East London is mourning the loss of Clarissa Joy Masola, the beloved principal of Bellafides Private School, the city’s first school dedicated to children with autism.
While her absence is deeply felt, the school vows to honour her vision by continuing its mission of providing quality education to children with autism.
Masola who has died at the age of 51, leaves behind a powerful legacy of innovation in special needs education and was known for her passion for teaching and learning dedicated to autism awareness and her deep love for animals.
Masola passed away peacefully in her sleep next to her husband Jomo, on September 16. Masola will be dearly missed by her husband, her son Keenan, mother Valerie, brother David, sister Roslyn and her extended family.
Masola’s husband says her relatability with pupils is one of the things that made him fall in love with her more than 27 years ago.
“She had such a beautiful way of connecting with her pupils. We met when she was still new to teaching but I could already tell how deep her passion for teaching was.
“She always found ways to make children enthusiastic about education. She always went the extra mile for others and gave so much of herself in everything she did. She was always happier to give instead of receiving,” he said.
Masola’s dedication to autism became her life’s mission when her son Keenan was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of seven.
“Our son used to struggle with school, and it was difficult for us to find a good school for him that could support his needs. After his diagnosis, Clarissa spent all her time researching autism and learning as much as she could to help Keenan.
“He is now a graphic designer in Cape Town,” Jomo said.
With the knowledge she gained in her research and her teaching qualifications, Masola was able to lead Bellafides Private School to becoming an internationally recognised school where pupils can obtain their Cambridge Education through to A levels.
Masola’s sister-in-law, Roslyn Burmeister, said Clarissa was a special person, who left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered in life.
“Four-legged friends were very near and dear to her heart and often the staff room was a sanctuary to kittens and puppies who were abandoned or rescued by the Furry Godmother.
“Clarissa knew how to love and shine in all that she did, she was a legend in her own right. She was an X-Factor where it came to personality type. She was an instrumental leader who could probably have led an army and was incredibly resourceful when it came to finding solutions to problems,” Burmeister said.
Tessa van Heerden, also known as the Furry Godmother, posted a heartfelt message for Masola on social media: “Her love and dedication to the animal kingdom was beyond measure. She was a passionate teacher and an incredible mother and wife. She was truly one of a kind as she gave of her best every day and in every way.”
Sibbs Gunn also posted on Facebook saying: “Our beloved niece and cousin, Clarissa. You were strong, vibrant, generous, joyous, loving and kind beyond words.
“A huge void will be felt in educational circles, by family and friends and by the animals which you devoted your life to. You put your words and dreams into action and changed your corner of the world.”
