INLSA

IN LOVING MEMORY: Jennifer Isaacs, the mother of Baden Philader who was killed in a car accident in Plumstead last week, cries as she paints a wall a lavender shade in memory of her son. Photo: Thomas Holder

Zara Nicholson

JENNIFER Isaacs watched as Lavender Hill residents planted lavender plants and painted a wall in memory of her son, Baden Philander – but when she made her first stroke of paint, she broke down in tears.

Philander, 27 was killed just over a week ago along with four friends when the car they were travelling in, crashed into a shop window in Plumstead. A car guard, Fabrice Mbombashi, was also killed when he was hit by the car.

Philander was a reformed gangster who just completed a business course at the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development at the UCT Graduate School of Business.

He dreamed of becoming a social entrepreneur and was the inspiration behind the idea “Lavender for Lavender Hill”.

One of his lecturers, Charles Maisel and Marcelle van Zyl, a UCT graduate started the initiative to uplift Lavender Hill by planting lavender gardens all over the area.

A few gardens have been planted in recent months and yesterday ((WED)), family and residents planted a garden along Military Road in memory of Philander.

They also painted the wall behind the garden a lavender colour.

Residents quickly gathered and pitched in to plant the lavender which had been donated and picked up paint and brushes to decorate the wall.

“This garden is very appropriate because of the way Baden interacted with the community and the passion he had to make a change. Seeing this garden will be the reminder of the impact he made in the community and it will also bring me peace,” , Isaacs said as she held back her tears

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Isaacs said her son made a positive influence on many gangsters in the area.

“Painting all these walls in Lavender Hill will change the whole image of the area, the same way he changed the mindsets of many gangsters. This won’t bring him back but I hope it can bring some solace,” Isaacs said.

She walked between the lavender plants and picked up a paint brush, but as soon as she started painting, she sobbed.

Isaacs then stood and watched as residents and volunteers planted and painted while speaking about Baden and his ideas to make a change.

Baden’s grandmother who raised him and his uncle, Neil Asia who was also killed in the accident said: “I am very proud of his idea and I hope it will draw the young people to get the own ideas to better themselves. If Baden could do it then anyone can.”

zara.nicholson@inl.co.za