DURBAN - THE late DA councillor Kanagie Pillay, 65, had a passion for helping people and her life revolved around serving the Chatsworth community and those in need.
These were words of her husband George Pillay, 66, who also said his wife would be remembered for her selfless ways. Kanagie, who was not well, was hospitalised for some time before she died at Ahmed Al Khadi private hospital in Mayville on Sunday.
“My wife had Covid-19 in February. She had spent a month in hospital. She partially recovered but suffered from organ failure. She went back to hospital in July and unfortunately died on Sunday, September 12,” said Pillay.
Pillay said they were still preparing for his wife’s funeral and were yet to announce the date for the memorial service and funeral.
“My wife would say that she would rather spend her time helping those in need than baking cookies and knitting scarves, and her humanitarian ways were recognised,” said Pillay.
“She won the Chatsworth Woman of the Year award in 2001 and she was also nominated for 2021’s Shoprite/ Checkers Woman of the Year award.
“Her motto was, ‘I do not wait for my community to do things for me but I do whatever I can to help uplift my community.’”
The couple had been married for almost 48 years. They had five children and 10 grandchildren, Kanagie’s son Keith Pillay said.
“My mom was not just a mom, she was also a role model to me and my children. I serve under the SANDF because of my mother. She instilled serving principles in both my children and I.”
Kanagie had served as a councillor for the DA for two consecutive terms, since 2011.
Councillor Nicole Graham, DA eThekwini caucus Leader, said Kanagie was proud to represent Chatsworth, where she was well-known and well-loved.
“Her passion for her community and her commitment shone through in all she did. She was a humble and generous woman who took joy in offering support and comfort to others. She will be remembered, fondly and with love, for her kindness, joy, commitment and heart,” said Graham.
Daily News