Guru Dhanasargaren Govender became the resident guru at the Umbilo Shree Ambalaavanar Alayam (third temple) in 2007. When we visited, he welcomed us to his temple, deserted on a weekday afternoon. Inside, a quiet stillness mingled with the sweet smell of holy ash. “You know, I had a Chinese person who came here and he … Read more
Custom Goolgoola is an Indian savoury that is made during prayers and serves as an offering to deities. It is made especially on these days. In every Hindu home in Durban one would always get the smell of Goolgoola, it is an old time favourite that is made by females under strictly clean conditions. It … Read more
Background Indians in Durban have carried over a vast amount of cultural practices and recipes from their previous generations. They formed their own means of cost effective and simple means of sustaining themselves. The ritual of making their own hand made bread called roti was a tradition carried over for centuries, previously used as a … Read more
With only R500 and a bakkie, Vivian Reddy founded Edison Power 30 years ago. Today it has grown into the largest black-owned electrical installation company in South Africa. Vivian Reddy born Vathasallum Reddy is the son of a teacher and the youngest of nine children. He was chosen as South Africa’s first representative to the … Read more
Kumara ‘Kumi’ Naidoo was born in Durban in 1965. Kumi Naidoo’s political activism began at the age of 15 years. In 1981, he was expelled from school for protesting against apartheid. Kumi was constantly harassed by the police. In 1986, the Apartheid Regime declared a state of emergency. Kumi was arrested and charged for violating … Read more
Contents 1 Background 2 Formation of the Society 3 Early days 4 Purpose of the Divine Life Society Background Durban is a city rich in diversity and cultural places. The legacy of Durban lies in its people, their culture, beliefs and ways of life. The most unifying aspect of humankind is their ability to find … Read more