The Pretoria Legacy Foundation (PLF) stands as a testament to cultural resilience and community spirit.
The PLF will on November 10, host a meeting at the Himalaya Secondary School Hall, in Centurion to build on its work.
The organisation was established in 2009 during the commemoration of the arrival of Indians in South Africa in 1860 and has emerged as a vital organisation dedicated to documenting and celebrating the diverse heritage of its community.
“Since our inception, we have focused on recording our history, celebrating our forebears, and promoting social cohesion,” said the foundation’s spokesperson, Ismail Abramjee.
He said the organisation’s mission is not only about preserving the past but also fostering a united future.
The foundation made its mark with a series of successful activities and exhibitions in 2010, which celebrated 160 years of Indian heritage in South Africa.
Image; Supplied
However, after this landmark event, the momentum faded, and the committee dissolved, leaving a void in the community’s cultural celebrations.
Abramjee said it wasn’t until 2021, amid the grief of the Covid-19 pandemic, that community members gathered again at the Himalaya Secondary School Hall to discuss reviving the foundation.
“The pandemic highlighted the importance of our legacy and the need for unity in our community,” he recalled.
Abramjee said the foundation’s objectives are as multifaceted as the communities it serves.
“At its core, the foundation aims to celebrate the legacy of former communities, such as Marabastad, while also documenting the invaluable contributions of diverse cultural groups.
We want to reflect on our shared history and promote harmonious coexistence.”
He said the foundation’s commitment extends to documenting not just cultural but also religious, educational, business and sporting events.
“The foundation is dedicated to advancing unity and diversity.
Image: Supplied
This vision includes inspiring youth to appreciate their heritage and fostering a culture of peaceful coexistence.”
Abramjee said the foundation provided a very helpful WhatsApp Crisis Line during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said several professional counsellors and legal experts were roped in to provide real-time assistance to those in need.
“Thousands of requests for assistance were received, and the project provided an excellent service to vulnerable people at the time of the hard lockdown,” said Abramjee.
The foundation has also actively engaged in pressing community issues.
The foundation issued a statement addressing the urgent water crisis in Laudium and surrounding areas on August 20, 2021.
“We called for swift action and intervention by the Premier of Gauteng and the Minister of Water Affairs to address this critical situation,” he explained.
In the same month, members of the foundation joined community organisations in a protest against the lack of essential services, particularly regarding water delivery on the same day.
“The protest was a huge success and garnered significant media attention.”
The foundation has also made strides in celebrating its cultural heritage through collaborative events.
On Heritage Day of September 2021, the foundation partnered with the Laudium Community Sports Association (LCSA) and the Women’s Network to host a joint function for senior citizens.
Abramjee said almost 100 senior citizens were treated to good food, entertainment, and activities, which strengthened community bonds.
As the PLF continues to honour its mission, it invites the community to engage in its important work.
The foundation will host its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, November 10, at the Himalaya Secondary School Hall from 15:00 to 16:00.
“We would like to extend an invitation to all religious, cultural, civic, social, and sports organisations to attend or to send a representative to participate in the annual general meeting. New members to the management committee of the foundation will be elected for a five-year term,” said Abramjee.
He said it is only through the participation of all community-based organisations that the full potential and aspirations of the foundation will be achieved and sustained.
Organisations who wish to participate in the meeting are advised to RSVP and provide the organisation’s delegate or delegation with credentials of one person representing the organisation to participate in the voting process to [email protected].
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