TRIBUTE: Port Shepstone teacher mourned
Jeeva had a distinguished teaching career that spanned almost 30 years.
Jeeva Kistasamy was born on December 11 1961 in Umzinto. He was the second-born to Rungasamy and Pushpa Kistasamy but assumed the mantle of eldest sibling in the family of seven.
Jeeva schooled initially in Sezela and Umzinto but finally completed his primary schooling at the then Port Shepstone State Aided Primary School. He matriculated at Port Shepstone Secondary in 1981.
He furthered his studies at the University of Durban Westville and completed half his law degree then changed course and did his BA, Honours, B.Ed and PGCE. Jeeva was a double honours graduate from UDW.
His first teaching appointment was at Port Shepstone Primary School, his alma mater. Jeeva had a distinguished teaching career that spanned almost 30 years at the same school.
He was loved by his learners, colleagues, parents and the wider Port Shepstone community. Jeeva was a fine role model who nurtured and contributed immensely to the development of all the children who passed through his hands. Jeeva served as the secretary of the Port Shepstone Child Welfare for over two decades. He gave his time selflessly to the advancement and benefit of children in need.
His brother Sarge said: “Jeeva was the proverbial gentle giant, he was soft in speech and kind hearted. In his early school days, Jeeva walked barefoot to school. It was from these humble beginnings that he was drawn to being a provider and protector of vulnerable children. Jeeva was comfortable in any forum discussion. He played soccer and cricket at club level. Jeeva coached cricket at SALGA level. Jeeva loved the ocean and fishing. He was a brilliant fisherman. Jeeva’s other ardent past time was running and later walking. He was committed to fitness and training.”
Jeeva married in 2004, his joy and contentedness was their child, Viandra. Viandra was Jeeva’s treasure. After contracting Covid in 2020, Jeeva made a miraculous recovery. He was so dedicated to his calling in education, that he returned to teaching this year.
Jeeva fought the good fight. He respected everyone he encountered and always walked away from his experiences with people with lessons learnt. Jeeva was obliging, considerate and a truly remarkable person.
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