The founder of the Rising Sun Daycare in Duncan Village, Nozie Mswi, 49, died on Thursday evening, after a struggle with diabetes.
Her passing has left a void in the lives of many who were lucky enough to be part of her life and she will be sorely missed.
“I felt like there was a physical pain in my body when I found out. She was one of the most amazing people I have ever met,” said Taralyn McLean, who worked closely with Nozie.
Winning the Inspiration Awards for the most inspirational story last year as well as being recognised in the Daily Dispatch/Johnson and Johnson Local Heroes series in that same year, Nozie selflessly dedicated her time and effort to bettering her community.
She started her daycare centre five years ago and, with the help of McLean, it blossomed into a thriving crèche catering for 30 children and receiving support from the East London community.
“My mom always gave 100% to Rising Sun and, although it started out as a way to help support our family, it quickly became something much bigger,” said Nozie’s daughter, Sanele.
“The greatest lesson she left us with is that no matter how little you have, there is always someone who can benefit from your help.
“We didn’t have much, but we shared whatever we could with the children at the daycare.”
Today Rising Sun also boasts a fully functioning skills centre, as it was Nozie’s goal to not only aid the young children in her community, but also to aid the unemployed mothers of the children she looked after.
In a recent Facebook post titled “Ten Things I Love About Nozie Mswi”, McLean described Nozie as “an angel and a legend”.
The post expresses that Mswi was “always motivated out of love” and that the friendship the two women shared was life changing.
“My outlook on life has changed because of her, and I thank her for that. I loved Nozie Mswi and I am so grateful our paths crossed.”
Though the future of the centre is not certain, McLean said that she will continue to assist in any way she can, should the centre stay open.
Mswi’s daughter, Sanele, confirmed that, for now, the centre is still open and being run by the ladies who used to help Nozie with the children.
Mswi’s funeral will take place on Saturday in Middledrift.-Madeleinec@dispatch.co.za..