A heartfelt tribute to a legendary woman; Elsa Malan

Family, friends, colleagues and former students have been left heartbroken after news broke that local teaching stalwart Elsa Malan had passed away on Tuesday, January 23.

The 69-year-old former Afrikaans, German, and math-lit teacher lost her brave 15-month battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

“I am going to miss her presence the most. Walking into an empty house and she isn’t here is just the most difficult thing I have ever had to endure,” said husband, David Malan.

Elizabeth Malan (neè Oosthuizen) was born the eldest of three children on March 26, 1954, in George (Western Cape).

This is where she spent her childhood until she matriculated from Hoërskool Outeniqua in 1971. From there she went on to study her BA and HED at the University of Stellenbosch and then furthered her studies in B-ED at Unisa.

It was here that she met the love of her life, David in 1973, who was studying theology for the NG Church.

“For me, it was love at first sight… She was my very first girlfriend, my first love, and my only love for 50 years. Yes, I noticed other girls, but no one could compare to her,” said a very emotional David.

The couple decided to finally tie the knot in George in 1976. They eventually relocated to Louwsburg, near Vryheid (KZN), after David became a missionary for the Dutch Reformed Church.

Here they welcomed the birth of their son, Dawie, in 1979 and daughter, Marika, in 1981.

“Elsa had many loyal friends, and she meant so much too so many people. She was there for everyone, always offering comfort and wise words of advice. She could never hold a grudge or stay angry with anyone. The children she taught had so much respect and love for her.

“She believed in rewarding them for their achievements and always motivated them to do their very best.”

As a mother and a grandmother, David described his late wife as the best.

“She was so proud of her grandchildren, and they just loved her so much. She loved playing with them, whether it was playing outside or just sitting and building puzzles with them; she was just happy spending time with them,” he said.

As a wife, he described her as a dedicated and loving homemaker who never complained about any task.

“She was adventurous and loved travelling around the country. We did absolutely everything together, whether it was running the park run every Saturday morning or cycling to the shops. She was healthy and fit and believed firmly in living a healthy lifestyle; even though every now and again we would treat ourselves to a little piece of chocolate. She was just my best friend,” he reminisced.

A long battle with cancer:

Elsa was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She was went into remission after undergoing radiology and chemotherapy. However, following her yearly check-up in October 2022, Elsa was informed the cancer had returned, and this time it was in her pelvic bone.

Although the couple remained positive that she could win this battle once again, the cancer spread rapidly, despite numerous radiology and chemotherapy treatments.

Finally, in November 2023, doctors advised Elsa to stop treatment and spend her remaining time with her loved ones. David said he hired caregivers to assist him with Elsa at home by administering her medicine and taking care of her.

“Doctors didn’t believe that she would make it beyond December 16, but she proved us all wrong and fought another month until she finally succumbed to her illness on January 23, at 12:30.”

He continued: “She lived such a healthy lifestyle and did everything by the book, but still fell victim to an aggressive form of cancer—it’s something I will never understand or comprehend. But I take comfort in the Bible, which clearly stipulates that the average person will only live to 70, and I take comfort knowing she had her 70 years despite how much it hurts to lose her,” David concluded.

Eulogy by Elsa’s son, Dawie:

“While preparing this tribute to my mother, first and foremost, I was overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude for not only the incredible life she lived but also the incredible life she gave me and my sister.

• Unconditional love: During my childhood, not a single moment passed without feeling the warmth of my mother’s love.
  Her love was unconditional, evident in her actions from her very first day until her last. Love comes in many different forms, whether it be a hug, an “I love you,” a packed school lunch, a new pair of running shoes, or even a “no, you can’t” or “that was wrong” and subsequently getting dealt the consequences… As a parent myself now, I undeniably know and understand that every single action, word, and consequence was always rooted in a deep and unwavering love that shaped the person I am today. Dankie ma, ek sal elke dag probeer beter doen.
• Devotion to family: Elsa lived for her children and grandchildren, and this sentiment is shared by both her children and grandchildren, who loved her deeply. The bonds she formed with family were unbreakable, not even by distance—a testament to the love that radiated from her heart. Every moment spent together as family was cherished, and much like her own mother, the hardest part for her was seeing us leave.”

Bible gems by Elsa Malan:

“Amid the cherished memories she left us, we cannot overlook the profound impact of the Bible gems she wrote. These verses were not just words on paper; they were a reflection of her unwavering faith and a guiding light in her life. Elsa’s hope was that these gems would not only comfort us in times of sorrow but also inspire others to embark on their spiritual journeys and follow the path she held dear. As we reflect on her life, let us remember the enduring legacy she leaves, not only in the minds of her students but also in the verses that carry the essence of her faith, hoping to inspire others to follow God as she did.”

