Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 20-07-2019
Radio Islam has bid farewell to its veteran PRO Ismail Variava after more twenty-three years of dedicated service to the community station.
Ismail bhai or Uncle Ismail as he is fondly known, has been the pioneer of Islamic media in South Africa and also propelling Radio Islam to winning multiple awards at the MTN and Liberty Radio Awards including Community Station of the year twice.
Uncle Ismail began his radio career in 1997 after spending years as a teacher at Greyville Primary School in Lenasia educating children with special needs.
A number of Radio Islam staff shared their memories of the veteran broadcaster at the Nurul Islam hall in Lenasia on Saturday.
Radio Islam station manager Ml Heider Dhorat says Uncle Ismail Variava is a stalwart in the media industry.
“The seed that was planted, it has blossomed and today Radio Islam is heard in more then 40 countries of the world. The sawaab goes to everybody and Ismail bhai in particular who would not worry whether it was a Saturday, or a Sunday or a public holiday. That was the type of commitment, qurbani and sacrifice Ismail bhai made and this is a legacy he leaves behind.”
Programmes Manager, Ml Sulaimaan Ravat says Uncle Ismail has a passion for people.
“The most significant contribution of Ismail bhai to Radio Islam is he brought humaneness, his endearing personality, his compassion, his willingness to listen, his ability to make anyone, young or old, longstanding staff member or a newcomer feel very comfortable in his presence and open up to him and take his advice.”
Radio Islam also bid farewell to long serving receptionists Yusuf Mayet and Mohsin Fakir who between the two of them served the station for more than twenty-two years.
Listen to the speeches by Ml Heider Dhorat and Ml Sulaimaan Ravat
0 Comments