As Faadiel Essop placed the graduation cap on his daughter Aaliyah’s head, a wave of emotions swept over him. In that fleeting moment, he was not just a father; he had become a witness to her journey, her struggles, and her triumphs.
Memories of her as a toddler huddling on his back, their playful moments in the park, and her shy yet determined demeanor rushed back to him.
The culmination of years of dedication and hard work had been symbolized in this simple yet profound gesture. It was a moment that words could scarcely capture, filled with pride, gratitude, and the bittersweet realization of how quickly time had passed.
The Essop family’s journey into the medical field had been one of inspiration, resilience, and the enduring power of curiosity.
At the heart of this tale was Aaliyah Essop, a shy yet determined young woman who had recently graduated with her degree in Medicine and Surgery, capped by none other than her father, Essop.
This moment marked the culmination of generations of effort, wisdom, and dedication, binding the family in their shared passion for healing and service.
Essop, 61, had always been a philosophical, easygoing, and calm man, often imparting wisdom and knowledge to those around him.
Born in Ceres, his early life had been shaped by challenges, including an earthquake that had forced his family to move back to Paarl.
Despite losing his matric year to school boycotts, he had persevered, eventually writing and passing his matric examinations.
His curiosity had become the driving force behind his career.
“I have no special talent; I am not a genius. I am just curious,” he often said, a sentiment that had guided his remarkable journey.
Essop’s academic path had begun with a degree in science at the University of Cape Town, followed by an honours degree in medical research, and ultimately, a PhD.
His post-doctoral work at the Heart Institute, under the mentorship of world-class cardiologist Ryno Opie, had included time spent in Texas, which had set the foundation for his career in medical research.
Reflecting on his choices, Essop often cited Robert Frost: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Essop’s wife, Rehana, had been equally inspiring.
A medical doctor who graduated in 1994, Rehana had begun her career in state hospitals and rural clinics, serving communities with dedication and care. She was now part of the Anova Health Institute and had been preparing to open her own practice.
Together, Essop and Rehana had built a family deeply rooted in education, service, and the pursuit of excellence.
“We never pressured our children to follow in our footsteps,” Rehana explained.
“We wanted them to find their own paths, but we always emphasized the value of curiosity and perseverance.”
Their eldest son, Ziyaad, had graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2020 and was currently in private practice while working at Melomed Hospital.
Yasin, the middle child, was in his fifth year of medical school.
And then there is Aaliyah, their 24-year-old daughter, whose journey into medicine had been a blend of familial inspiration and personal passion.
Aaliyah’s path had not always been clear.
Until grade 11, she had been unsure of her future, despite her love for biology. It had been her teacher’s encouragement, combined with the inspiration she drew from watching her mother and older brother, that had sparked her decision to pursue medicine.
Aaliyah recalled, “It sounds very cheesy, but I always wanted to give back to the community and make an impact on people’s lives.”
Moving away from home during her first year of medical school had been a challenge for Aaliyah.
She had lived with her aunt and uncle in Elsies River, finding their support invaluable. Balancing the demanding workload while prioritizing her well-being, Aaliyah had ensured she didn’t neglect activities that brought her joy. She credited her father’s expertise as a physiology lecturer and her brother’s guidance as crucial supports during her studies.
“The journey was a life-changing experience, and the friendships I made were the best part of medical school,” she reflected.
“Whenever I struggled, my dad’s advice was always there: ‘Stick with it, and the answers will come.’”
The day of her graduation had been filled with emotion.
Essop, ever the meticulous planner, had rehearsed the moment he would cap his daughter, counting down to the significant occasion.
When Aaliyah’s name had been called, he had felt a swirl of pride, elation, and nostalgia. Memories of her childhood had flooded his mind—her as a toddler on his back, their playful moments in the park.
“It’s a moment you can’t capture in words,” he said, his voice tinged with gratitude and thankfulness. “Gratitude to my parents for giving me opportunities, to the mentors who shaped my path, and to my children for continuing the legacy.”
For Aaliyah, being capped by her father had been a profoundly special moment.
“It’s something I won’t forget and will tell my children about,” she said with a smile.
“To have both my parents and my brother there made it even more meaningful. It was a celebration of everything we’ve shared as a family.”
As she looked forward to her career, Aaliyah envisioned herself in general practice or family medicine, prioritizing not only her patients but also her future family.
“I want to make an impact not just on illnesses but on lives as a whole,” she shared.