World-traveller Osman Essack believes in investing in spirituality
A faithful Volkswagen 1959 gave no problem whatsoever during some of his vacations, but South Africa’s 1994-election was the catalyst to return.
Mr Osman Essack from Standerton returned to South Africa after a lengthy stay of 25 years in Europe, basking in the opportunity to travel extensively.
He has now been living in town for quarter of a century as well.
This businessman used to live in Hamburg, Germany and recollected the nation’s foibles as well as strong points.
“The discipline of the Germans and quality of goods were outstanding, as well as the beauty and neatness of their cities and towns,” he said.
“At one stage I could not speak English anymore.”
The European standards of living with mostly everything sorted at during those years had however, a downside.
“You were looked upon as an alien, someone who does not belong.”
Osman met his wife, Shaeda in India, another favourite destination since that country provided another home away from home.
“India is the place to go to for relaxation and just to cool off,” he wryly commented.
He expressed appreciation for the cultured, friendly people in the south of India, living in beautiful villages.
He left South Africa as a young man and managed to keep food on the table by doing odd jobs throughout the seventies.
Travelling was easy since the South African passport at that time made it easy with no intricate visa requirements for journeys to far-away places.
The world certainly was his oyster and he stayed in Geneva, Switzerland as well.
Trips with an Indian friend from England involved seeing Austria, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the former Yugoslavia, Turkey, Greece, Iran and Pakistan.
Rather not ask him how many passports he possessed in his time.
A faithful Volkswagen 1959 gave no problem whatsoever during some of his vacations, but South Africa’s 1994-election was the catalyst to return.
“I was tired of Europe and decided to give it a go,” Osman added.
He is of the opinion that Europeans were lonely and missing something spiritual.
“If you have no spiritual life, you are missing something important.”
He conveyed a message to young Muslims about investing in the spiritual life which is the purpose of existence.
“The Islamic prayer ‘Salaah’ is the highest form of remembrance to God.
“Never let a day go by without touching the Quran.”
A quiet, contemplative life suits him down to a tee and as a practising believer of the Muslin tradition, Osman has no bucket list.
“I do not chase anything, but intend staying close to the Creator,” he concluded.
