Complaints against the ANC’s Cllr Patel continue to pour in, with some residents claiming that Patel has become arrogant and favours certain sections of the community, especially foreigners.
Patel more fondly known as Changu, is on record saying that he does not care much about the Indian vote for the forthcoming local government elections, as he has guaranteed votes from the informal area of Itireleng and the new proposed area of Mooiplaas. Many residents have said that they have lately found Patel to be arrogant, full of pride and praising himself in posts that he sends out. One of the complaints received about Patel is from a local priest, Guru Immanuel Marian, priest of Shri Kalikambal Kovil (SKK), on Jacinth Street, Laudium, who told the Laudium Sun, “Blessings to all. SKK was established in 1999 on Mustard Street, Laudium. In 2020, the temple relocated to Jacinth Street, where a new home was found for our deities and members. Over the years, our congregation has grown and the current temple premises have become too small to accommodate all our devotees. Unfortunately, the neighbours have also raised concerns about noise, despite our prayers not going beyond 8pm. Parking is a major issue, especially since the street is very narrow.
Previously, Councillor Essop granted us permission to close off the street during prayers, which helped alleviate parking problems. However, since Naeem Patel has taken office, he has denied us that permission.
To fulfil our goals, we are in desperate need of land. Two years ago, we were advised to adopt a piece of land — and we were more than willing to do so. We identified unused land and formally requested Councillor Naeem Patel to allocate one of the sites to us. Unfortunately, progress has been slow. Many parks in Laudium are going to ruin and are no longer used by the community. We have asked for one of these parks to be re zoned so we can use it constructively — to benefit the entire Laudium community. It is truly disheartening that so many other organisations, which came after us, were granted land to operate. Meanwhile, SKK has been fighting for just one piece of land for humanitarian work for the past four years.
Every time we approach Councillor Naeem Patel, we are met with excuses.
It is a great pity that people from foreign countries are able to acquire land and operate their
businesses or organisations here, while we — local South Africans doing humanitarian work — are still struggling to secure a single piece of land from our own Councillor.”
The Guru added, “We request any individual or organisation that can assist us with the acquisition of land to fulfil our vision to kindly contact Guru Immanuel on 076 986 9050. The management committee of SKK would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and donors for their contributions to our organisation thus far. Your selfless generosity has assisted us in giving back to the community. Every little donation/ contribution makes a huge difference to the community we serve. SKK hosted its first seniors’ event in 2002 at the Mustard Street premises, pampering and celebrating
elders from the community. This event is now held twice a year and is something seniors from Laudium and surrounding areas eagerly look forward to. SKK is undoubtedly making a huge positive impact on the community through its selfless commitment to serving others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we went above and beyond to uplift, inspire, and
support our community members. Our initiatives — such as the weekly Thursday feeding program, daily meal distribution during the pandemic, and the seniors’ events — clearly demonstrate our dedication, passion, and commitment to caring for those in need. Our awe-inspiring vision for the future includes:
– Building a temple with ample parking
– Establishing an orphanage
– Creating a home for the destitute
– Building a senior’s home — a ‘home away from home’
This is truly a humanitarian aspiration and a remarkable goal. With the grace of the Almighty, the commitment of our organisation, and the support of the community, we believe all our endeavours will be fulfilled and greatly rewarded. HANDS THAT SERVE ARE MIGHTIER THAN THE LIPS THAT PRAY.”
Community support for SKK Temple to get land…
Jeanette Elizabeth Duplessis of Mocha Street, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “Guru Immanuel Marian from Shri KaliKambal Kovil Temple on Jacinth Street, Laudium, is a very good person. He helps everyone in the community, especially those in need. He always does his best for us. He also supports our senior citizens’ club by providing supplies and essentials. Every month, Guru does something special for us, and we receive everything through his generosity. It will help the community if he gets a big place. That’s all I can say—he truly makes a difference.”
Alia Mohamed of Jacinth Street, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “Guru Immanuel Marian helps people of all religions, not just Tamils. He helps Muslims, Blacks, Coloureds, Indians—everyone. He runs feeding schemes every Thursday, and even travels to Elandspoort to do them. Here, the yard is too small for the number of people who come. That’s why we believe he needs land—this place is too small for the work he’s doing. I am homeless, and he helps me a lot. He donates many things to me. And he doesn’t care that I’m Muslim—he helps everyone. I’m so thankful. Guru even helped pay my rent for two months when my disability grant was on hold.”
Ruku Mutu of Jacinth Street told the Laudium Sun, “Guru does a lot for senior citizens across Laudium. He provides lunch for the elderly and organizes large prayer gatherings. But during these events, the area becomes so congested that cars block our gates—we can’t even pass through. That’s why I believe this temple needs a proper space. Guru deserves land to build a bigger temple where people can gather without inconveniencing neighbors.”
Renata Munni, a resident of Mocha Street told the Laudium Sun, “I want to speak about Guru—a truly good-hearted and generous person. He has been a great help to everyone in the community. Every Thursday, he runs a feeding scheme that makes a big difference in our lives. But when we come with our children, we have to stand on the street. A proper space for his work would make a huge difference. I truly believe he deserves land. He’s shown nothing but care and commitment.”
Edith Muni from Mocha Street, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “I support Guru, who truly deserves land for the incredible work he does. I am a mother of six, and he helps feed my whole family. He gives our children party packs and juice, and organizes events for the elderly. His help reaches everyone—he doesn’t discriminate based on wealth or background. He treats everyone equally and with kindness. Guru has been a great blessing to us, and he should be given land to grow his work.”
Mary Snyders of Mustard Street, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “I’ve known Guru Immanuel since he was a small boy. He grew up in front of me, and even as a child, he had a heart of gold. When he hosts a function, it’s something truly special. He does it from the heart. I remember once he even hosted a function so children could go to school properly, with uniforms—it was beautiful and meaningful. I would be so grateful if he got a space—a piece of land—to build what he dreams of. He’s a good child with a pure soul.”
