The Strand community is in mourning over the passion of Ebrahim Adams, ex-teacher of Strand Moslem Primary and ex-principal of Strand Secondary, who passed away on Sunday (26 June).
Mr Adams, or Meneer and later called Mr A, was such an enigmatic presence in the lives of so many and for such a length of time, that one would possibly have to reorientate oneself at him having left this journey of life. He was also a Board member at the then Hottentots Holland college, later to be named Boland College.
When I handed a copy of my book to him recently, I thanked him greatly for the profound influence he had on my usage and command of the English language…a glistening came in his eyes and he softly uttered, “I am deeply honoured to have been part of such a journey…” Yes Mr. A you have touched so many lives, you were an iconic figure, always remained grounded, assertive and above all treated people respectfully. You mellowed over the years and became a mentor, a coach and allowed others to give vent to their talents. As principal of Strand Secondary you had the velvet touch, never overbearing or authoritarian. You treated your fellow colleagues in a fair manner and followed the dictum of being the ‘first among equals’. You allowed us to live to our potential and allowed us to become.free thinkers. I cannot remember any one time that I or my colleagues felt stifled while under your command.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Adams’s wife, Aunty Faida, sons Shameeg, Fuad, Nizaam and their families.
Mr Adams’ funeral took place in Strand on Monday, 27 June.
