The Phoenix Community Centre
Image: Supplied
Institutions and organisations that have shaped the social fabric of the community include the Phoenix Working Committee (PWC), Phoenix Child Welfare (PCW), Phoenix Community Centre (PCC), and the Phoenix Ubuntu Forum. These organisations stand as pillars of civic engagement and social upliftment. Sharm Maharaj, founder member of these organisations, explain the pivotal role they played in shaping Phoenix.
The first meetings of the PWC took place in a small room in a semi-detached house in Greenbury in 1978. The PWC unified the people of Phoenix in the fight against the injustices of apartheid, and won. Numerous community meetings were held under the marquees, because there were no halls in Phoenix at that time.
The success of the PWC was the result of collective community action. Our general meetings were held at the Whitehouse Hotel. Our first community contact with the people in Phoenix was in Clayfield, Stonebridge, Greenbury and Rainham, referred to as old Phoenix. We trudged the muddy pathways in the dark and knocked on doors, spoke with the people, organised and mobilised them into action. These were life-changing experiences for so many people.
The PWC tackled the lack of transport, street lights, pavements, schools, high rents, lack of clinics and hospitals. The biggest victory was the anti-autonomy campaign, that prevented Phoenix being cut off from the Durban Municipality and being an independent local authority. The PWC was and still remains a dynamic organisation.
The PCC was established in 1989 as a community developmental organisation to provide services to Phoenix and surrounding communities. Over the last 37 years, the PCC had been involved in various development programmes that included:
1. Early childhood development: a training course was run for the last 15 years for especially unemployed women, to assist them to run home based crèches. The idea was to create self-employment opportunities for the women, and at the same time create a low-cost safe home for young children in the neighborhood. Thus far, over 3,000 women have been trained.
2. Sports development: as part of its programme, the PCC built and operates an indoor sports facility that caters for sports development for the local community. The PCC ran a sports programme under the umbrella of the Phoenix Sports Festival (PSF) over many years. The codes of sports included soccer, cricket, netball, karate, chess and debates.
3. Arts and culture: over the past 15 years, the PCC together with the Phoenix Hindu Unity Forum and other cultural organisations came together to celebrate Diwali under the banner of the eThekwini Diwali Festival. The programmes always included prayers for peace, unity and nation building. Post the July 2021 unrest, a social cohesion programme was also initiated under the guidance of the Phoenix Ubuntu Forum.
4. Health and wellness programme: during 2025, the PCC in partnership with other local NGOs, initiated a community-based health and wellness programme. Over 500 patients were helped during two medical camps. The public were assisted in general GP consultations, dental care, testing for blood pressure and sugar, Ayurvedic consultations, Pap smears, prostate screening and eye screening.
We have embarked on several new programmes and projects that includes a building project that will accommodate our health and wellness centre, and a home for homeless teenage children. A training centre for unemployed youth, and a food security programme are being established this year.
A book titled The Phoenix will be launched on May 12. The book celebrates the institutions and organisations that have shaped the social fabric of the community.
The PWC, the PCW, the PCC, and the Phoenix Ubuntu Forum stand as pillars of civic engagement and social upliftment. Their contributions, alongside those of broader organisations such as Child Welfare South Africa (KZN) and the Sibaya Development Trust, reflect a deep commitment to service, compassion and community development.
The Phoenix is more than a chronicle of a place – it is a living narrative of resilience, identity, struggle and renewal. Rooted in the historical and cultural landscape of Phoenix, the story begins long before the formal establishment of the township, reaching back into the often-overlooked history of Indian slavery prior to indentureship in South Africa.
In doing so, it situates Phoenix within a broader historical continuum, acknowledging the enduring legacies of displacement, survival and human dignity. The story unfolds through the founding influence of the Phoenix Settlement and its enduring connection to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, preserved and advanced through institutions such as the Gandhi Development Trust.
From the surrounding areas of Inanda, New Farm and Mount Edgecombe, a rich tapestry of community life emerges – one that reflects both the hardships and triumphs of generations who have called Phoenix, home. Central to this narrative are the questions: how did Phoenix come to be, and what does its name signify. As explored in these pages, the name itself is symbolic – representing rebirth from adversity, a theme that echoes throughout the history of the township. From the early Struggles under apartheid, to the active resistance within the anti-apartheid movement, the people of Phoenix have continually demonstrated courage and collective strength.
Beyond its political and organisational history, The Phoenix captures the heartbeat of everyday life. It honours the role of education, sports, health and business in building a vibrant and self-sustaining community. It recognises the spiritual foundations laid by temples, mosques and churches, and celebrates the rich expressions of art and culture that give Phoenix its unique identity.
Importantly, this book amplifies the voices of its people. Through success stories and personal reflections, it brings to the fore narratives that inspire, challenge and affirm the human spirit. From the humble beginnings of Tin Town to the commemorative milestone of the Phoenix 50-year celebration, these stories serve as a testament to how far the community has come – and the promise that lies ahead.
Accompanied by a collection of photographs that capture moments in time, The Phoenix is both a historical record and a tribute. It is a book for posterity – preserving memory, fostering understanding, and laying a foundation for future generations to appreciate, learn from, and build upon. In telling the story of Phoenix, this book tells a universal story: that even in the face of adversity, communities can rise, rebuild and flourish – like the mythical phoenix itself.
The Phoenix book launch on May 12 at Lotus FM will capture the rich history and stories of the community, while a special edition supplement by the POST will be published on May 27.
One of the most anticipated highlights is the Phoenix Street Carnival on May 23, that promises vibrant displays, entertainment and strong community participation.
The Phoenix Fair will take place from May 29 to 31, and from June 5 to 7. Key events include the charity queen contest on May 29 at 8pm, the senior citizens’ party on May 31, and the birthday bash on June 5 at 6pm.
Individuals turning 50 this year are invited to celebrate this special milestone at the fair during the birthday bash, adding a meaningful touch to the occasion.
The celebrations will continue on June 7, with the children’s party, sponsored by Checksave. A lucky draw will also form part of the festivities. The celebration also honours individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the community, through a series of special recognition dinners.
Health and wellness remain a priority, with programmes scheduled on May 3, August 2 and September 6. Fitness enthusiasts can also look forward to the POST Fun Run on June 27 at 6am at the Rydalvale Grounds.
The programme continues with a telethon on July 31, a heritage festival cook-out competition on September 26, and a cultural event on October 24 at 5pm, at the Phoenix Community Centre.
A commemorative brochure will be released on October 24. All funds raised from the 50-year celebration will go towards the Phoenix Children’s Home, a facility of Phoenix Child Welfare.
Sham Maharaj
Image: Supplied
Sharm Maharaj is a founder member of the Phoenix Working Committee, Phoenix Child Welfare, Phoenix Community Centre, and the Phoenix Ubuntu Forum.