The Phoenix community is mourning the passing of one of its oldest and most cherished residents, Chanderwathy Lakraj Sewkisson, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, just two weeks before her 102nd birthday.
Sewkisson captured the hearts of readers when the Phoenix Tabloid celebrated her remarkable 100th birthday in 2024. Two years later, her family remembers her not only as a centenarian but as the unwavering heart of five generations, whose life was defined by love, humility, discipline and faith.
A devoted mother of nine, grandmother of 21 and great-grandmother of 27, Sewkisson was the family’s guiding light. Her children described her as a loving matriarch whose wisdom, strength and unwavering devotion brought generations together.
They said: “She was the person everyone looked to for guidance and made each member of the family feel valued and loved.”
After losing both her parents at a young age, she was forced to leave school after Standard 3 to work on a farm in Groenberg, Inanda. Despite the hardships she endured, she never allowed adversity to define her. Instead, she built a life centred on perseverance, compassion and unwavering faith.
She often shared stories of her grandparents, who arrived in South Africa as indentured labourers to work in the sugar cane fields, reminding younger generations of the sacrifices that shaped their family’s journey.
Faith remained the cornerstone of her life. Every morning began with prayer, and she remained deeply devoted to her religious beliefs and Indian traditions throughout her lifetime. She was known for her humility, gratitude and the pride with which she wore her elegant saris. She found joy in listening to Hindi devotional music, watching religious programmes and spending time with those she loved most.
While she was admired for reaching such a remarkable age, her family believes her greatest achievement was not measured in years but in the legacy she leaves behind.
They said: “Her greatest legacy is the strong, united family she nurtured over many decades. She taught us that life should be built on faith, respect, hard work and unconditional love.”
Sewkisson also believed in living a disciplined and balanced life. She maintained healthy eating habits, believed in moderation and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Her favourite meal, a humble plate of dhall and rice, reflected the modest values by which she lived.
Family gatherings were among her greatest joys, and she made it her mission to ensure her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren remained close despite the demands of modern life. Through her example, she instilled the importance of forgiveness, respect and always putting family first. Her passing has left an immeasurable void.
Her family shared: “The greatest loss is the absence of the person who brought everyone together. We will miss her comforting presence, her prayers, her wisdom and the joy of simply sitting with her.”
The family added: “We would like the Phoenix community to remember Ma, as she was affectionately known, as a remarkable woman of faith, resilience and unconditional love. She overcame hardship with grace, devoted her life to her family, and left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Although she is no longer with us, her values, wisdom and love will forever live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.”
Mrs Sewkisson was laid to rest following a funeral service at Clare Estate Crematorium on 24 June.
She is survived by her nine children – Ashi Kumar Lakraj, Jerry Lakraj, Shakun Singh, Ramesh Lakraj, Robin Lakraj, Roy Lakraj, Teddy Lakraj, Meena Boodoo and Nisha Beosumber – as well as 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and an extended family who will continue to honour the values she lived by.
