Councillor remembered for her community work

KANAGIE Pillay, a PR councillor for the DA in wards 17 and 71 in Chatsworth, died of kidney failure in hospital on Sunday. She was 66.

Pastor Cyril Pillay, the family spokesperson, said Govender contracted Covid19 four months ago but she recovered.

“She was doing well and going about her life normally. She then became ill and was taken to the hospital where she was diagnosed with kidney failure. Her health deteriorated, leading to her death.

“She used to wear colourful clothing and had an equally colourful personality. The members of the DA would often refer to her as ’the queen’. She was also an active member of our church, People’s Church of God, where she was a Sunday school teacher.”

Pillay said Govender started community work in the 1980s.

“She focused on schools and was involved in school governing bodies. Kanagie tackled issues such as learner conflict, drug abuse and rehabilitation. She was one of the residents who welcomed Nelson Mandela to Chatsworth soon after his release from prison. Kanagie will be missed but her legacy will live on in the work she did for the community.”

Nicole Graham, the DA eThekwini caucus leader, said Govender was a member of the party since the early 2000s and had served as a councillor in eThekwini Municipality since 2011.

“She was proud to represent Chatsworth where she was well-known and well-loved. Her passion for her community and her commitment shone through in all she did. Kanagie was a humble and generous woman who took joy in offering support and comfort to others. Her sense of humour could light up any room.”

Graham said Govender loved making friends and making people laugh.

“She was active in her church community and always showed tremendous faith. We send our deepest condolences to her husband, children, grandchildren, her church and friends and the Chatsworth community. Kanagie will be sorely missed by all of us at the DA, where she has left a tremendous void. She will be remembered fondly and with love, for her kindness, joy, commitment and heart.”