A great loss to the KZN community

LAUREN SHAPIRO

Known for her hard work and unwavering dedication to Jewish organisations as well as to the social upliftment of her fellow South Africans, Edmunds was the former chairperson of both the Women’s International Zionist Organisation and the KwaZulu-Natal Zionist Council. She was also vice-chair of the SA Zionist Federation (SAZF), which awarded her the Honorary Life Vice-Presidency.

Born in November 1943, Edmunds’ commitment to Israel was a lifelong one. Having joined Habonim at a young age, she later volunteered in the Six-Day War in 1967.

“She was a role model for many,” noted Antony Arkin, a former chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal Zionist Council who now lives in Israel. “She always acted with integrity, warmth and total commitment.”

SAZF national chairman Ben Swartz said: “Sue was a great friend and colleague whose contribution to the SAZF is immeasurable. On a personal note, I will miss her wisdom, advice and guidance. It is a massive loss for all of us.”

Edmunds was a great supporter of the Jewish National Fund (JNF). “She was always there with sound advice and guidance,” declares Isla Feldman, chairperson of JNF South Africa.

She played an instrumental role in initiating the JNF-Victor Daitz Eco Learning Centre in Hammarsdale, modelled on the JNF’s successful centre in Mamelodi, Pretoria. The aim of this outreach project is to teach underprivileged schoolkids from surrounding areas about permaculture and recycling. “Sue was a doer,” noted Feldman. “Whatever she decided to do, she accomplished.”

Brian Moshal, managing trustee of the Victor Daitz Foundation, praised Edmunds’ involvement. “Not only did Sue come up with the idea, but she got it going and rallied the Jewish and general communities to support the cause,” he said. “The centre has achieved a huge amount of good and allowed Israel to do something for disadvantaged communities in KwaZulu-Natal.”

Her work with the JNF extended to Israel. She visited Israel in recent years to see what the South African community had achieved through the JNF. “She was a true Zionist. She will be remembered by all at the JNF in Israel and South Africa,” said Feldman.

Though fiercely proud to be part of the Zionist and Jewish world, Edmunds was equally committed to South Africa, caring deeply for her fellow citizens. As CEO of Project Build Trust, she devoted the last 15 years of her life to facilitating the building of infrastructure – especially classrooms – in poor communities.

“We are devastated by the passing of Suzanne,” said Pradeep Boodoo, the trust’s operations manager. “Sue was a true leader. I would call her the iron lady of Project Build.”

Among her latest and greatest achievements was the construction of two circumcision clinics, built in consultation with Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini. As this story went to print, Edmunds was honoured at a function at the University of Zululand for her hard work and passion on this project. “Unfortunately, she is not around to accept this award,” laments Boodoo. “It would have been so overwhelming for her.”

Most of all, Edmunds was a role model for her daughters, Amanda and Terri, who survive her. Both played leading roles in Habonim Dror before making aliya.

“Sue was thrilled about the coming birth of her second grandchild,” said Arkin. “I remember Sue as a wise, kind and compassionate person who gave so much to the community. She will be sorely missed.”