Posthumous awards for pioneer community leaders
Moga Reddy, left, presented an award to Gilbert Reddy, right, who received it on behalf of his grandfather, Recku 'RP' Reddy, who was remembered yesterday at the Chatsworth Vernacular Institute. He was one of five who were also honoured. Moga Reddy, left, presented an award to Gilbert Reddy, right, who received it on behalf of his grandfather, Recku 'RP' Reddy, who was remembered yesterday at the Chatsworth Vernacular Institute. He was one of five who were also honoured.
SLINDILE MALULEKA
TWO pioneering community leaders were yesterday honour-ed posthumously at the Chatsworth Vernacular Institute for their work in the fields of education and farming.
The award ceremony was attended by nearly 100 people, including MEC for Public Works and Human Settlement Maggie Govender.
Recku “RP” Reddy, whose award was received by his grandson, Gilbert Reddy, was honoured for his contribution to the community and the role he played in the Natal Indian Farmers’ Union.
Almost a century ago, the Indian market gardeners made a living growing and selling fruit and vegetables.
To honour the memory of these community leaders, the institute holds an annual gathering of residents and descendants of pioneers of the area.
Reddy’s granddaughter, Pregila Chetty, addressed the crowd, sharing details about Recku’s origins.
Originally from India, he arrived in South Africa as an indentured labourer at the age of 27 in 1884.
“My grandfather contributed to the preserved heritage of the country. He became a successful banana farmer and between 1938 and 1940 he began purchasing land in Welbedacht for farming,” she said.
Chetty said one of the things she had learnt from her grandfather was to be mindful of the Indian vernacular in the “framework” of being proudly South African.
He contributed to the extension of the Welbedacht school and would supply vegetables for pupils during the month of fasting called Purtassi.
“He supported social, cultural and traditional organisations,” Chetty said.
Ganpath Foolchand, who was a principal of various schools in Chatsworth, was honoured for his contribution to education.
Recognition was also given to three other Chatsworth residents who have contributed to education and promoting culture. They are Muthammah Govender, Dhanalutchmee Naidoo and Logan Naicker.