My Dada taught me many things in life, however, there was always an overarching theme in all his lessons, and that is he taught me how to love. I saw it in the way he always gave back to the community without hesitation, how he was always there for his family no matter the situation and most importantly, I saw it in the way that he loved my Ba.
Dada, thank you for everything that you’ve done for me. There will never be enough words to describe how grateful and thankful I am for all that you’ve done. I am going to miss you so much, but you will always be in my heart, and I will always love you. -Shriya Valjee, granddaughter.
My Nana was an incredibly kind and generous person who always gave to others before thinking about himself. Every time we visited, the cupboards would be stocked with all my favourite snacks – Chockits, Flings and Nick Nacks. He would always save HIS nicest presents to give to US.
We thank you, Nana, for all that you gave us — for the lives you touched, and the people you helped shape. I love you Nana, I hope I will make you proud.-Ayushi Soni, granddaughter.
It is hard to summarise someone’s whole life in a short paragraph, but if there is one word to describe Nana, it is selfless. I have always known him to put others before himself, making sure everyone around him was happy. This happiness did not only spread around our family but impacted the whole community, bringing cheer to many lives. He spent his life making people smile and laugh, which I am sure brought him peace. I can assure you that he is very peaceful now, knowing he brought light to so many lives. We must not cry in remembrance of Nana; we must smile in remembrance of Nana. Thank you Nana for the amazing effect you’ve had on everyone’s lives. – Vishal Soni, grandson
There are many stories about how amazing Dada was as a father and grandfather, but to me, he was more than that—he was MY Dada. Always in my corner, always kind and gentle, he never raised his voice, only guided me with wisdom and love. Dada always checked in on me—through school, university, and even my work with autistic children. That was just who he was: caring, attentive, and deeply involved in my life. I loved the many stories Dada shared—about God, our family history, and life. He had a special way of making every moment meaningful. From the bottom of my heart, I ask that we remember Dada not with sadness, but with joy. Though we miss him deeply, he would want us to celebrate his life with smiles, laughter, and love—not sorrow. He lives on in our hearts, our memories and the stories we share. -Tasheel Valji, grandson.
There are many wonderful things I could say about my Dada, but if I had to choose just one quality that stood out most, it would be his unwavering kindness and optimism. No matter what life threw at him, Dada never let negativity take hold. He carried himself with grace, with a calm heart, and with a smile that reassured you—even in the darkest times—that everything would be okay. His presence was a source of peace and his spirit lifted others without even trying. Dada, my love for you is endless and your absence leaves a space no words can truly fill, but I find peace in knowing that your spirit lives on—in our hearts, in our memories and in every act of love and hope we carry forward. -Keelan Valji, grandson.
Ever since I was a child, my Dada was my superhero. He fulfilled every wish that I had and fixed any problem that I was faced with. And I know that he played this superhero role in so many of your lives too. My Dada had endless time for me. It’s because of his patience, strength, guidance, encouragement and wisdom that I am the person who I am today. Dada, I feel lost without you but I trust that your light will always guide my path, your love will always hold me and your wisdom will echo around me. Thank you for everything.-Radhika Valjee, granddaughter.
There is so much I wish to say today, because your heart was vast and your giving nature endless. Although I could list countless virtues that defined you, I want to reflect on three that truly shaped the man we all admire: your courage, your grace, and your humility. Let me begin with courage. Back in the early ’80s, you faced an extraordinary challenge. Brick supplies in South Africa had run dry and with our home at risk on Himalaya Street, many would have stepped back. But not you. With vision and resolve, you journeyed to Zimbabwe—into unfamiliar terrain, crossing borders, carrying cash, navigating foreign systems. There, you found brick manufacturers willing to deliver directly to Himalaya. Today, every shade of
brick in that beloved home is a testament to your courage. And your bravery extended far beyond our family. As a leader in the Samaj, you stood tall during apartheid, encouraging our community to cherish its heritage, language, and Hindu faith—guiding with dignity in a time of adversity. That brings me to grace. You never acted out of anger or resentment. Your words, your actions, your very presence—always graceful. You taught me to see the good in others. You said, “If we are good, then everyone is good.” And you truly lived up to your name—Narottam, a name for Krishna Bhagwan, and a title befitting ‘the best among men’. And finally, humility. I hope I grow to be even half the person you were. Your gentle nature made me proud to say, “I am Narottambhai’s daughter.” You stepped aside, yielded even when you were right and earned deep respect without ever demanding it. You were loved by so many, and you always left people better than you found them. I’ll miss our deep conversations, the wisdom you offered so effortlessly. As I learn to live without you, I realize there is no hole in my life—because you’ve always been my compass. The person whose approval I cherished most, the person I always strived to make proud. You still guide me and always will. Thank you for everything.-Nilakshi Soni, daughter.
