Former Boksburg mayoress, Sarah Ann Steyn, passes away

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Tannie Tokkie, as she was affectionately known, was born at her parents’ home in Boksburg West, which was situated where, today, the NG-Gemeente Boksburg-Wes is in Bass Street.

She was one of eight children born to Daniel Edmund Davies and his wife, Annie. She was the second eldest of four boys and four girls.

Incidentally, two boys and one girl turned out to be left-handed, as she was.

According to Dan Steyn, his mother was raised in a strict, but loving home.

“Her father was a mining instructor on the then thriving East Rand Proprietary Mines who, even though from Welsh stock, became an elder in the NG Kerk, in Rietfontein Road,” he said.

“As a child my mother found it quietly amusing when he would pray in English for the congregation in this staunch Afrikaans bastion.

“At home her father would read from the big St James Bible at the dinner table before saying grace; then the Lord’s Prayer before bedtime.

“This is the environment in which Martha Sarah Ann Steyn was raised and in which she ultimately raised her own family.”

He added that, at school, she excelled in both sports and academics.

“She started primary school in what is now a rusting, corrugated iron store on the premises of the ERMP Golf Club.

“The rest of her primary schooling was at Martin School, in Boksburg North, and she then matriculated from the Technical High College in Boksburg.

“She fondly recalled how her high school principal personally invited her father to a meeting, with a request that she be allowed to further her studies at university.

“Sadly, due to wartime, money and circumstances, she was not allowed that privilege.”

In 1946, on December 22, she wed Benjamin (Ben) Steyn, who remained the love of her life until his death on November 25, 1998.

Together they started an electrical contracting and building contractors business, later branching out into an estate agency and property letting.

“She remained an active and valued member of various companies until the end of her days; her keen business acumen and friendly demeanour will be sorely missed by all,” said her son.

“She lovingly supported and motivated her spouse’s business and social life.”

With her help, Ben was elected to the Boksburg Town Council in the early ’70s and remained a councillor until becoming an elder statesman, with 23 years service to the community of Boksburg.

Ben was elected mayor of Boksburg in 1976 and again in 1981; also serving as deputy mayor on several occasions.

“During their tenure as the mayoral couple, my parents made an elegant and competent addition to civic life on the East Rand,” Dan said.

“Apart from their mayoral duties, they also served on various welfare committees, among them Horizon Clinic and Child Welfare.

“My mother took an active interest in her welfare duties and many patients from her societies ended up convalescing at her house in 10th Street, Boksburg North, where she lived for more than 60 years.

“Although dedicated to her mayoral duties, she nonetheless had a fun sense of humour and, on one occasion, when her husband accidentally fell into the pool, clothed in his full mayoral attire, she laughed till tears came to her eyes.”

Dan added that, as an adherent of Mensa, his mother kept her intellect sharp by doing maths, Sudoku and crossword puzzles.

“She loved competitions and would challenge her grandchildren to beat her at a quiz on just about any subject,” he said.

She also loved collecting stamps, among other objects, and was an avid sports fan, regularly supporting her grandchildren at rugby matches, athletics, drama and the like.

“She also loved to watch cricket and golf and would passionately discuss the merits of a particular game with her attentive grandchildren.

“The was nothing she loved more than to host her annual Grand Christmas party. At this event, the crockery and cutlery would elegantly bedeck the table.

“Fine food would be served and family and friends would gather to her delight, singing carols, remembering those who passed and celebrating Christmas.

“As she became bedridden, it remained a great comfort to her and all present, to participate in song and prayer around her bed on Friday afternoons.”

Dan said his mother had a big and active circle of dedicated friends.

“She had the ability to make one try to be ever better; she had a firm, yet sympathetic take on life and lived life to the full.

“The tenants at Sarah Ann Court could not do enough for her and she appreciated this greatly. ”Alas, her last wish, to vote in the election, this year, was denied her.”

She is survived by three children, Annette, Benjamin (Ben Jnr), Sarah-Ann and Danny (Dan).