Former ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Brandon Pillay, has described his new community centre as a beacon of hope for the people of Bayview in Chatsworth and surrounding areas.

Pillay said his new Bayview Ubuntu Community Centre officially opened its doors a few days before the recent elections, on May 24. He added that this dream would have not been achieved were not for people like Vivian Reddy, a Durban based tycoon.

“This has always been a lifelong dream; it was a dream since the age of 17 during my activism days. This centre serves as a bond for both African and Indian people, people like the late anti-apartheid activist Fatima Meer; and Vivian Reddy played a huge role in realising this dream.

“When Covid-19 hit our shores it was painful for everyone... an old age home shut its doors at that time... and that is when we went to them and told them that we were interested in using that space for the good of the community and Mr Reddy pledged his support,” said Pillay.

After more than two decades in community activism and politics, Pillay stepped away from public life after the May 29 elections, saying it was time to focus on his family and community.

“I am happy with how we have started already. Just last Friday we were visited by the Department of Labour and more that 2 000 unemployed people were registered on their database. We also run a soup kitchen where we provide people with soup and bread. We have a senior citizen sit-down where all elderly people get to interact with each other.

“There is also a skills development centre where we equip people with some skills. We also advocate for women and against gender based violence,” he said.

Pillay added that it had not been an easy venture and the centre still needed furniture and equipment.

“We are taking it one step at a time, we are working on fully equipping the place. We still have a long way to go and we are hopeful that everything goes according to plan,” added Pillay.

The Mercury