Chatsworth stalwart dies

Well-known funeral director, political and community activist Logan Chetty died this week.

Chetty, 72, of Chatsworth suffered a heart attack on Monday afternoon in a Richards Bay hospital where he was being treated.

He established the first branch of the Democratic Party (now the DA) in Chatsworth in the 1980s. He was a former House of Delegates MP in the early 1980s.

Chetty moved from politics to community activism before opening Merebank Funeral Service.

“He did a lot for the people and never turned a person down. He always tried to help poor people first and would even offer free funerals,” said Nasan, Chetty’s eldest son.

“My dad guided us (he and his brother Japheth) through life and did the same for many others. He was a very influential person.”

Chetty, who was chairperson of the KZN Funeral Directors’ Association, wrote to the Public Protector last year calling for a probe into the delay in the installation of furnaces at the

Mobeni Heights Crematorium.

An investigation was launched and, in December, Chetty was informed the matter would be resolved in the new year.

Tony Govender, a Chatsworth councillor, said of Chetty: “He and I revived the Solidarity Party in 2011… He was a good colleague who also served as chairperson for the Chatsworth policing forum. Chatsworth has lost a great stalwart”.

Chetty’s funeral took place yesterday at the Bayview Christian Centre in Chatsworth.

He is survived by his wife and two sons.