated and caring. The remarkable aura she exuded will be sorely missed.
Laudium Today sends its condolences to her family and friends. May The Almighty grant her the highest abode in Jannah
