Verulam building collapse: Remembering the fallen leaders lost in temple construction tragedy

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left a community in mourning, a building under construction adjacent to the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Verulam, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuring eleven others. 

The victims, all well-known figures within the community, were deeply committed to serving others, leaving behind legacies of selflessness and dedication.

Temple founder Vick Panday, 52, Food For Love Africa cook Vasudeva Datta Das, 65, farmer Kishore Hurribhujan, 63, electrician Jayaseelan ‘Jayce’ Perumal, 58, and construction worker Adbul Prabhus were killed during the incident.

IOL reported that these were the people killed:

Vick Panday 

Vick founded the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection. His cousin, Viresh Panday, said Vick was for the community and unity. Guided by Vick, the Food For Love Africa community kitchen was established. He said Vick handled all property developments. 

Panday said the adjacent building, which was multi-purpose and for office use, was part of multiple projects. It served as the required entry to the temple. A thoroughfare and stairs on the first floor led to the upper level.

He said Vick recently returned from a pilgrimage to India, spiritually recharged and rejuvenated. 

Panday said Vick opened his doors to everyone. 

His wife, Helena, thanked all those who honoured Vick and recognised his passionate commitment to fostering respect and unity for better beings.

Vasudeva Datta Das 

Viresh Panday said Vasudeva was a close friend. His mission was to feed the hungry and he dedicated his life to feeding millions across South Africa. 

Panday said Vasudeva had left a legacy of selflessness that transcended race, culture, and circumstance.

Vasudeva was described as a selfless humanitarian who dedicated his life to serving others, asking for nothing in return. For five decades, he served at the Hare Krishna temple in Chatsworth, during which time he served over 50 million plates of food.

Panday said Vasudeva never bothered about himself, wore frayed T-shirts and jeans, but his heart was big and priceless.

"His heart could not match his budget. He wanted to feed the world, but he was a pauper. He did not have a cent to his name."

Kishore Hurribhujan

The litchi farmer from Verulam dedicated his life to building JH Fresh Produce and donated vegetables to feed the local community. Hurribhujan supplied free vegetables to Food For Love Africa. 

His daughter, Bhavisha Soorajmoney, said her father was strong-minded and always wanted to build big things. He had a big heart and helped anybody and everyone.

He was close to Vick and knew the vegetables were going to a good cause. 

With his pure heart and kind gestures, he fed many people. 

She said his calling was farming, but he also loved animals, rescued strays, and cooked for them every day. He built a legacy. 

Soorajmoney said their father, who delivered vegetables to the temple three or four days a week, was meeting with Vick on the day of the incident to discuss the construction site.

Jayaseelan “Jayce” Perumal

A self-employed electrician in Verulam, Jayce, was believed to have been doing electrical work in the new building when it collapsed. 

Only the rear of Jayce’s vehicle was visible as most of it was buried under rubble at the site. 

Reaction Unit South Africa spokesperson Prem Balram reported that upon arrival, Devan Perumal exited the vehicle, then returned, identifying it as his father’s. He heard Devan call “dad” and others call “uncle” for potentially trapped individuals. When instructed to call their names, communication began. Devan radioed, reporting he found his father buried in rubble. Jayce told Devan that a pillar was against his legs, and both were broken. They communicated via messages for about an hour and twenty minutes before the messages stopped. 

“A statement that really broke me was when Devan, who went to the scene the next  (Saturday) morning around 4am said, ‘I slept at home last night with a roof over my head, my dad slept with concrete slabs over his’. Jayce was the last person to be pulled out on Sunday at around 11am,” Balram said.  

Balram said Jayce was a supportive father and a loving grandfather to Devan’s three children.