“This was never just a job, it was my calling to help, heal, listen and assist the people in communities who needed it most,” says Mohamad Shariff Mahri. Now that retirement is knocking on his doorstep, Mahri realises what an impact he has made in his career and how far from retirement he is. Although Mahri is a Public Information, Education and Relations (PIER) liaison officer based in Eldorado Park, he is so much more to the people he served in the south of Johannesburg.
“I was a father, a friend, a magistrate, a policeman, a therapist and so much more to community groups who needed help with women abuse, kidnapping, substance abuse, and youth upliftment among other issues. I wore all those hats if it meant I could save and change a life,” he says.
Following his volunteerism in different prisons, the grateful inmates renamed Mahri “Lantern”, the bearer of light and hope.
Mahri is originally from the Northern Cape but completed all my studies in Cape Town and has worked in the Emergency Management Service space for 40 years.
He initially obtained a trade as a plumber but later discovered his true passion for being a servant of the people.
He became a reservist in the ambulance services and went on to be a firefighter. Mahri then moved to Johannesburg where he was employed as a firefighter in 2005 by the city, stationed in Lawley.
After three years he was promoted to his current role. Mahri is a specialist in rescue and has achieved advanced medical rescue.
He is also a rescue technician, rope rescue technician, hazmat technician as well as a class four rescue diver.
Making a difference and assisting the community is his true passion. However, Mahri has gone above and beyond the call of duty by joining many community organisations and campaigns where he has lent a helping hand.
“We started off with educational duties, to helping NGOs and NPOs, to getting involved with substance abuse in Eldos, poverty to a point where people sell themselves to make money, that is what I had to deal with and that was some of the highlights of my career. Having been able to make a difference and change the route of life for so many people,” says Mahri.
He says he is far from ready to take off his official hat at the City because he believes his work is not done yet and his best highlight yet has been the smiles on so many children’s faces.
He says there are current international programmes and planned implementations that are underway, and he would of love to be a part of those changes. He is sad about retiring and seems to be hopeful about continuing his work even in his own capacity.
“Life is a game, our next move determines the outcomes win or lose. I would like to think that all the moves I made have brought about life changing circumstances for people who have crossed my path.
“I do hope that more employees will learn to love what they do so that the people they impact will have a lasting life change because of services rendered with hope and faith,” he says.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
21/08/2023