Awards for activists
Twelve veteran leaders recognised for community work and sacrifice at inaugural celebration
CHATSWORTH cultural leader John Kisten was among the 12 recipients of the inaugural Dravidian Awards that celebrate sacrifice in community work. The presentations were made at the SABC studio in Durban on Friday night.
Nominations were received through a process advertised in the press and social media.
“We are inspired by the thought and activism of the social reformer Periyar Ramasamy from the southern part of India whose ideas on social justice, gender equity and the celebration of the working people are especially profound,” said historian Kiru Naidoo.
Kisten received the Amma Dixon Award for senior citizen activism.
Fellow member of the awarding committee broadcaster Mala Lutchmanan said: “We are very pleased to present human rights activist Coral Vinsen with the Valliamma Munuswamy Moodliar Award in recognition of her work in support of political prisoners through Amnesty International and the Detainees Support Committee.”
Another veteran activist, Theresa Mthembu, received the Lenny Naidu Award for her community work spanning 60 years. Philanthropy was recognised through the Hajee ML Sultan Award, named in honour of the benefactor whose donation gave rise to Durban University of Technology. Businessman Rajen Reddy was honoured with this.
Umkhonto we Sizwe veteran Greta Apelgren-narkedien received the human rights and justice accolade named after freedom Struggle heroine Phyllis Naidoo.
Founder of the Release Mandela Committee Paul David beamed at recognition for free legal services to the poor and progressive leadership as he received the George Sewpershad Award.
Long-time trade unionist in the garment industry Margaret Rajbally took home the Fatima Seedat Award for advancing gender and worker rights.
Anti-apartheid cleric Archbishop Dennis Hurley’s name was on the trophy recognising an individual for defence of the poor and vulnerable. That award went to Chatsworth School principal Kriba Vayapuri.
Social cohesion advocate Bishop Rubin Phillip received the Sri Siva Subramonia Guru Swamigal Award for activism for social equality.
The name of 18th-century freedom fighter from southern India, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, was on the award for relentless struggle against oppression. That award went to Kwazulu-natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Ravi Pillay.