Young Durban Girl, Zarah Ramsamy, Leaves Lasting Legacy of Kindness after Tragically Passing

Despite the tragic end of her life, Zarah Ramsamy’s legacy endures thanks to the Zarah Project, a feeding program that serves the hundreds of children in the Bonela and the surrounding areas.

The Independent Online reported that in September 2024, 11-year-old Ramsamy was murdered in Malvern. The hijackers allegedly ran her over in the parking lot when she got out of her parent’s car during a hijacking at a popular restaurant. A police officer who was allegedly found in possession of Zarah’s mother’s bank card was arrested less than a month later.

The food program operates during the school breaks, according to Letitia Naidoo, operations manager at the Embassy Foundation at the Embassy Church in Bonela.

“The school nutrition program provides many children with much-needed meals throughout the academic year. We know that for some children, this is frequently their only meal of the day. We developed a feeding project to feed the children in the Mayville neighbourhood, where our charity provides services, since many children lose access to that much-needed meal as the school vacations get near,” Naidoo said.

According to her, Zarah, the project’s youngest contributor, inspired the name of the feeding initiative, which was introduced in 2022.

“I would frequently assume that her mother, Shaida, was making a donation on her behalf when I saw her name appear on the envelopes. I thanked her one day, and Shaida didn’t understand,” Naidoo remarked.

According to mother, Zarah had been donating her own pocket money because she had a deep affection for children her own age who were less fortunate than herself.

“That such a small child would donate freely of her own volition surprised me. Our church family was grieved when she died away, and as a foundation, we were deeply saddened by the loss of such a kind and lovely soul. In memory of all the times she assisted in feeding these same children, we renamed the project last year following her death,” Naidoo said.

During a recent holiday, one of the Zarah feeding projects was held. On average, 200 underprivileged children are fed by the feeding project each day during the school break.

According to Naidoo, they intend to grow so that daily meals are possible.

The Embassy Foundation can be reached at 063 099 8979 by anyone who would like to contribute to the initiative.

Editor’s note: Even though Ramsamy passed so tragically, her memory lives on through the Zarah Project, a feeding program that provides food for hundreds of children in the Bonela and the surrounding areas in Durban.

Description: Zarah Ramsamy, a young South African girl, made a significant impact by donating her time and resources to help less fortunate children. Tragically, she passed away at 11, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and compassion. Her story continues to inspire many, especially in South Africa, as it demonstrates the power of selflessness and the positive change that even the smallest acts of generosity can bring.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu

Project manager: Do4SA