Durban — In celebration of Heritage Month and the legacy of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Nonoti community north of Durban recently received a multi-purpose community hall.

The Sibaya Community Trust handed over the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence to the Mohanji Foundation of South Africa, marking a significant milestone for the Nonoti community.

The Sibaya Community Trust was joined by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE); the Department of Social Development (DSD); the Global Mohanji Foundation; and the late Prince Buthelezi’s son, Ntuthuko Buthelezi.

From left to Right: Department of Social Development MEC Cynthia Shinga; Founder and Chairman of Sibaya Community Trust Vivian Reddy; and Founder of the Global Mohanji Foundation Mohanji. Picture: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers.

Ntuthuko recalled his father’s dedication to social upliftment and commended the chairperson of the Sibaya Community Trust, Vivian Reddy, for his immense contribution to the upliftment of society.

Reddy said the new space had a profound significance.

“It is a place where one can experience a deep sense of connection – with oneself, with nature, and with the divine consciousness. Prince Buthelezi would have been delighted to witness this project come to fruition and we dedicate this multi-purpose community hall in his loving memory, honouring a legendary life well-lived,” Reddy said.

He concluded that the multi-purpose hall stood as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Sibaya Community Trust, the Mohanji Foundation, and the dedication of the local community to uplift those in need.

From left to right: Founder and Chairman of Sibaya Community Trust Vivian Reddy; and Founder of the Global Mohanji Foundation Mohanji. Picture: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers.

Spiritual leader and founder of the Global Mohanji Foundation, Mohanji, expressed his appreciation for the work done by the Sibaya Community Trust.

He said: “The Mohanji Centre of Benevolence will serve as a beacon of hope for the people of Nonoti, a space where they will find peace, warmth, food, and spiritual blessings. Our global aim is to create stable societies through various programmes that promote human values alongside humanitarian aid.”

DFFE Deputy Minister Narend Singh praised the Sibaya Community Trust’s philanthropic efforts. He presented awards of recognition for humanitarian upliftment to Reddy and Mohanji.

Singh said: “Sibaya Casino is clearly concerned with the well-being of people and invests in their communities.”

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment, Narend Singh (right), hands over a Certificate of Appreciation from the SA Government to Vivian Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Sibaya Community Trust Vivian Reddy (left) for his excellent humanitarian work. Picture: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers.

DSD MEC Cynthia Shinga praised projects that aim to develop vulnerable people.

She said: “Projects like this one show us what is possible when public-private partnerships work together for the betterment of society.”

Shinga said the centre’s opening during Heritage Month gave pause to reflect on the contributions of our fallen heroes who fought for unity and social cohesion.

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