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Veteran broadcaster and cultural activist, Mala Lutchmanan.
The funeral service of the veteran broadcaster and cultural activist, Mala Lutchmanan, will take place today at the Clare Estate Crematorium, west of Durban.
Lutchmanan passed away yesterday at the age of 64. She was a radio presenter on the SABC’s Lotus FM for over 28 years, an educator and author.
She produced 22 publications to date, including a biography of Nelson Mandela in Tamil.
Lutchmanan played an integral role in shaping Lotus FM’s religious and language programs.
She retired as a presenter on the station earlier this year.
During her career at Lotus FM, Lutchmanan presented about 3 000 programmes.
She was a doyenne of the Tamil language and culture and recipient of several national and international awards.
Her close friend and historian, Kiru Naidoo, says Lutchmanan leaves behind a rich cultural history.
“Mala Lutchmanan could light up a room with just her smile. The moment she walked in all attention was on her and she was so modest despite her great accomplishments that she would talk to everybody. As an author, broadcaster, columnist, she was just amazing. The Tamil language and culture is for the poorer in South Africa after her passing but hopefully there will be someone from the younger generation that will pick up that baton and do her name proud.”
Another close friend and Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Les Govender, says he is still in disbelief after hearing the news of Lutchmanan’s passing.
“It is such a terrible shock because she was in touch with me for the entire week. Mala and I go back for over 30 years. She would send me a message very often and she will always call me Nanba. I will miss that, and I will miss hearing her on radio even when she was on Lotus for those many years, listening to her different programs and the advice she would give along with the teachings. Indeed, I must say that all Tamil heads and Telehu heads are bowed in sorrow.”
PODCAST | South African Hindu Maha Sabha hails the late Mala Lutchmanan for her work in preserving and promoting the Tamil language and culture:
