Honoured for upliftment and community service

THE Shree Mariammen Temple honoured four recipients at the continuation of its Amman Awards on Friday in Mount Edgecombe.

The awards are held during Easter but some of the recipients were unable to attend because of Covid-19 regulations.

The recipients – Selvan Naidoo, Parboo Sewpersad, Yogen Moodley and Raj Sewsunker – were honoured for their contribution to the community and Indian culture.

When Naidoo realised the history and contribution of people of indentured origin had not been documented and archived in South Africa, he took it upon himself to do so.

Naidoo, of Hillary, is the curator and board director of the 1860 Heritage Centre in Durban. He said the centre was a South African museum that showcased the diversity of the country’s heritage from indenture to democracy.

Naidoo is also a trustee at the Natal Tamil Vedic Society Trust and the editor of their online magazine called Vanakkam South Africa.

He has co-authored the books Indian Africans and Out of the Rough, Papwa, A Player Denied.

“The first book chronicles the lives of people of indentured ancestry in South Africa for the past 160 years. The second is dedicated to Papwa Sewgolum. It focuses on a golfer of indentured ancestry, who was tragically denied by the system of apartheid in South Africa.

“In my work, I strive to tell a beautiful story not only to South Africans but to all humanity. Post-apartheid, the history and contribution of people of indentured origins have not been documented and archived. This story must be told as part of one of the many untold stories that make up our rich and vibrant South African history and heritage.”

Naidoo said it felt good to have his work affirmed.

“I’m the son of a waiter and a clothing factory worker. I dedicate this award to my parents and our working-class indentured ancestry.”

Naidoo said more was needed to honour those who had sacrificed for the benefit of current generations. “We must celebrate more heroes who have built a better life for all South Africans.”

Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad is the spokesperson for the metro police in Durban. He is also a trained paramedic and firefighter.

Sewpersad said he was emotional when he received the award.

“I also feel honoured and privileged because this is my first award of achievement and recognition for all the work that I’ve done for the diverse community.”

The father of two was born in Springvale SOS (now Glen Anil). During the Group Areas Act, his family were relocated to New Farm in Phoenix.

Sewpersad attended Natest Primary, Cornubia Primary, Mount Edgecombe High and Mountview Secondary. The grandfather of one said he started his career almost 39 years ago and had extensive training in all aspects of his job.

“I’ve responded to armed robberies and housebreakings. I’ve delivered babies, resuscitated people who drowned and pulled out victims from burning vehicles. I’ve attended hostage situations and recovered bodies. The hardest thing is hearing a person in need of help, panicking on the other side of a call. I have always worked without fear and favour.”

Sewpersad said he travelled to Switzerland, Austria, London and Germany with the city operational team on safety and security. He said he wore his badge with pride.

Moodley was recognised for his role in community upliftment. Sewsunker, chief commander for the fire department on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, was honoured for his service.