Domingo ‘a free thinker to the end’

UP TO his final days Rashid Domingo was an independent thinker who, despite major contributions to global healthcare, did not forget his humble District Six roots.

So said his niece, Naayma Domingo, who was with her uncle shortly before he died in London on Thursday at the age of 81.

Domingo is best known for his work on developing highactivity alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme that has made it possible to measure early signs of prostate cancer, quickly and cost effectively.

Domingo, who did his first chemistry experiments in the family’s outside bathroom in De Villiers Street, District Six, went on to be recognised by Queen Elizabeth II on two occasions.

In his memoirs, titled Per Ardua ad Astra (Through Adversity to the Stars), he chronicles his story – from District Six, to his years as a student at UCT, and his decision to move his family to the UK to escape the reality that, despite his capabilities and strong work ethic, the apartheid system would severely limit his career.

Domingo started his own company, Biozyme, in 1971, which at one time was the second largest producer of enzymes for clinical diagnostics in the world.

Along the way, the company won the British Chamber of Commerce Export Award in 1978, followed by the coveted Queen’s Award for Export in the same year.

To contribute to the successes of those who would come after him, Domingo in 1987 created the Hadjee Rukia Domingo Bursary in honour of his mother.

Naayma said that after being rushed to hospital for chest-related issues in November, Domingo was diagnosed with a chest infection.

Weeks later, he left to the UK, and still feeling sickly, had his chest examined.

Doctors then diagnosed him with lung cancer, and gave him 12 bouts of radiation treatment.

Naayma, along with Domingo’s younger brother, Fuzley Domingo, left for London earlier this month to be by his side.

“When we arrived he was overjoyed to see us. But the reality was he was still sick, even though his spirits were lifted,” Naayma said.

The two left the UK on Wednesday, and were informed he had died as they travelled back home.

“He was still lucid, we had short conversations with him, and he spoke about his life, and how he met so many people who inspired him. He was still an independent thinker right to the end.”