IN MEMORIAM: Binila will be fondly remembered

BINILA Omparsad, affectionately known to many as B, passed away on October 8 after a short stay in hospital.

Born on January 15 in 1972 in Stanger, Binila was one of five sisters in her family.

She attended Stanger ML Sultan Secondary School. In September 1989, in her matric year, Binila was the victim of a horrifying hijacking incident. She was shot in the neck, suffered major spinal injuries, and was declared a C5/6 quadriplegic. A C6 spinal cord injury affects the lower end of the cord near the base of the neck.

Binila lost all sensation or function of everything from her ribcage and below, including all four limbs and had to be permanently confined to a wheelchair for 32 years thereafter.

“After many long and painful months of recovery and therapy, and her gritty and exceptional determination, she decided to leave home, against the wishes of her parents and family. She moved to Ashley Village, a project of the Quadriplegic Association in Pinetown,” said her youngest sister, Hema Naidoo.

The association is a self-help centre that provides quadriplegics with access to an independent lifestyle. During her stay there, the strong-willed Binila completed her diploma in computer skills, which she passed with distinction.

Binila and a fellow quadriplegic, Michael Hall opened their own computer business, B&M Computers. Binila managed all of the software demands of their business, while Michael attended to the hardware aspects.

ALSO READ: IN MEMORIAM: A beacon of hope has faded

In October 2000, she was appointed to the position of switchboard operator and receptionist at Eskom’s KZN regional office in New Germany.

Her competence and abilities saw her promoted to Eskom’s information technology department, where she worked until her early retirement in 2019.

Naidoo said her sister excelled in her role as the administrative support to the department. Binila was not one to stay away from work and, when she became frequently ill, she was very saddened that she had to be away from work, as she was committed and dedicated to her tasks.

“She eventually realised that her illness was affecting her productivity and the efficiency of the IT department and, in 2019, made the painful decision to resign and spend more time with her mother.

“A few months later, the Covid-19 pandemic emerged and, sadly, Binila was not able to enjoy the benefits of her resignation, due to the pandemic and the associated national State of Disaster lockdown. During 2020, Binila lost her mother, who was her primary caregiver, to a heart attack. A few weeks later, her brother-in-law, who lived in the same complex as her and who was the sole male figure and support to Binila and her mother, also passed away from Covid-19 related complications,” said Naidoo.

Through all the setbacks and pain, Binila always maintained a positive outlook and continued to motivate and uplift others who interacted with her. She also never fussed about her health and only confided in her closest colleagues and friends about the history of the incident that rendered her a quadriplegic.

“She captivated all with her bubbly personality and charming smile. She was an outstanding and determined young woman who always motivated and uplifted others who were down or stressed. She used her social media platforms effectively, sending inspirational messages, jokes and funny videos and memes to all on her contact list daily,” said her sister.

Describing her sister, Naidoo said Binila always displayed a remarkable personality that touched the lives of many people who interacted with her.

“She was an independent, free spirit who was focused and strong-willed enough to attempt anything she set her sights on. She was actively involved in many aspects of the quadriplegic community of Pinetown and participated in many events and initiatives of the Quadriplegic Association and their partners. Binila loved shopping, music, computers, nature and wildlife (especially marine mammals, such as dolphins),” she said.

She doted on her 12-year-old nephew, Rhevash and niece, Meha.

Binila will be sorely missed by all who knew her, but especially her youngest sister, Hema, and her nephew and niece, who adored her, who thought the world of her and considered Binila their tower of strength.

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts. Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.