A cherished alumna of St Cyprian’s School and a respected Director at Standard Chartered Bank has died tragically, leaving behind a legacy of ambition, generosity and unwavering friendship. Zarina Olla, affectionately known to many as “Zee”, passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 32.
She was a proud member of the St Cyprian’s Class of 2011 and will forever be remembered by her school community as a “forever girl in blue” — a phrase that captures both her enduring bond with her alma mater and the pride she carried for her formative years there.
From a young age Zarina displayed remarkable clarity of purpose, excelling academically and socially at St Cyprian’s in Johannesburg, where she built lifelong friendships and developed the confidence and compassion that defined her. Classmates and teachers recall a bright, driven girl who approached challenges with grace, supported her peers without hesitation, and brought warmth and positivity to every environment she entered.
Zarina’s professional journey took her to London, where she rose rapidly within Standard Chartered Bank to become Director in the Real Estate team. She earned respect across the organisation and the broader industry for her sharp intellect, strategic insight, and steadfast work ethic. Colleagues describe her as a collaborative leader who combined rigorous analysis with empathy, always willing to mentor junior staff and celebrate team successes.
Her contributions helped drive key real estate financing initiatives across multiple markets, and her calm professionalism under pressure made her a trusted partner on complex transactions. Zarina’s career reflected not just ambition but a deep commitment to excellence and integrity in everything she undertook.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Zarina was cherished for her generosity, loyalty, and the way she showed up for the people she loved. She maintained close ties with her St Cyprian’s friends, many of whom remained lifelong confidantes, and she extended the same warmth and support to colleagues, extended family, and new friends she made in London.
Zarina had a natural ability to make others feel valued and understood, often putting their needs before her own. Her laughter, her thoughtful gestures, and her unwavering presence left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to share time with her.
The Johannesburg and London communities, along with alumni of St Cyprian’s School and colleagues at Standard Chartered Bank, now reflect on the profound loss of this remarkable young woman whose life was filled with purpose, connection, and quiet strength. Tributes from former classmates, teachers, coworkers, and friends continue to highlight her ambition tempered by kindness, her intelligence matched by empathy, and the joy she brought to every relationship.
