The staff, volunteers and all those who knew her express deep sadness at the loss of one of our own, Nyiko Mabasa. Nyiko was a valued and beloved member of our early childhood development team who passed away following a short illness.
Close colleague and a teacher at the Akanani ECD centre, Moni Moloantoa, shares fond memories of Nyiko, and says that what she’ll miss most about her is her wonderful sense of humour.
“She was always telling jokes and making us laugh with her stories, that’s one thing I think people always remember about her,” she says. “She was the type of person that if she knew things weren’t right between you and her, she wouldn’t leave it that way. She would try by all means to make it right so that you can get back to normal.”
Moni describes Nyiko as a sweet and friendly person, and says that her last moments at work were characterised by her strength and all-round good nature. “The impact that Nyiko has had on others is that she taught us not to stay angry at people, rather sort out your differences and move on.”
While others are deterred by age, Nyiko was determined to continue learning and went back to school to finish her education, showing that it’s never too late to go after what you truly want in life.
Nyiko leaves behind her small daughter who is thankfully in the care of Nyiko’s parents. She will be missed dearly and her legacy of kindness and commitment to serving others will continue to live on with us and those whose lives Nyiko touched along the way.
Rest well, dear friend.