Uniting for upliftment
WHILE the 4th World Tamils Economic Conference at the ICC in Durban offered an opportunity for networking, it also provided a platform to thank South African businessmen and leaders for their contributions in advancing religion and culture and promoting social cohesion.
More than 500 local and international delegates attended the three-day conference organised by the World Tamils Economic Foundation and Madras Development Society.
They included the Prime Minister of Guyana, Veerasamy Nagamootoo; Vice-President of Mauritius, Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory; Indian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ruchira Kamboj; the deputy mayor of Durban, Fawzia Peer; King Goodwill Zwelithini and businessman Vivian Reddy.
Over three days, from Thursday, which also marked the 157th anniversary of the arrival of Indians to South Africa, delegates engaged in discussions around economic opportunity in education, agriculture, information technology, law, healthcare, imports and exports.
In addition, several delegates were awarded for their contribution to the Tamil culture, building unity in South Africa and promoting business.
Businessman Karthigesan Moothsamy received the Ulaga Tamizh Maamani award for helping establish the Sri Siva Sakthi Aalayam in Pelican Heights, Cape Town, where temples are a scarcity.
In his acceptance speech, Moothsamy pledged to continue to provide the community with a platform to express their traditions and culture.
“I strongly believe that we are first and foremost full South Africans, people of Indian origin, and then we are Tamilians and therefore must become fully involved in all aspects of our South African life, embracing society around us,” said Moothsamy. King Goodwill Zwelithini receives the first Universal Friendship Kingdom award for promoting interracial harmony and social cohesion.
Karthigesan Moothsamy received the Ulaga Tamizh Maamani award.
He said the installation, launch and unveiling of the Shiva-Sakthi murthi at the aalayam was not only a significant milestone and an unforgettable spiritual landmark, but would educate and remind the community on the importance of equality in mankind.
Reddy received the Crown Jewel award for his service and contribution to society.
He is also involved in several South African charity initiatives, including the Orphans of Aids Trust Fund.
“It was an exciting moment to have received such a prestigious award, especially considering that there are thousands of Indian businessmen, who are hugely successful. At the head of the judging panel was the justice of the Indian supreme court. That alone shows the magnitude of the acknowledgement.”
He said the conference was beneficial to the province.
“I think we are going to see a bigger push for larger investment by international companies. It will also boost local tourism as many delegates said they planned to return.
“However, many delegates were asking to see a statue of (Mahatma) Gandhi, especially after he had spent so much of his life here.
“So in 2019, when I officially unveil the Oceans Umhlanga development, I plan on unveiling a statue of Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.”
Zwelithini was presented with the first Universal Friendship Kingdom Award for promoting interracial harmony and social cohesion.
Zwelithini said he was humbled and honoured for the recognition and hoped the partnership between the different cultures would continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
“We have seen the people of KZN and the people of India working together for humanity. It is this collaboration and partnership that will help our countries realise the need for a better life for all.
“In October 2010, I was invited to address the Indian diaspora conference where I appealed for both countries to share resources in order to eradicate poverty.
“As we gather again, I want to encourage leaders from all countries to work together to alleviate poverty and create jobs for our people.
“I am highlighting this issue just to make you appreciate how the Indians, who arrived in the country 157 years ago, have contributed to making South Africa what it is today.”
Speaking on the arrival of Indian forebears to the country, the president of the South African Tamil Federation in South Africa, Mariemoothu Pillay-Ramaya, said the local Indian community resisted colonial domination and Afrikaner oppression, and involved themselves in political, economic and social platforms and have done well over the years.
“May our shared cultural heritage and proud beneficiaries of a great civilisation, collectively lead us to achieve the desired effects and a renaissance of contributing even further to our worldwide Tamil diaspora, promoting international academic and economic dialogue,” said Pillay-Ramaya.
Jacob Ravibalan, from the World Tamil Organisation in London, and Thirunal Karasu, the managing director of SingCorp International in Singapore, said the economic dialogue and inter-continental networking led to the establishment of fruitful relationships, while AD Ravichandran, the director of Maha Meru Multimedia in Chennai, India, said he discovered creative ideas for his business.
“I met like minded people, who helped me find unique concepts that could potentially push my company in the right direction,” said Ravichandran.
Roger Latchman, the executive chairman of Maruti Global, who spoke on Law and Economic Development and the importance of Black Economic Empowerment policies in setting up businesses in South Africa, said he was a strong believer in the development of Tamil culture in South Africa and was proud to be one of the event sponsors.
Next year’s conference will be held in Pondicherry, India.