Global, Local Leaders, and Mourners Salute Dedicated Educator
The passing away of Venilla Pinky Padayachee, a beloved educator, mentor, matriarch, and wife of renowned journalist Marlan Padayachee, has left a profound void in the hearts of many. Pinky, aged 65, passed at a Durban hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her legacy as a devoted teacher and advocate for education was celebrated during a heartfelt funeral service and cremation at the Clare Estate Hindu Crematorium, which drew nearly 600 family, friends, and mourners. Tributes poured in from around the world, honouring her four-decade contribution to special and remedial education, a calling she embraced since the 1980s and continued to serve with unwavering passion until the final months of her life.
Pinky’s journey as an educator began after she graduated from Springfield College of Education in 1980, and later specialised in remedial education at the University of Durban-Westville (now the University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal).
Throughout her 30-year career, she transformed the lives of countless students, both in the classroom and as a private tutor and educational consultant. Known for her grace, resilience, and tireless commitment to her students, Pinky became a respected figure in the educational community, shaping the futures of many children who benefitted from her guidance.
Her husband, Marlan Padayachee, a former political correspondent and photojournalist for Independent Newspapers, shared a lifetime of milestones with her. Marlan’s career took him from the Post Natal in 1974 to launching the Sunday Tribune Herald edition in 1980. During this time, they became engaged and later wed at the Orient Hall. Their journey was intertwined both personally and professionally, with Marlan’s own groundbreaking career in journalism reflecting the couple’s mutual dedication to social justice and education.
Pinky was not only a supporter but a partner in Marlan’s work, particularly during his post-graduate studies and fellowships in London and the United States in the 1980s and 1990s. She supported his endeavours as a journalist in the new, post-apartheid South Africa, including his reporting on President Nelson Mandela’s state visit to India in 1995, and his return to Independent Newspapers as the first political, foreign, and diplomatic correspondent of colour in the post-apartheid era.
A proud educator and community activist, Pinky also contributed to her husband’s consultancy work, MapMedia GreenGold Consulting, which focused on coordinating international academic and industry initiatives. Her influence stretched beyond education, impacting the cultural and business spheres in Durban, and she was a steadfast participant in events celebrating South Africa’s progress towards democracy.
Her final year was marked by remarkable strength and optimism, facing cancer with dignity and resolve. In her final days, she told her oncologist, Dr. Riaz Mall: “Doctor, I have made peace with cancer; it is time to say goodbye.” Her passing was peaceful, surrounded by her loving family at Netcare Parklands Hospital.
The Padayachee family, in their tribute, expressed the deep sorrow of their loss: “Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother was a pillar of strength to our family and a guiding light to all who knew her. She lived with grace and left a legacy of love and selfless service.”
Her youngest son, Deyakhar, shared poignant words, rest easy, Mom, a sentiment that encapsulated the love and admiration she inspired in all who knew her. Her funeral service was a fitting tribute to her impact on those around her. Former ANC deputy mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Logie Naidoo, hailed Pinky as a patriot and champion of the ideals of a non-racial, non-sexist South Africa. Professor PS Ronnie Reddy reflected on her remarkable career and her invaluable contributions to the education sector, stating: “Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void. She was not only a teacher but a nurturer of potential, a friend to many, and a symbol of unwavering commitment to her family and community.”
Musical tributes also honoured her, with a rendition of her favourite Tamil song Enge Andha Vennila, sung by former ANC stalwart Logie Naidoo. International and local tributes continued to flood in, with messages from the Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre in Trinidad and Tobago, veteran journalist Judy Sanderson, and Dr Iqbal Survé, chairman of Independent News, all recognizing her significant contributions to education and social activism. Pinky’s spirit was felt far beyond the classroom. She embraced and celebrated both the Indian and Zulu cultures of South Africa, attending events with luminaries like Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and President Nelson Mandela. Her zest for life, sense of dignity, and style made her a beloved figure within the Durban community and beyond.
Pinky’s ashes now rest in the Indian Ocean, symbolising the breadth of her influence and the many lives she touched around the world. She is survived by her husband, Marlan, their three sons—Michalen Anandan (Johannesburg), Karlen (Minneapolis, USA), and Deyakhar (Durban Westville)—daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren, Ryker, Anja, and Aksel.
Rest in peace, Venilla Pinky Padayachee—teacher, trailblazer, and a true symbol of grace.
Hamba Kahle, great soul.
MARLAN PADAYACHEE is a still-practicing and seasoned journalist and photographer, former political, diplomatic and foreign correspondent, currently a media strategist, consulting editor, freelance journalist and publisher at MapMedia GreenGold Consulting (Pty) Limited; recipient, 2021 Ammen Award for Excellence in Media, member, International Federation of Journalists, Southern African Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA), SA National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), and Institute for the Advancement of Journalists, recipient, USIS International Visitor and British Council Fellow and Life Member, Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (Gopio International), board member, RK Khan Hospital (2001-2022).
Marlan Padayachee
MARLAN PADAYACHEE is a still-practicing and seasoned journalist and photographer, former political, diplomatic and foreign correspondent, currently a media strategist, consulting editor, freelance journalist and publisher at MapMedia GreenGold Consulting (Pty) Limited; recipient, 2021 Ammen Award for Excellence in Media, member, International Federation of Journalists, Southern African Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA), SA National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), and Institute for the Advancement of Journalists, recipient, USIS International Visitor and British Council Fellow and Life Member, Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (Gopio International), board member, RK Khan Hospital (2001-2022).
