Were you at the 'Phoenix: Rising from the Ashes' launch event?
Story and pictures: 50th anniversary celebration
To commemorate Phoenix's 50th anniversary, a Phoenix: Rising from the Ashes launch event, was held on Sunday at the Phoenix Community Centre in Whetstone. At the event were:
Sham Maharaj and Vivian Reddy.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
Braylene Naidoo, from left, Kourtlene Naidoo and Ella Serook.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
Aroona Chetty, from left, Consulate General of India in Durban, Niteen S Yeola, and Raj Saroop.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
Vincent Chetty, from left, Popsy Pillay, Renuka Maharaj and John Pillay.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
Ashveer Dhanee, from left, Shirly Gengan, Ashnee Maharaj and Pragash Bhagwan.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
Mala Govender, from left, Nolwazi Ngcobo, Nadia Naidoo and Sindi Gcuwa.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
Selvan Naicker, from left, Jayce Munsamy, Shamitha Ramsuran and Dennis Moonsamy.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
Dr Rosalind Chetty, from left, Baby Naidu, Preethie Munsamy and Vimla Sookoo.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
IN A HEARTWARMING event that resonated with history and hope, the Phoenix Child Welfare (PCW), in partnership with the Phoenix Community Centre, officially launched the celebrations for the upcoming 50th anniversary of Phoenix.
More than 200 attendees from diverse sectors of the community gathered for the event.
Raj Saroop, president of the PWC, said: “As we stand at the threshold of 50 years, we honour the sacrifices of those who came before us and recommit ourselves to serving our children and families with compassion, integrity, and determination. Phoenix was built on resilience, and it is that same spirit that continues to guide us today.”
Sham Maharaj, assistant secretary of the PWC board of management and a community leader, reflected on the history of Phoenix and the community’s long and difficult journey; acknowledging the struggle and perseverance that shaped its progress.
He said Phoenix, which was established in 1976 as a resettlement community during South Africa’s apartheid era, had a deeply rooted and complex history.
“Families who were forcibly removed from various areas under the Group Areas Act were relocated to Phoenix, where they had to rebuild their lives with minimal resources. Despite these hardships, the community forged a strong identity through unity, cultural pride, and a steadfast commitment to uplift future generations. Over time, Phoenix has grown into a community known for its vibrancy, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to family and social development,” he said.
Among the guests was Vivian Reddy, a businessman, who commended the PCW and other non-governmental organisations for their unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and strengthening families in Phoenix.
Niteen Yeola, the Consul General of India in Durban, who was the guest of honour, shared insights on Indian history and its influence on the growth and identity of the Phoenix community.
In addition, Dr Muni Kooblal, a member of the PCW board of management, outlined the purpose of the launch and shared the organisation’s proposed plans for 2026.
He said the plans included a lineup of events throughout the year designed to honour Phoenix’s 50-year journey and celebrate its continued growth.