A story locals are proud to share
ONCE called the “La Lucia for Charous”, Effingham Heights is a flourishing, vibrant suburb with a rich history.
The community is often overlooked as “small” because of the success of its neighbouring districts, but it packs a big punch.
When you go to Effingham, you’re confronted by modern houses, breathtaking religious edifices and a close-knit community.
Effingham has a story locals are proud to share. Originally filled with lush sugar cane plantations, the suburb has developed significantly.
When developed into a residential area, members of the Gujarati community, who owned many businesses in town, came to live here.
Former ward councillor for the area, Ravi Gobind, says the suburb represents the new South Africa. While in the past it was classified a predominantly Indian area, democracy brought different race groups together there.
He remembers how the district once catered for middle- to high-income groups, which then prompted residents from neighbouring communities to request that the area be open to all.
The former government, however, allowed only public servants, who were allocated subsidised houses.
“It was an affluent area that shaped the lives of many people,” he said
The creation of civic organisations helped residents air their views and opinions on issues.
In the early 1980s, the Effingham Heights Rates and Tenants Association voiced grievances to local government about the prices of goods, rates and tenant issues.
Soon afterwards, the Effingham Civic Association was formed to bring change to the community and meet the needs of tenants, ratepayers and the informal settlement.
A new organisation called Gear, which represents the Greenwood Park, Effingham, Avoca and Red Hill areas, was set up in November.
It aims to deal with community issues such as safety and security, service delivery, education and health, socio-economics, job creation, housing and infrastructure.
Karan Bhogal, a representative of the organisation, said it planned to work on a number of issues this year.
A marked feature of Effingham is the array of religious institutions and cultural organisations.
One of the oldest religious institutions in the area is the Shree Adhaya Shakti Temple, which was founded during the early development of the area.
The Rega Centre, founded by a group of residents 25 years ago, was established to cater for the needs of all linguistic groups.
The centre brings together people from all walks of life who believe in Hinduism.
One of the centre’s founders, Baldeo Dookhie, said Rega was not only a religious institute, but also a multifaceted organisation that did its bit for social responsibility.
“Although I have retired, the organisation keeps growing. People of all races visit to embrace the lifestyle of our culture,’ he said.
Effingham is also home to one of the largest churches in the province, the New Covenant Fellowship.
Dookhie, a former councillor and member of Parliament, says the emergence of two informal settlements brought together people of different races.
The 78-year-old says after the 1994 democratic election, people now living in the informal settlement were brought to live in the area temporarily. They had not yet received housing.
“We don’t see ourselves as a divided section. Those living in the settlements are very much part of our community. Everyone gets along,” he said.
Education plays a pivotal role in the community. There are only two schools, Effingham Heights Primary and Effingham Heights Secondary. Both have done well in producing many career-driven pupils.
The principal of
RIVASH GOBIND Effingham Secondary, Inderan Govender, said the school undertook a number of projects, including Bread Buddies, which sees pupils provide sandwiches to Columbia and Avoca primary schools.
Effingham Primary principal Denise Bridgit Ramsamy, through fundraising and sponsorships, provides lunch for students at the school.
No one can visit Effingham without going to one of the shopping centres. Their emergence saw the rise of many whose small businesses have turned into shopping attractions for locals.
One such place is Grandma’s takeaway, at the Top of the Rock. Inspired by owner Wendy Govender, the takeaway draws in many people, who sample her range of home-cooked meals from tantalising bunnies to spicy mutton curry.
Social issues include housing allocation, drugs and unemployment.