Despite setbacks, hers was a story of hope and faith

DURBAN lawyer, women’s rights activist and organ donor champion Michelle Michael, 50, died after a long illness on Tuesday morning.

For several years she had been struggling with lung problems and ill health that often kept her away from her legal practice after she underwent a successful double lung operation.

“My prime motivation to live and tell my fascinating story of hope is my spirituality and worship. I am grateful for my second chance at life. My spiritualism, faith and community outreach work kept me positively motivated to make a difference to our society.”

Ishwar Ramlutchman of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (Gopio International) described Michael as a “progressive and loyal member of the Indian diaspora movement”.

As chairperson of the

Verulam Legal Circle, Michael organised fundraising events, awards ceremonies and spearheaded pro bono legal work for poorer communities.

She was a former national secretary of the Black Conveyancers Association. Michael volunteered at the Master’s office, drew wills free, and dabbled in politics as a DA city councillor.

She founded Dlamini Michael Incorporated as a senior partner. However, her setbacks, including the death of her husband, Ravi, and her law partner before her lung transplant, inspired her to balance her professional career with the legal circle’s voluntary outreach work.

Having benefited from a lifesaving lung transplant, Michael became passionately involved in organ donation and the donor community. She was an executive member of the South African Transplant Sports Association.

As vice-president of the SA Women’s Forte, she was active in raising funds to finance shelters for abused women and children.