Chief Ishmael “Ishaqua” Sabodien, 58, of Ocean View, has been hailed as a caring man who helped those in need and worked hard to promote the Khoi culture, say those who knew him.

He died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday May 7, according to his good friend and founder of the Sacred Site Foundation of Southern Africa, Dean Liprini.

Mr Sabodien was born in Simon’s Town and was the chief of the Gorachouqua Tribe in Ocean View.

Mr Liprini said he was not only a friend but an activist who had worked with the foundation to create awareness and protect ancestral sacred sites in the Cape and share his ancestral Khoi knowledge and spiritual wisdom with his family, community, and the children of Ocean View.

He had been diagnosed with renal failure and, according to his wife, Hadjra Sabodien, he had been sick for about two-and-a-half years.

His funeral was on Wednesday May 8 at the Ocean View Mosque.

Ms Sabodien said her husband had taught children at the Ocean View Care Centre about the Khoi heritage and how to count and sing in the Khoi language.

“They loved him so much and called him Uncle Dada. They were fascinated with the songs, and whenever they saw him they would sing in Khoi.”

She described him as a wonderful and caring man who loved to help people in need.

“He will be sorely missed by his family and friends,” she said.

Mr Liprini said Mr Sabodien had been active in his community and during Covid, he and his wife had prepared food for the needy.

Mr Sabodien, he said, had spent the past 14 years dedicating his life to sharing his wisdom and knowledge of Khoi heritage and had learned to speak the Khoi language about 10 years ago so he could teach others.

“Together Ishaqua and I have shared in many ceremonies and prayer gatherings, sacred site tours, sharing our gifts for the cultural and spiritual upliftment of the indigenous people, ourselves, and humanity. I will miss him,” said Mr Liprini.

Mr Liprini said Mr Sabodien could not receive treatment at a state institution due to his age, so he (Mr Liprini) had raised funds for him to see a private doctor. However, his condition had worsened and he had needed dialysis. Mr Liprini said he had raised more money to pay for the dialysis but it had not been sustainable.

“He is at peace now. He did some amazing things on this planet, and his life was not in vain.”

Ocean View Care Centre founder Johann Kikillus said Mr Sabodien had worked at the centre for five years. He said the children and staff were deeply saddened by his death.

“He was very committed to sharing his knowledge of the Khoi culture with the children. Ishaqua was very creative and musical and had a natural gift for engaging with children and adults of all ages and all walks of life. We will miss his drumming, singing, and puppet shows,” said Mr Kikillus.

He said Mr Sabodien had had a great love for his people, his culture, and his country.

“He was full of grace, love, and compassion. Our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Mr Sabodien leaves behind his wife, Hadjra, and five children, Shafieka, Madina, Natheer and Fozia Sabodien and Aneeba Faulman.

Chief Ishmael “Ishaqua” Sabodien teaching children at the Ocean View Care Centre.

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Ishaqua strove to promote Khoi culture