Robynn Lisa Niemack, Leading Innovative, Transnational Collaboration & Multi-Generational Strategies

My mother was an unmarried social worker who worked for Durban Child Welfare. When she returned to work in Durban, I remained with my grandmother, Lillian Niemack. Granny was the village’s granny, known for her gardening prowess of heart of generosity and peaceful nature. Family stories tell of how she and my late grandfather, who passed away in 1958, would share their harvest with the villagers. This principle of gleaning, where villagers were welcome to collect food, was established long before my grandfather’s death. I grew up helping with the harvest, always aware that a portion would be given to others.

Although I had a rich and full childhood, the educational opportunities in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the Transkei, were limited. This generational issue prompted many families, including mine, to migrate to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in search of better prospects. My aunt Muriel was the first to move, followed by her younger siblings including my mum, who became a social worker in Durban after leaving the University of the Western Cape. Naturally, when I reached school age, I joined my mum in KZN.

I began my education at Our Little People Nursery School in Sydenham. At that time, segregation was still in place, so coloured children attended coloured schools, while black children were funnelled through the Bantu Education system. I then went to Charles Hugo Primary School, where my aunt Iris taught. My early school years, from grades one to three (then known as sub-A to standard 1), are filled with fond memories. Having Aunt Iris as a teacher meant I had to excel academically and behaviourally, as she kept a close watch on me.

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