Narottambhai was my dear father-in-law. He really inspired me with his integrity and wisdom and on the 25th of July, we lost a very bright candle with his passing. Like a candle, Nana would chase away darkness and light up the room. Wherever Nana went joy and celebration followed. Coming to South Africa, I noticed just how many people were attracted to him. They valued his friendship and connection. Wherever I went in the town, people I’d never met before would always say hello and from behind shop counters they’d give me free gifts just because I was his son-in law. In private, I was touched by just how much he prayed for equality for ordinary people in South Africa. He always wished for every South African to prosper. Over the past 20 years, we’ve been so lucky to have Nana in our lives. He showered his love over our two kids Ayushi and Vishal. He taught them his principled way of living with grace, humility and in service to others and we hope they will grow into his
character one day. These memories remain eternal and we now pray for his soul to find peace whilst he unites with the Almighty for his next journey.-Mitesh Soni, son-in-law
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Vasentiben and the entire family on the passing of Narottambai. His departure is not just a personal loss to you, but a profound one for our entire community in Pretoria. Narottambai was a truly genuine soul—his generosity, love for life, and unwavering commitment to the well being of others touched many lives and left a lasting legacy. More than three decades ago, I found myself in urgent need of clothing for one of my students, who had just returned from Boys Town in Tongaat. Having completed his matric, he was ready to pursue his career, but lacked the basic dignity of appropriate clothing. Narottambai immediately came to our aid, donating a full set of attire. That student went on to become the Principal of Himalaya Secondary School—a powerful testament to how a single act of kindness can shape a lifetime.
In 2016, once again, Narottambai and the late Jivanbai stepped in during a moment of crisis. A homeless Indian immigrant was found in the Laudium CBD on a cold, rainy night, suffering from memory loss. After being hospitalized and repatriated to Gujarat with a temporary passport, he was sent home with a suitcase full of clothing and essentials lovingly donated by Narottambai. Narottambai, along with Vasentiben, played a vital role at Laudium Care Services for the Aged. Even after the Government subsidy for our feeding scheme was terminated, Narottambai gave generously. Through our “Adopt a Senior” project, he donated R500 per month, helping to feed approximately 100 seniors every week.
Following Jivanbai’s passing, Narottambai continued his support, liaising with Rotary Pretoria Capital to secure blankets for our seniors. His efforts didn’t stop there—he inspired Vasentiben to assist with our knitting, crocheting, and achar-making projects. Vasentiben even crocheted a beautiful blanket for LCSA’s Mandela Day event, although sadly, Narottambai could not attend due to his hospitalisation.
To his very last days, Narottambai lived a life of purpose, service, and quiet strength. On behalf of the staff, board, and all the seniors at Laudium Care Services for the Aged, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Vasentiben and the family.
This is indeed a very sad day for us all. But even in our grief, we choose to celebrate the incredible gift of his life. Let us honour his legacy by living his values—generosity, compassion, and community spirit. We are grateful that our paths crossed. OM SHANTI
Thank you
Ruxmani Soma
Social Work Supervisor
Laudium Care Services for the Aged
It is with deep emotion and sadness that I am paying a tribute of our dear bother Narottam Valjee Madhavjee. Narottam played a leading role in the Gujerati as well as the Laudium community in general, serving in various institutions as well as being the President of the Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj. Besides being a businessman and entrepreneur, he was also a keen sportsman. He was one of the founders of the Laudium Bowling Club. Narottam had a passion to play bowls, made many friends and was well respected in the bowling fraternity. He will be sorely missed on the bowling greens. May parmathiaa grant his athiaa sadgati and moksha and also give the family the innermost strength to overcome this irreparable loss. -Vinay Chagan – President of the Laudium Bowling Club.
Narottam Valji was a member of the Jacaranda Nomads Bowls club for over 18 years and will be sorely missed by all members. He will be remembered as a person with a kind heart, soft spoken and always smiling. He was a dedicated Nomads member, always contributing and supporting our charities. Our sincere condolences to vasanti, family and friends. Rest in peace Narottam. Jacaranda Nomads will always remember you.-Veronica Von Gordon – President of the Jacaranda Nomads Bowling Club.