Tributes are pouring in for a much-loved high-school teacher, Koelsum Carelse, who died when a suspected heart attack resulted in a fatal injury.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday (25 July) when the 63-year-old resident of Helderberg Park had popped into Rusthof Superette along Broadway Boulevard.
Security-camera footage from the supermarket, shared with DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, captured Carelse entering the store, picking up a basket and suddenly collapsing as she headed towards an aisle.
A shop assistant immediately called for an ambulance and alerted the authorities after Carelse had fallen and struck her head on the concrete floor.
Strand police spokesperson Warrant Officer Nico Beukes confirmed details of the incident and that police arrived on the scene at 12:12. An inquest docket was opened.
Carelse’s family spoke of a cherished matriarch who was inherently compassionate. “She always cared for others, sometimes even more than herself,” her 27-year-old son Zainudien said.
Born and raised in Garden Village, Somerset West, she matriculated from Gordon High School and completed her tertiary studies at Hewat Teacher’s Training College in Athlone.
Family, friends and colleagues describe a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and educator driven by a passion for helping others discover their potential. This, they say, was evident throughout her career.
In 2019 Carelse joined Strand Secondary School’s Adult Basic Education and Training (Abet) programme, which was initiated by facilitator Shakoor Vallie. After his retirement she successfully took the reins.
Vallie shared that the Masakhane Community Learning Centre and Strand Secondary’s Abet community was shocked to learn of Carelse’s sudden passing.
He said she was known for her dedication and commitment, and was revered for establishing deep, nurturing relationships with her students, often taking them under her wing like a protective mother hen.
“She was a hard worker, very reliable and serious about the well-being of her students.”
News of Carelse’s sudden death has sparked an outpouring of condolences and fond memories on social media, celebrating her time as a much-loved and respected teacher at Rusthof Secondary School and later at Strand Secondary.
Many learners expressed their gratitude for the significant impact she had made on their lives.
Her husband, Diwhaan, also emphasised that this was how her loved ones wished to remember her – as a teacher who was passionate about her career and deeply cared for her learners.
“She was passionate about education,” he declared. “Where others struggled with curriculum changes she embraced them and took them forward.”
Carelse was laid to rest on in accordance with Muslim rites Friday (26 July). She is survived by husband Diwhaan, son Zainudien, daughters Zulfaa and Shafeeka, son-in-law Natheer and grandchildren Zahra, Niarah, and Nusaibah.
