In the heart of the Bo-Kaap, just a few doors from South Africa’s oldest mosque, lives a woman whose life story spans a century of resilience, faith and triumph.
Now, the inspiring journey of author, philanthropist and businesswoman Abdeyah da Costa has been captured in a new biography that celebrates not only her personal achievements, but also the rich cultural legacy of the community she calls home.
Titled Abdeyah da Costa: Faith, Fashion & Fortitude, the biography was written by her nephews Ashiek, Faseeg and Salie Manie, alongside niece Tughfa Hamdulay, and launched at the Bo-Kaap Cultural Hub on Sunday 17 May.
Ashiek said the book traces Da Costa’s remarkable rise from a young seamstress with limited resources to the owner of four successful fashion boutiques, while highlighting her lifelong dedication to poetry, spirituality, activism and philanthropy.
“She was born in 1925 and still lives in the same house in Dorp Street.”
He explained that the house belonged to Imam Abdullah ibn Qadi Abdus Salaam, affectionately known as Tuan Guru, who was an Indonesian prince and scholar who was exiled to the Cape by the Dutch in 1780.
While in Cape Town, Tuan Guru became a key figure in shaping early Muslim life by establishing the first mosque and madrasah, laying the foundation for South Africa’s Muslim community.
Symbol of Resilience
Ashiek described Da Costa as a symbol of the Bo-Kaap’s enduring history, culture and resilience.
“She’s always made all the nephews and nieces proud. She’s always been the role model and the one we looked up to. She showed despite your hardship, that you can make it in a man’s world.”
Ashiek said one of the defining aspects of his aunt’s life has always been her deep spirituality and unwavering connection to her faith, which continues to guide and shape her even at 100 years old.
Reflecting on her life journey, Da Costa told People’s Post that she has always had a deep love for learning and a constant desire to seek knowledge.
“I wanted to make a success of my life. I always told myself one day I want to own a business… My spirit was always searching.”
Inspiring Future Generations
She said while she has not yet read the biography herself, she hopes it will inspire young people to embrace reading, continue seeking knowledge and never lose sight of their roots and identity.
When asked what he hopes readers will take away from the book, Ashiek said he wants it to inspire pride particularly among women facing adversity.
“The book is about instilling pride in who we are in our history, claiming back our history. It was written by us for us. And it is also about owning our narrative. Through hardships you can still achieve. Young women, irrespective of who you are, you can break through the glass ceilings that has been set out for you,” he concludes.
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