• “To live according to the message that leads to life. I am happy about it. Rejoice with you all. Be your joy too!” (Philippians 2:16,17 NIV). Joy is promised here and in the afterlife. God will give joy to all who are faithful to Him (Matt. 25:21). Faithful Christians will find that their suffering on earth will turn into glory in heaven. Our work will not be in vain. Paul compares his sacrifice to that of a priest pouring out the drink offering (Num. 15). Paul could possibly have been executed, but the sacrifice was a joy to him in terms of Christ and His church. We get the example of Christ and the energy of the Holy Spirit. The result is joy! – Elsa
• Philippians 1:21: ” For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Because of Paul’s chains, Christ was known and preached, and because of his crisis, Christ was magnified. Paul was not afraid of life or death. Either way, he wanted to magnify Christ in his body. No wonder he had joy. Paul confessed that he was facing a difficult situation. To remain alive was necessary for the believer’s benefit, but to depart and be with Christ was far better. Death had no terrors for Paul. It simply meant “departing” Soldiers used it “to take down your tent and move on.” The ‘tent’ we live in is taken down at death, and the Spirit goes home to be with Christ in heaven. – Elsa

Facebook tributes:

• Sophia (Elsa’s sister): “Tittie jou heengaan laat my met ‘n diep hartseer agter. Ek onthou ons gelukkige kinderjare saam, hoe ek met my kop op jou skoot kon lê as ons Sondagaande van Mosselbaai na George terug gery het. As eerstejaar op Stellenbosch was ek so bly jy en David het nog daar gewoon. My Tittie, so dankbaar ons het beide oor die jare soveel moeite gedoen om by mekaar te kuier en dat ek die voorreg gehad het om van jou afskeid te neem toe jy so siek was. Tittie jy was altyd vir my ‘n voorbeeld van die deugsame vrou wat die Here met blydskap gedien het. Jy bly vir altyd in my hart.”

• Christine Oosthuizen: “Liefste Elsa, Jy was altyd hierdie sagte mens, maar teselftertyd sterk. Pligsgetrou, maar nooit vervelig. Ons het altyd so lekker gelag met ons baie kaartspeletjies. Jou deursettingsvermoë is iets wat ek altyd in jou bewonder het. Geen uitdaging was ooit te groot nie en als het jy met ywer aangepak. Jou liefdevolle geaardheid en jou omgee vir jou medemens is het verseker dat jy geliefd was by al jou skoliere. Jy was soveel jong mense se rolmodel en het hulle begelei om suksesvolle volwassenes te word. So ook met jou eie kinders. Jy het nie baie gepraat nie. Dit was nie nodig nie. Dit was jou dade wat altyd van van liefde oorgeloop het en die rigting aangewys het na die regte pad. Jy was so maklik om lief te hê. Rus sag, liefste suster. Met liefde, Christine.”

• Dot Moynihan: “Elsa and I started our journey as strangers in November 2015 in an impersonal chemo ward. That was the beginning of a wonderful, loving friendship through 16 gruelling chemo treatments. I remember our excitement and happiness at passing our blood tests, knowing we were one treatment closer to being survivors.Radiation took us in different directions, but that didn’t deter our friendship—daily calls like “hoe voel jy vandag,” words of encouragement, and prayers. Tears shared. Elsa was always a pillar of strength and inspiration.Positive and uplifting.The survivors then embarked on fun times—family holidays. Of which there were many: our overland trip to Botswana, Namibia, and the Great Victoria Falls. Trips to Kruger, Mozambique, and the coast. Elsa was always well organized, with meal plans and lists of what to pack. Phone call: “Onthou julle moet malaria pille drink.” I won’t forget our famous padkos and coffee breaks along the way. Elsa loved the outdoors. She taught me to pick and eat oysters off the rocks. Long walks and chats on the beach—watching awesome sunsets. Elsa was a go-getter and fighter to the end. Your sunset came early, my friend. I’ll love you always.”

• Iziphozonke Mlambo: “Romans 8:38–39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, nor the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Mev. Malan was a beacon of hope, showing love to everyone around her. Apart from the great Afrikaans ‘taal’ lessons we had from her, we reflect on one of the greatest lessons her life taught us, which is to love God above all and love others as we love ourselves. Rest well, Mevrou. Sending peace, love, and prayers for the family and all the people she touched.

• Charity Hlatshwayo: “That woman changed my life. She was the teacher who saw how capable I was of doing better than I was giving at the time; she pushed me to become the best! To this day, I know that I can do anything, as long as I put my heart into it. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.”

• Shalyn Reyes: “Sleep sweet, Mrs. Malan. What an amazing example you were! Thank you.”

• Annel Clark: “Sincerest condolences. Fond memories of her will linger. Always kind and helpful, and I can’t see her in memory without a smile. Child of God, rest in peace; you went home.”

• Joey Kopka: “May you rest in peace, Mrs. Malan. In grade 6, you taught us how to sing ‘Silent Night’ in German, and I still remember it to this day. Deepest condolences to the family and everyone whose heart was touched by this remarkable lady and teacher.”

See photos here:

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