Chats loses ‘Nightingale’
CHATSWORTH singer Rosy Govender, pictured, died in hospital from heart and kidney failure yesterday.
Govender, 58, of Croftdene, who used her voice to raise money for community initiatives and organisations, released her first album, Immortals, in 1995.
It was recorded in India. She later released a selection of her own music.
Govender lived with friend Dolly Ramnarain at the time of her death. Ramnarain’s niece Anusha Naicker said Govender would be remembered as a musical, devoted and spiritual person.
“We will remember her mostly for her singing at family functions,” said Naicker. “She was very interested in the restoration and upkeep of Thai Kovur Temple in Unit 3.”
Friends and family took to Facebook:
Priya Singh R: “So sad! Worked with her quite a few times. Lovely person.”
Rani Vandayar: “Rest in Peace our Nightingale.”
Clint Singh: “A sad loss for the community.” – Kerushun Pillay PROMOTING Tamil language and culture is high on Kovelin Veramoothoo’s agenda as he steps into the position as the Gauteng president of the Tamil Federation.
Veramoothoo, 46, of Centurion, was previously vice-president of the northern region of Gauteng.
“The federation already has a framework and vision of what they want and I am here to fill in the gaps and continue the good work that is being done,” he said.
“The federation’s vision is to promote language and culture as well as work with youth, women forums, senior citizens and the community.”
The father of three has been with the South African Tamil Federation since 2013.
“Preserving the Tamil language and culture was vital in every home. As children, we were required to go to Tamil school and participate in eisteddfods.”
Veramoothoo said it was essential to “establish our culture” in communities to rid society of social ills.
He intended to revive the federation’s Live for Life campaign, initiated after numerous cases of suicide were reported, and he said the federation was committed to reinstating the Tamil education board.