Anitha Soni, woman of substance
AN EMOTIONAL funeral ceremony for Anitha Soni was conducted at the Clare Estate Crematorium in Durban yesterday.
Soni, an anti-apartheid activist, major figure in the travel and tourism industry, and former chairwoman of Brand South Africa, was diagnosed with cancer last September.
She died from complications resulting from an aneurysm and a brain haemorrhage. She was 57.
Soni was described as someone who sacrificed a lot for her country.
Her husband, Vas Soni, remained composed yesterday, standing at the head of his wife’s coffin and accepting condolences.
Soni’s daughters cried as they stood with their father.
Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe and former Constitutional Court Judge Zak Yacoob were among the dignitaries at the funeral.
Radebe said the government had been devastated to hear that Soni had died.
“We had always hoped her health would improve and we received the news with shock and sadness,” Radebe said.
He said Soni had ensured the growth of the business industry and her life had been South Africa personified.
“She played a pivotal role in the Struggle against apartheid and forging strong relations with the Indian community and the ANC. Only time will heal the pain, but memories of her will live on with us forever,” Radebe said.
Yacoob said Soni was not born into privilege, but worked her way up “and we will forever salute her for her hard work.
“We salute her for her courage and the courage of her family. Let us hope that time heals the pain of loss so that we can celebrate the great life that Anitha led. She was a woman of style and class.”
Condolence messages were also sent from President Jacob Zuma, the Norwegian Ambassador, former presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj and ANC Treasurer Dr Zweli Mkhize.
A close family member read messages from her two daughters. “My mother was my everything. She was the person who laid a strong foundation for me to grow upon, a foundation that I will always uphold,” said Nalika.
Prianka said: “Mother, it was an honour to be raised by you. I am indebted to you for eternity to have been blessed with a mother like you.”