The couple renewed their wedding vows at Robben Island on November 2. Their godchild, Sylvia Toko-Schaaf and her husband Jurgen, flew from Germany to attend the special occasion.
For several years, until its closure in 1977, they taught at St Joseph’s Convent in Primrose. Both then joined the Assumption Convent School in Malvern East. Marion taught there for 24 years and Alastair for 34.
Both are members of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg East and recipients of the Paul Harris Award.
Alastair was the Chairman of The Council of English Education East Rand from 1974 to 1978. In 1984 he received The Freedom of the City of Johannesburg.
In 1996, Marion was awarded The Golden Walk medal for community service and in 1997 she received the Ekurhuleni Community Service Medal. In 2006 she was awarded the Edenvale and Bedfordview Business Woman of the Year award.
Marion and Alastair started the Khanyisa Outreach Programme in Malvern East in 1992. The centre teaches people sewing, literacy, numeracy and computer skills.
Marion recently became the Patron of The Rose of Hope Crèche and Care Centre in the Goodhope informal settlement.
She and her husband have also developed an Early Learning Programme for pre-school children. Marion, Alastair and a teaching colleague visit the crèche regularly on a voluntary basis to implement the programme. Their philosophy of “Never look down on someone unless you’re helping them up”, is applied.
Marion and Alastair said their secret to a successful marriage is enjoying each other’s diversity.
